It’s 1956, and while Melbourne is in a frenzy gearing up for the Olympics, the women of Australia are cooking up a storm for their chance to win the equivalent of a year’s salary in the extraordinary Australian Women’s Weekly cookery contest.
For two women, in particular, the prize could be life-changing. For war widow and single mum Ivy Quinn, a win would mean more time to spend with her twelve-year-old son, Raymond. Mother of five Kathleen O’Grady has no time for cooking competitions, but the prize could offer her a different kind of life for herself and her children, and the chance to control her own future.
As winter turns to spring both women begin to question their lives. For Kathleen, the grinding domesticity of her work as a wife and mother no longer seems enough, while Ivy begins to realise she has the courage to make a difference for other women and tell the truth about the ghosts from her past.
But is it the competition prize that would give them a new way of seeing the world – a chance to free themselves from society’s expectation and change their own futures – or is it the creativity and confidence it brings?
Buy a copy of A Woman’s Work here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
If every book has its own aroma, this is a blend of earthy base tones with a subtle lavender scent. I enjoy the writing as it has such vivid details, especially for a Sydneysider, with its places, food, media, etc., and it captures a piece of history and ordinary lives of that time. The characters are so relatable even from a different time, and likeable because they are non-pretending and make sense. The storytelling has this quiet flowing quality that opens up the connection channel with readers, especially female readers like myself. I almost feel like re-subscribing to Australian Women’s Weekly and just think there could be so many interesting women and their stories behind each page. Lisa, NSW, 5 Stars
Kathleen O’Grady doesn’t have time to worry about a cooking competition but with five kids the prize could make a huge difference to her life. To Ivy Quinn, the cooking competition means that she can spend more time with her son, teaching him how to cook. To both women, the cooking competition means a chance to bring a change in their lives. Victoria Purman has once again written a book so captivating that you can’t help but get lost inside the cover. Bringing to life Australia in the 1950s for those that haven’t lived it. Victoria is the queen of storytelling. Her books are filled with love and family and each one brings words to life. While reading this book I could almost smell my grandma’s cooking. Recipes, love and laughter, and wonderful memories brought back. Ann-Marie, SA, 5 Stars
It’s definitely not a fast-paced psychological thriller but it is earthy and organic. You get to know a battling family with five kids and a widow in the 1950s, both women up against the societal norms of the time. I cannot imagine any wife today doing the things Kathleen did for her husband, which he didn’t deserve and took for granted as it was just how it was. It was heartbreaking for any intelligent female with ambition. Your career, if you get one, is all over when you marry. It’s an accurate history lesson and thank god times have changed! Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work is the first book I have read from Victoria Purman, and is an excellent introduction to her work. We follow the lives of two women: Kathleen, a married mother managing the unceasing, largely thankless, demands of being a homemaker, and Ivy, a widowed mother juggling work and parenting. I adored these characters and loved reading about their lives during 1950s Australia. This period of history is so interesting, as it was such a tumultuous time in relation to the expectations of women’s roles in society. During WWII, women were compelled to enter the workforce, only to be pushed back into their traditional homemaker roles once the men returned from war. This tension provides a fascinating backdrop for the story; while much progress has been made, I am sure many readers of this story will be able to relate to the mental load experienced by Kathleen and Ivy that remains disproportionately placed on women. The food detailed in the story was another big highlight for me: I really enjoyed reading about the creative dishes inspired by war-time rations that I remember my Grandmother cooking. This book was an absolute gem, I adored it! Amanda, QLD, 5 Stars
Two women, one cookery competition, a chance to change their futures… Based in 1956, women are competing in Australia for a cooking competition with the Australian Women’s Weekly. For Ivy and Kathleen, the win means two entirely different things. Ivy, a widow with a young son, works hard in her job in a doctor’s office. Kathleen works equally hard at home with her husband and five children. My heart is with Kathleen, up early preparing food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, cleaning, nurturing, and always putting herself last. My heart is equally with Ivy, trying to be Mum and Dad to Raymond. Both are deserving of this win, but… no spoilers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Applause to her, it is a captivating book that brings back many memories of growing up with a tight budget. Nicky, QLD, 5 Stars
Set in 1950s Australia, A Woman’s Work is an interesting and engaging insight into the lives of Australian women during that time and the difficulties they endured as a result of patriarchal structures. The premise of a cookery competition is an interesting one; however, this book is far more than that, it’s a deep dive into the everyday lives of women who were forced to give up so much of themselves for their marriages and children. Kathleen, who wants to enjoy life again, but is worn out by rearing five children, and Ivy, who is living a lie to protect both herself and her son, are both characters that as a working mum I could absolutely relate to. The exhaustion Kathleen feels, I’ve felt it too. The balancing act Ivy does with work and childcare, I’ve been there too. With this novel, Purman has created a world that both educates and empathises. So much has changed for women, but so much hasn’t, and this beautifully written novel is a reminder of that. Read this for pleasure, but also read this to be informed, in a similar vein to Annabel Crabb’s Back in Time for Dinner and Richard Glover’s Land Before Avocado. Louise, WA, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work is a glimpse into the past, showing us just some of the hardships but also the joys that people faced during and around 1956. Based in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, just before the Olympics, the two main characters are Ivy, a war widow trying to guide her son into the world alone, and Kathleen, a mother five times over and struggling to find herself again. With chapters alternating between these two characters and often starting with a recipe from a cooking competition that was run by The Australian Women’s Weekly, we see just how different a woman’s life was back then. Both ladies share a lacklustre approach to cooking but the competition challenges them to make changes to their lives and step out of their comfort zones and reach for new goals. Though based on a time before I was born, A Woman’s Work was easy to read and hard to put down and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants a glimpse into a life different but still similar to now. Jody, SA, 5 Stars
Loved this book. A very realistic trip back to Melbourne in 1956 told through the eyes of two women facing the struggles of women of that time. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the recipes as both women eagerly compete for The Women’s Weekly cookery contest. A refreshing read that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics of the post-war era such as sexism, rape, and homosexuality. A very enjoyable read. Graciela, NSW, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It was set in the mid-1950s when my own mother married and started her family. It was a nostalgic read incorporating images of my own childhood. It was very well written and highlighted many of the difficulties women faced during that era. I loved that it included recipes from The Women’s Weekly. Gai, NSW, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work is another fascinating glimpse into the lives of Australian women during very different times. I always enjoy the characters that Purman creates in her stories and this one was no different. Kathleen and Ivy are leading very different lives in the 1950s but both endure struggles during a time when women were quite isolated and held very little power. It was a good reminder of the strength of the women that went before us to collectively forge the way and to never take that for granted. I cook because I enjoy it (what a luxury) and I am also very much looking forward to trying some of the recipes included throughout the book! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction books that delve into women’s issues. Virginia, NSW, 5 Stars
Purman intertwines the lives of two very different women living in St Kilda in the 1950s who enter a cooking competition in the Australian Women’s Weekly. The book does contain some recipes but the baking/cooking is not the focus of this novel. It is the means by which these women realize that they are not living the life they want, and a vehicle that brings change into their lives and allows them to take more control. I loved seeing these women grow through the book, to go from exhaustion, routine, and loneliness to finding the lightness in life. It is not a “and they lived happily ever after” type of story but shows the honesty and realness of life. I enjoyed the way that Purman inserts historical products and jingles into the lines of the book to give it authenticity. This book deals with some issues that were not readily accepted in the 1950s and may be triggering for some. But it made me so much more aware of the issues for people after the end of WWII and the resilience of people. Sonia, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this novel and I learnt a lot about Australian society in the 1950s. It was a pleasant read and, I think, perfect for a book club. Luciana, WA, 5 Stars
This book was amazing. Two women who have very different lives decided to enter the Women’s Weekly cooking competition and somehow had their lives changed in ways they didn’t think were possible. The story was powerful and relatable and beautifully written. I highly recommend it! Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work took me on a captivating literary journey filled with intrigue, hope, love, and so much more. Expressive and deeply engaging, a unique story highlighted so wonderfully by the beauty of humanity, belief and growing self-confidence. Raw, touching, moving, and enthralling, a masterpiece that encapsulates the past and history as we take steps out in the world we live in today. Kylie, QLD, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work was set in post-war Melbourne in 1956. Although it was just before my time, I could sense and reflect on the plight of my mother within the household and the role of women in society at that time. I enjoyed reading about the Barclay Cinema in Russell St, different foods that were cooked at that time, family life in the suburbs, the role of a father within the family, and budgeting food for feeding a family. Victoria Purman depicted the era with ease and I enjoyed the development of the characters. I grew up knowing women like these. It was a delightful historical fiction that I really enjoyed. Glenda, VIC, 5 Stars
Victoria Purman transports the reader to the 1950s with her latest historical book, A Woman’s Work. Aptly titled, we are introduced to single mum Ivy and housewife Kathleen, each desperate to change the hand life has dealt them and see the winning of the Australian Women’s Weekly cookery contest as the way to bring change to their life. Once again, Purman successfully brings that historical period to life and absorbs the reader in the challenges and dramas each lady faces. Must read for all lovers of historical fiction this Autumn. Kelly, NSW, 5 Stars
An absolutely wonderful story set in Australia in the 1950s. Told from the perspectives of Ivy, a single mother of one child, and Kathleen, married with five children. Both women endure their own battles and secrets kept from the world. Intricately researched, Victoria has done it again. She never disappoints! Poppy, QLD, 5 Stars
A fantastic foray into the joys and struggles of post-war life in Melbourne. In the shadow of the ’56 Olympics, this book explores the joys and challenges facing women with a wonderful balance of humour and seriousness! Wonderful characters give us a real glimpse into challenges, choices, and opportunities! Highly recommend this wonderful story! Andrew, QLD, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman is set in 1956, four years before I was born, and yet I can remember a lot of the societal expectations on women were still prevalent when I was a child. At times this book made me annoyed at how women were treated and yet by the end of the book I was uplifted by the hope that both women were looking to a brighter future. A book that kept me up at night for just one more chapter! Marion, VIC, 5 Stars
A fascinating snapshot of 1956 Melbourne in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. It was interesting to read about all the new developments in domestic life, including the electric can opener! Although lots of fun, the cookery competition was not as big a focus as I had expected and the added layers about the two main characters’ home lives made the narrative more appealing. Some of the recipes are laughable compared to what we see in magazines today. This book has a cosy and homely feel, despite dealing with some massive social issues, such as religion, reproduction, homosexuality, post-war migration, and expected gender roles. There is great strength shown by both main characters, whose stories are told in alternating chapters. I admire both women and feel they would be loyal and reliable friends. When I watch the news and despair of today’s social issues, it is comforting to remember that we have life so much easier than the mothers of 1956 Melbourne. I immediately passed it on to a friend and have others waiting. Highly recommended! Heidi, VIC, 5 Stars
I loved this story of two women from the same suburbs, each with completely different family dynamics but so many commonalities, being women. Both the women in this novel are extremely likeable and relatable characters that I just wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. A really good read with some historical context thrown in. Jo, VIC, 5 Stars
This is a story that made me grateful for women’s lives today. Although we still have a long way to go for true equality, women have come a long way from the days of the 1950s. A heartfelt nostalgic tale that kept me interested from beginning to end. Denise, TAS, 5 Stars
I loved reading Victoria Purman’s A Woman’s Work. Using alternating chapters to tell the stories of two women, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the jumping. I’ve been put off books in the past by this method, but it worked really well for this novel. The characters were engaging and I really wanted to know what was going to happen to them next. Set in 1956, post-war Australia, the everyday lives of two women, Ivy and Kathleen, are experienced by the reader, their daily routines, their histories, their troubles, and their entries into the Australian Women’s Weekly cookery competition – recipes included! The events happening around them are relatable for most of us, the stories our mothers and grandmothers have told us about their lives growing up, and the hopes and dreams of their futures, and the future of their families. The novel also reaches into some more controversial issues from our nation’s history, but Purman has treated these very respectfully. I have already recommended this to several friends, and might lend my copy, but might not too! Anne, ACT, 5 Stars
This was the first Victoria Purman novel that I have read and I’m sure that it won’t be the last. A heartwarming story filled with historic detail of the 1950s, whilst not shying away from addressing the difficult decisions faced by the women. This is a novel that celebrates strong female characters and shines a light on their journeys in discovering the extraordinary impact they have on the lives of their friends, families, and communities. Highly recommended. Holly, WA, 5 Stars
Victoria Purman has again produced a beautifully written and well-researched book set in the mid-1950’s post-war Melbourne and centred around the lives of two women. Both women dream of improving their lives and taking on new challenges when there is a chance to win a large cash prize in a cookery competition offered by the Australian Women’s Weekly. I found I was quickly engrossed in the two different lives of these women living very much in a man’s world. So many social issues of the era are entwined within the story, which I keep reflecting back over. This is a book I will be recommending to my family and friends, and I look forward to reading more books by this great author. Marg, VIC, 5 Stars
This book delves into the lives of two completely different women whose stories intersect in a cooking competition. Life and expectations of women were very different in the 1950s. A great read for anyone interested in Australian stories. Eleanor, WA, 5 Stars
My favourite read so far this year. I couldn’t put it down. Life in Melbourne in 1956 is tough on women, and the values and roles society expects of them. It’s a man’s world and a woman has little control over her life or body. Enter Kathleen, a married woman with five children and Ivy, a single working mother of one child. Two very different women, but with similar struggles. Both are likeable and believable characters. I was drawn into their world, felt their anguish, frustration, despair, joy, love, and hope. How is it possible to shed a tear and laugh out loud at almost the same time? The magazine cookery competition is a catalyst for change and both women start to take control of aspects of their lives and begin to be heard. A beautifully written and well-researched story by the author. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
Told from the perspectives of two women living in Australia in the mid-1950s, this story perfectly captures the struggles, challenges, and everyday trials of women during this period. Many of these difficulties still persist, but thankfully this book allows us to reflect on how much has improved. Every woman who has ever been a daughter, friend, wife, or mother will relate to some of these situations. As such, the book can be a confronting read at some moments and a true celebration of feminine strength, courage and resilience at others. Definitely recommend. Lee, ACT, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work is set in Melbourne, 1956, before the Olympics come to town. We get the recipes that they are trying out. Sounds yummy. I found this a really great read and would recommend it. Sue, NSW, 5 Stars
I have loved all of Victoria Purman’s books and A Woman’s Work was no exception. It talks about the things women went through and the prejudices experienced. It made me feel very lucky to be a woman in current times and grateful to the women who have paved our way. I enjoyed it very much and can’t wait for Victoria Purman’s next book. Kym, WA, 5 Stars
The first quarter of this story had me hovering between frustration and recognition – my own mother-in-law lived a life similar to Kathleen, one of the main characters. It’s hard to believe that life in Australia was like that a mere single generation from my own. I started to enjoy the story more after one of the Kathleen started asserting herself a little. Once the women began stretching beyond societal constraints, I really started enjoying the story, it even held a couple of surprises for me. Tracy, VIC, 5 Stars
An easy read. It evokes memories of the 1950s for me. Even as a child, some of the experiences bring back memories – the weekly routines, the unchanging “dinner menus”, the single bath water for all family members. The cooking competition is a familiar one, and the recipes in the book make me want to try them, even though they are recipes of their time. The nostalgia is very heart-warming. I enjoyed this book very much. Both Kathleen and Ivy reveal the lives and prejudices of women in the ’50’s which has continued till this day in some shape or form. Anne, NSW, 5 Stars
Set in Melbourne, Australia in 1956, the story centres around two young women whose daily lives and circumstances are very different. Both women were authentic, refreshing, inspiring and engaging characters who loved and protected their families fiercely. I loved their personal growth, the way in which they learned to embrace their personal relationships and focus a little bit more on themselves! Bree, NSW, 5 Stars
I have really been enjoying reading fictional stories based in Australia years ago. I loved the two main characters Ivy and Kathleen – both of their worlds were incredibly eye opening and I can relate to both of these ladies, especially Kathleen. Reading stories like this set in the olden days really makes you take stock of how much we have now in this lifetime compared to then. I was amazed to learn though that way back then Women’s Weekly was around and that this story was based on a real-life cooking competition! I loved reading this and learning new things about generations past. It was a lovely and heart-warming book that helps you to feel gratitude for what we have today. On a plus side some of those recipes didn’t sound too bad either, so might just give them a try! Jodi, QLD, 5 Stars
It’s 1956 and we are taken into the lives of two women. Just a snapshot into their lives, but the reader is drawn in by the characters and the conditions that prevail in post-World War II Australia. A fascinating read that will make you appreciate how far conditions for women have come since then. Jan, WA, 5 Stars
It’s amazing how much the lives of women in Australia have changed in such a short period of time. Take a look at the lives of two very different mothers in 1956. I felt so close to these ladies that it was difficult to put the book down. I had to keep reading to find out how they deal with issues we don’t see these days. An amazing read. Dianne, WA, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work transports us back to Melbourne in 1956 when excitement over the Olympics and the recent arrival of television for the lucky few meant little to those women unable to work due to being married and forced to spend hours catering to their husbands’ and children’s every demand. Washing machines, hot water, refrigeration, even bathrooms were primitively basic for the working class and many women felt ignored except for their housewifely and motherly duties. Family planning was hit or miss and having a baby “out of wedlock” meant shame for both mother and child. I was angry, remembering my childhood in the 50s, the hardships for women and the prejudice and injustice in a male-dominated world. For many, The Australian Women’s Weekly provided escapism through stories, articles, fashion, housekeeping hints and competitions. This novel is so beautifully written I read it in two days and longed for both deserving women to be top winners. Eileen, QLD, 5 Stars
OMG Victoria Purman has done it again, amazing read from an amazing author. Highly Recommended. Angela, NSW, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work is a gentle book that doesn’t shy away from the social issues at the forefront for women in 1950s Australia. Well researched, the main characters Kathleen and Ivy both face struggles and ultimately realise that although there are difficult aspects to being a woman of that era, there is also much to celebrate in their lives. I really enjoyed the book. Many of the descriptions of those times plus the recipes resonated with me, reminding me of things both my mother and grandmother used to speak about. A warm read. Steph, NSW, 5 Stars
I, too, grew up in the ’50s and ’60s and Victoria Purman has written a wonderfully true-to-life novel of this era, a lot of which I can relate to as a child. Desperate times call for desperate measures as two families fight for a piece of the ultimate prize. I loved this book. It was a lovely and moving story of how these loveable characters all come together to support each other in random acts of kindness and friendship. Another fabulous book from Victoria Purman that will not disappoint. Lois, VIC, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman. Such a beautifully written story set in 1956 Melbourne and told through the perspectives of our two main characters Ivy and Kathleen. A well-researched book showing the struggles and limitations on women’s lives during that time and the author gave us such an insight into the unrealistic expectations society placed on women and the lack of freedom they endured. Highly recommend this book and loved the references made to the Women’s Weekly, and of course the recipes! Ilona, VIC, 5 Stars
A Woman’s Work transported me directly to 1950s Melbourne. It is a beautifully written novel depicting the lives of women, their families and friends in post-war St Kilda, where a woman’s life and dreams have been pre-determined at birth just because of her gender. This book is book heartwarming and heart-wrenching and I found myself cheering on Ivy and Kathleen as the story progressed. I would love to see a sequel as I’d love to see how Ivy and Kathleen continue to navigate life as the decade continues. Dianne, SA, 5 Stars
A fabulous read. Victoria had the reader engrossed from the first chapter. You felt like you were there with the characters, sharing their lives every step of the way. Also very true to the times and the way women’s lives were lived. Thoroughly enjoyed it!! Judy, QLD, 5 Stars
1956 St Kilda, Melbourne. After the deprivations of war and the austerity of depression, a woman’s work consists of drudgery and raising children. Food coupons and rationing are over, but nutritional and economic meals are routinely predictable and rely heavily on mock chicken. The women experiment with recipes, more complicated and adventurous, gaining confidence – not just in the kitchen. An authentic and inspiring story, a recipe for change, to throw off the girdle and defy conventions, husbands, and even the Pope. Anita, QLD, 5 Stars
This book is about two women who enter a cookery competition through the Women’s Weekly. But it is not just about cooking – it is a social commentary on life for women in 1950s, post-war Australia. It was a time when the husband was the head of the household, with the wife totally dependent and worn out from cooking, cleaning, washing, shopping (all on a very tight budget), and caring for children and babies, often with a couple in nappies; when single mothers were shunned, and other lifestyle situations were unmentionable. I had to stop reading in several places, seething at the injustice of their lives. With the lure of a cash prize for a recipe, the ladies felt hope and empowerment, and the seeds of women’s liberation were sown. This is where it all began. I would love a sequel to this novel, as I want to know how they ended up. Teresa, NSW, 4 Stars
It’s Melbourne 1956 – Australia is still adjusting after the war and the Olympics are coming. This story, told from alternating points of view, is about two women entering a cookery contest hosted by the Australian Women’s Weekly (AWW). The AWW is offering a large cash prize for the winner of a cookery competition – the challenge is on to create the best recipe with a list of ingredients. There are some recipes within the novel. There is grief, heartbreak, friendships, secrets, and their view of the world changes. The history of the time is well researched – something Purman has done well in her other historical novels. Katie, NSW, 4 Stars
This is a story about the pressures and expectations of women in society in the 1950s. The two main characters are Ivy, a single mother, and Kathleen, a married woman and mother of five. It is 1956, Melbourne, just months before the Olympic Games. The Australian Women’s Weekly is running a cookery contest that both women decide to enter. Winning first prize could be life-changing for both of them. I really enjoyed this story and learnt so much from all the historical information. Some of which was really eye-opening to me. Undoubtedly the author did a great amount of research. I loved the retro recipes as well. An interesting and unique story that I would highly recommend. I look forward to reading more from this author. Karin, VIC, 4 Stars
A down-to-earth and easy-to-read story set in Victoria, Australia, A Women’s Work has you walking a mile in the shoes of two women with very different family lives. The story is written in simple, everyday language, occasionally peppered with beautiful descriptive phrases for poignant moments. The common thread of family cooking that knitted the story together and the inclusion of actual recipes helped take you back to the 1950s, a time when gender and social norms were so disturbingly different. From becoming a woman to wanted or unwanted pregnancies to household expectations, A Women’s Work left you with a real desire to hold those dearest to you just a little bit tighter, for a little bit longer next time you see them, and about finding joy in the simple things in life. Hayley, QLD, 4 Stars
Victoria Purman provides a snapshot of Post WW11 life in Australia from the point of view of busy mothers Ivy and Kathleen. Societal expectations varied greatly from today and it was really thought-provoking as I read and compared to my life and opportunities that I have had that just weren’t an option then. Purman touch’s on a number of societal issues such as domestic violence, abortion, and rape, and does so in a way that is gentle. Renae, NSW, 4 Stars
Absolutely loved it, the first few chapters were like looking back on my own childhood and explained a lot of my own mother and father’s behaviours and routine at home. You will fall in love with Kathleen and Ivy. It has been a pleasure to spend a few hours here and there on sunny afternoons reading this treasure. I’ve read other Victoria Purman and this is beautifully written like her previous books. After reading this, you will be eternally grateful for how far women have progressed since the 1950s, as more than once I was telling Kathleen in my mind “go tell him to do it himself”! Penny, NSW, 4 Stars
A Woman’s Work is beautifully written to capture Melbourne after the Second World War. I felt that I got to know the two central characters – two women with seemingly different lives. One a wife and mother of five, the other a single parent bringing up a son. These women take us into their own lives and introduce us to the hardships that other characters face. You can really feel both the sadness and humour in the tales. I liked the addition of the recipes and the notes about the facts relating to human rights. I enjoyed having the chapters alternate between the two women. This was my first Victoria Purman story and I’ll definitely be reading those I’ve missed – highly recommended! Sara, SA, 4 Stars
I just loved Victoria Purman’s latest novel, A Woman’s Work. Set in 1956 it is the story of two women living in post-war St. Kilda. The chapters alternate between Kathleen’s story as the married mother of five young children and that of Ivy, the working war widow raising her twelve-year-old son. Kathleen is exhausted from the constant daily chores and duties associated with raising her children and tending to her working husband’s needs. She feels pushed and pulled in every direction by the constant demands on her time and despairs seeing an end to the monotony of her existence. Ivy is working tirelessly as a doctor’s receptionist and is managing to juggle her work life while raising her son. Both women’s lives are enriched and transformed when they enter The Australian Women’s Weekly cooking competition hoping to win some prize money. Purman writes beautifully of the era and sensitively tackles the trials faced by women living in that time. I highly recommend this book! Mary-Jo, VIC, 4 Stars
A Woman’s Work is set in 1956 Melbourne and follows the lives of two strong and interesting women. A great read by a fantastic author. Sandee, NSW, 4 Stars
Victoria Purman has created a beautiful story about two different women who want to win a prize for different reasons, which engrosses you in their lives and touches your heart! Rhonda, QLD, 4 Stars
Olympic fever is building for residents of Melbourne in 1956. When the Australian Women’s Weekly offers generous prizes in a cookery competition, both Ivy and Kathleen dream of winning. They are rewarded by discovering that they are more capable and courageous than they realised. Debbie, NSW, 4 Stars
A Woman’s Work, written by Victoria Purman, is a wonderful depiction of the time where women were paving their way during the 1950s. Victoria has undertaken much research to create this beauty! A truly enjoyable, captivating, and inspiring read. Rebecca, TAS, 4 Stars
Reading A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman was a delight. Set in the 1950s, it reminded us of how life was in post-war Australia and how proper everything was. The women in the story, Ivy and Katherine, both enter a Women’s Weekly cooking competition. We see how the cooking brings people together, exposes the deepest secrets, and spurs a new lease on life for the main characters. Though often clichéd, I couldn’t help but smile at the memories this book stirred up in me. This is a lovely light read that I really enjoyed. Sue, WA, 4 Stars
This book made me grateful to not have lived in this time; the title of the book seemed very apt. There were some great moments in this book; I loved Ivy’s story, but I expected there to be a bit more relating to The Women’s Weekly. This book is an easy read with likeable characters. Does make you realise that even though it may not seem like it, we have come a long way to putting the inequality of society behind us. Linda, VIC, 4 Stars
An evocative exploration of women’s lives in 1956 and the realities of both working single mothers and stay-at-home mums doing their bit for Australia and having a large brood of children. No time for themselves, no help from husbands, just the humdrum repetition of life. Both Ivy and Kathleen are fabulous characters, so different and yet so similar: they want a better future. Showcasing recipes of the era, the attitudes and psyches of Australians in the post-war years (sexism, racism), and a slowly progressing society, this is a book that will make you marvel at how far we’ve come – and how far we still have to go. A poignant read. Considering many households will have an AWW cookbook of some description in their kitchen cupboard, even in 2023, it is especially fitting to have a novel based on real AWW recipes. Sue, QLD, 4 Stars
A Woman’s Work had me hooked right from the start and I finished it in quick time. Kathleen and Ivy are such wonderful characters in this book. Both take you into two different life experiences in 1956 and both make you feel wide-ranging emotions about their lives. I loved the cooking competition and how it brought family and friends together to work on a goal despite their circumstances. The raw emotion and kindness of some characters in the book made it a cracking read. Sally, ACT, 4 Stars
Set in Melbourne in 1956, A Woman’s Work follows the very different lives of two women, each told in alternating chapters. Kathleen is a busy wife and mother of five who works hard to keep her husband and children happy, just as society expects of her. Ivy is a widowed mother of one who must work to support her family at a time when a working woman was often looked down on. Connected by their attempts to win a cooking contest in the Australian Women’s Weekly magazine, each woman considers the choices she’s made in her life and the choices that have been made for her all her life. This novel includes a lot of cultural references which help to truly immerse you in the era, so much so you could feel the post-war austerity they were each grappling with. A great read that casts a light on two different yet shared experiences! Elizabeth, WA, 4 Stars
Stepping back into a simpler time in Australia, this book looks at how two women’s very different lives cross paths and how The Australian Women’s Weekly has been a part of the evolving feminism movement here in Australia. Penny, QLD, 4 Stars
An easy-to-read nostalgic novel, which portrays well a bygone era. The characters are believable and likable and you want them both to win the prize. Mandy, VIC, 4 Stars
Highly enjoyable! Victoria Purman’s book was a wonderful step back in time with characters that were intriguing from the very start. The main characters have serious issues to face but the author has woven these in amongst lovely reminders of our Australian household staples such as the Australian Women’s Weekly, homemade biscuits and canned soup. In the end, I think this book showed that no matter how societal expectations change as decades roll over in time, family, friends and being a good person will always be a worthwhile focus to guide our lives. I wish the best for Kathleen and Ivy and their supporting characters in this enjoyable story. Nicole, SA, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story set in the late 1950s depicted two women and their struggles in a world dominated by men. The story showed how hard it was for women in that era. Very little choice on how their lives were led. We have come a long way, thank goodness. Vivien, ACT, 4 Stars
After reading A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman, I have renewed respect and gratitude for my parents and grandparents. My parents moved into their half-finished home in May 1952, 6 weeks before I was born ( their first child). By June 1956 (setting of the book), I had a younger brother and my mother was a stay-at-home mum and pregnant with her third baby. I loved the insight into the lives of the suburban woman in 1950s Australia. I found the characters completely believable and felt in awe of the sacrifices and hard work necessary to provide a home, food, and clothing for a family. Small treats and luxuries were rare and so appreciated. A truly wonderful story for those of us who remember the times and also for those who do not, so they can know something of what their forebears experienced. Thank you Victoria Purman for so many reminders of my childhood. Sandra, NSW, 4 Stars
A Woman’s Work is such an authentic story. A wonderful insight into Australian women in the 1950s, leading up to the Melbourne Olympics, we meet two women who are connected to the Australian Women’s Weekly’s national cooking competition. Such a great reflection of the times, and written in such a heartfelt way. Marlene, NSW, 4 Stars
A delightfully written story that follows two women, characters, set in post-war, 1950s, male-dominated Australian society. The women start to wonder if there’s more to life, until a cooking competition ignites their passion to want something more for themselves. Through the art of cooking recipes with their loved ones, they seek to take more control of their own destinies. This is something they have been unable to do in the past, but they are now in a world that is beginning to see small societal changes that are more favourable to women and hopefully for future generations of their own families. The story is well-researched by the author Victoria Purman, and true to the time period. Additionally, strong female voices in the primary characters’ development make for a very enjoyable read. Melissa, VIC, 4 Stars
Baby boomers in particular will relate to these women. I enjoyed reading this book. Gloria, SA, 4 Star
This book took me straight back to my childhood even though it is set in the fifties and I grew up in the sixties. It was so relatable to me, the storyline was just as life happened in that era. The recipes brought back memories of childhood dinners. I loved the storyline and thought the book was a great read. Michelle, VIC, 4 Stars
The author’s research is meticulous and impressively detailed, giving a realistic glimpse into a post-war world before feminism and modern conveniences changed the face of Australia forever. The storyline is evenly paced, and the narrative and emotional arcs are well constructed. At times, however, the characterisation veers towards stereotype with each sex conforming too diligently to the expected norms of the time, e.g. harried wife, overly solicitous mother, jolly and elderly doctor. One jarring element is the tendency towards overblown language – at times resembling purple prose – and peculiar metaphors that confuse the imagination. But is important to remember that this is not meant to be high literature, but instead an engaging, sweet, and moving story of times past. Karen, VIC, 3 Stars
The novel is well-researched and truly evokes the atmosphere of the era, a time when married women were not allowed to work, abortion and homosexuality were illegal, and post-war immigrants were yet to make their mark on Australian cuisine. An enjoyable read and a reminder that Australian society has come a long way in a short time. Melanie, NSW, 3 Stars
Victoria Purman offers a faithful rendition of post-war life in suburban Australia in her novel A Woman’s Work. Having grown up in the 50s, I certainly recognised the character of Kathleen because she was like my own mother – an ordinary housewife focused on her children, her home, her husband, and making ends meet on a basic single income. Ivy is a widowed single mother with a job – not the norm in those days. She has to cope with not only raising a child alone but also the subtle prejudices levelled by a society often suspicious of and sometimes frightened by difference. These two very different women are drawn together by the iconic Australian Women’s Weekly and a cooking competition offering a substantial prize, but more importantly for Kathleen and Ivy the impetus to question their current roles in life and make changes. Australia in 1956 was on the verge of major social upheaval, especially for women, and this novel gives the reader a glimpse into what soon would be seen as the passing of an old-fashioned era and the start of a bright new future. Dianne, QLD, 3 Stars
A touching tale that had me captivated throughout. Victoria successfully creates her characters and leads us on a journey with them. Great novel, and I look forward to reading more books from Victoria. Christine, WA, 3 Stars
The novel encompasses the post-war austerity experienced by a considerable proportion of the Australian population. Both Ivy and Kathleen had to deal with the restrictive cultural and social expectations of the time and the subtle changes developing. These changes were necessary to make life more gender equitable and less arduous for women. The novel is very well-researched and would be of interest to anyone who has not lived through this period. An ideal read for a holiday or a weekend away. Annette, NSW, 2 Stars
Leave a Reply