Disreputable People

by Penelope Rowe

I know it's a disgrace ... Squeak has held me personally responsible. It does not reflect well on her corporate image to have such disreputable people as myself and Phyllis in her past, but I've made a deal with her that I won't breathe a word to anyone about what went on ...

From the scandalous, wry and blackly comic, to the reflective and deeply moving, these stories from the author of Tiger Country and Blood Songs explore the lives of families, friends and rivals with insight, economy and grace.

Genres: Short Stories

281 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Penelope Rowe graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts in 1967 and a Master of Criminology in 2004. She has worked as a teacher in secondary schools and adult education, a journalist, Opera House guide, sales representative, editor, and writer/presenter for ABC radio and SBS television. When Rowe published her autobiography in 2005, she contextualised its content stating that The Best of Times, The Worst of Times was not intended to be her 'life story' but rather, the story of her 'experience with bipolar illness'. Living with manic depression for more than forty-five years, as an author Rowe has drawn inspiration from her struggle with this 'unpredictable enemy'.

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of short stories, around 20 I think, which are not connected in any way. A couple of them were brilliant and left me wanting more, while others were not so good. Overall though, it was quite an enjoyable and easy book to read. The author has suffered from mental health issues during her life, and sometimes I couldn't work out if she was just drawing on her own experiences or is just a great story teller.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of short stories came to me a few years ago from www.bookcrossing.com.

I had a vague recollection that the author is the mother of Jessica Rowe, and somehow I came to think that this was a memoir. After reading a few pages I realised my mistake!

These are snappy, quick-witted, humourous and at times moving short stories set in and around Sydney - mostly.

My standout favourite character is Aunty Min. At the age of 81 year old, living in a self-care retirement village she's decided to become a feminist.

I think we all know an Aunty Min.

And, that's the strength of these short stories, we all know and recognise those places, characters, relatives and ho-hum events the stories start out with . It's where they go after that where the fun lies.