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Disgraceful
A hilarious and moving debut novel about a woman who writes a ‘f*ck-it’ list to reclaim herself after her marriage unexpectedly implodes.
Forty-nine-year-old Grace Miller is the ultimate good girl. Good wife, good mother, good role model. She has to be, she’s been married to a notable evangelical Christian pastor for nearly thirty years.
But when Grace’s marriage implodes, she realises she’s spent her entire life putting other people’s needs first – and she’s had enough. Determined to shake things up, Grace writes a ‘f*ck-it’ list of fifty bad decisions to complete before she turns fifty. But just as she starts to reclaim herself, her family throws her some unexpected curve balls that threaten to derail the plan.
With the emotional heart and complex family dynamics of Marian Keyes and Monica McInerney, combined with the sharp humour of Kathy Lette and Caitlin Moran, Disgraceful tramples the idea that women should grow old gracefully, and posits that sometimes bad decisions are the best ones you can make.
Forty-nine-year-old Grace Miller is the ultimate good girl. Good wife, good mother, good role model. She has to be, she’s been married to a notable evangelical Christian pastor for nearly thirty years.
But when Grace’s marriage implodes, she realises she’s spent her entire life putting other people’s needs first – and she’s had enough. Determined to shake things up, Grace writes a ‘f*ck-it’ list of fifty bad decisions to complete before she turns fifty. But just as she starts to reclaim herself, her family throws her some unexpected curve balls that threaten to derail the plan.
With the emotional heart and complex family dynamics of Marian Keyes and Monica McInerney, combined with the sharp humour of Kathy Lette and Caitlin Moran, Disgraceful tramples the idea that women should grow old gracefully, and posits that sometimes bad decisions are the best ones you can make.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
2 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Fox McLeod
3 books3 followersRachel Fox McLeod is an award-winning fiction writer and screenwriter. Her film and television credits including Wanted (Matchbox Pictures), Mako Mermaids (Disney/Netflix) and The Bachelor. Rachel has also been awarded the Josephine Ulrick Literature Prize and the Griffith Review Emerging Writers Prize. Her debut novel, Disgraceful, is being developed as a television series and has previously been supported by Screen QLD. Rachel likes tattoos, pop culture, the F word and cheese. Not in that order ... cheese always comes first.
*Rachel also writes under the pseudonym 'Ruby Fox'.
*Rachel also writes under the pseudonym 'Ruby Fox'.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An entertaining and engaging read - a great debut!
If you have ever been sceptical about 'big' churches, then you will LOVE the beginning of this book. I laughed out loud at the irony (and don't think for a minute I didn't have an exact picture in my mind!). But don't be fooled. Disgraceful is as deep as it is funny and, at moments, have you questioning what you would do if put in Grace's position.
Is there a life after 'life'? Is it possible to reinvent yourself when you are nearly 50? What if all the things that you thought were your short comings actually combined to make you unique? Grace faces all these questions - and makes some unlikely life choices - while on an unplanned journey of discovery.
AGAIN WITH THE HALF STARS!! 3.5/5.
If you have ever been sceptical about 'big' churches, then you will LOVE the beginning of this book. I laughed out loud at the irony (and don't think for a minute I didn't have an exact picture in my mind!). But don't be fooled. Disgraceful is as deep as it is funny and, at moments, have you questioning what you would do if put in Grace's position.
Is there a life after 'life'? Is it possible to reinvent yourself when you are nearly 50? What if all the things that you thought were your short comings actually combined to make you unique? Grace faces all these questions - and makes some unlikely life choices - while on an unplanned journey of discovery.
AGAIN WITH THE HALF STARS!! 3.5/5.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a debut!! Rachel Fox McLeod’s first novel is set to make waves and I feel so lucky to have had read it before it hits the shelves.
Rachel’s writing feels so natural - funny, wise and deeply honest - and Grace is such a relatable protagonist. The story examines the light and shade of family, the weight and joy of motherhood, and the expectations placed on women.
Women of all ages, but especially those in mid-life, will love following Grace as she rises from the ashes - stumbling, soaring and everything in between - to discover who she really is
A superb entry to the Australian fiction market. Highly recommend.
Rachel’s writing feels so natural - funny, wise and deeply honest - and Grace is such a relatable protagonist. The story examines the light and shade of family, the weight and joy of motherhood, and the expectations placed on women.
Women of all ages, but especially those in mid-life, will love following Grace as she rises from the ashes - stumbling, soaring and everything in between - to discover who she really is
A superb entry to the Australian fiction market. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A wild and dazzling debut from a smart, fresh voice in Australian fiction, DISGRACEFUL is a propulsive story of midlife tumult and triumph.
Protagonist Grace's journey is raw and real. From the moment the rug is ripped from underneath her through to the immensely satisfying conclusion, I was willing her through a gauntlet of chaos inflicted by others (and by herself).
Rachel Fox McLeod's writing is whip-smart and lyrical. I can't wait to read whatever's next!
Protagonist Grace's journey is raw and real. From the moment the rug is ripped from underneath her through to the immensely satisfying conclusion, I was willing her through a gauntlet of chaos inflicted by others (and by herself).
Rachel Fox McLeod's writing is whip-smart and lyrical. I can't wait to read whatever's next!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews