In Theory & Practice, acclaimed author Michelle de Kretser transports readers to 1986 Melbourne, a city pulsating with radical ideas and cultural shifts. The narrative follows a young woman who arrives to research Virginia Woolf's novels. Immersed in the bohemian enclave of St Kilda, she encounters a vibrant mix of artists, activists, and students. Among them is Kit, who professes to be in a 'deconstructed' relationship, leading to a complex romantic entanglement. As her academic pursuits waver, the protagonist grapples with themes of desire, jealousy, truth, and shame.

De Kretser masterfully intertwines fiction, essay, and memoir, challenging conventional storytelling boundaries. The novel delves into the dissonance between theoretical ideals and lived experiences, offering a profound exploration of personal and intellectual growth. Set against the backdrop of Melbourne's dynamic cultural scene, Theory & Practiceprovides a vivid portrayal of a city and era in flux.

Key Themes:

• Exploration of 1980s Melbourne's bohemian lifestyle
• Interplay between academic theory and personal experience
• Complexities of modern relationships and self-discovery
• Fusion of narrative forms: fiction, essay, and memoir

Michelle de Kretser, a two-time Miles Franklin Award winner, continues to push literary boundaries with this innovative work. Theory & Practice is a compelling read for those interested in the intersections of art, life, and the ever-evolving journey of self-understanding.

Author Biography:

Michelle de Kretser, born in Sri Lanka in 1957, migrated to Australia at 14. Educated in Melbourne and Paris, she worked as an editor at Lonely Planet before embarking on her literary career. Her debut novel, The Rose Grower (1999), was followed by The Hamilton Case (2003), which garnered the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. The Lost Dog (2007) was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. De Kretser's Questions of Travel (2012) and The Life to Come (2017) both won the Miles Franklin Award. Known for her incisive prose and exploration of cultural and personal identity, de Kretser's works offer profound insights into the human experience.