“... although the sufferings of children are the worst, being inextinguishable--children themselves seldom have a proper sense of their own tragedy, discounting and keeping hidden the true horrors of their short lives, humbly imagining real calamity to be some prestigious drama of the grown-up world. [p. 13]”
This novel, set in the 1940s, delves into the lives of its characters in a coastal town. It intertwines romantic relationships with the broader social fabric of the community, offering a nuanced portrayal of personal and collective experiences during that era. more
Shirley Hazzard was a distinguished American author of New Zealand birth, known for her nuanced psychological portraits and profound historical settings. Her works often explore the relationship between individuals and history, as well as the impact of war and conflict on the human psyche. Hazzard's literary career began in the 1950s, with her short story collection 'The Bay of Noon' published in 1954. more
“The miracle of children is that we just don’t know how they will change or who they will become.”