From the bestselling author of The Nurses’ War comes this charming, funny, pointed look at the golden years of radio broadcasting in post-war Australia, celebrating the extraordinary unseen women who wrote the radio plays that held a nation captive. For readers of Lessons in Chemistry.
Martha Berry is fifty years old, a spinster, and one of an army of polite and invisible women in 1956 Sydney who go to work each day and get things done without fuss, fanfare or reward.
Working at the country’s national broadcaster, she’s seen highly praised talent come and go over the years but when she is sent to work as a secretary on a brand-new radio serial, created to follow in the footsteps of Australia’s longest running show, Blue Hills, she finds herself at the mercy of an egotistical and erratic young producer without a clue, a conservative broadcaster frightened by the word ‘pregnant’ and a motley cast of actors with ideas of their own about their roles in the show.
When Martha is forced to step in to rescue the serial from impending cancellation, she ends up secretly ghost-writing scripts for As The Sun Sets, creating mayhem with management, and coming up with storylines that resonate with the serial’s growing and loyal audience of women listeners.
But she can’t keep her secret forever and when she’s threatened with exposure, Martha has to decide if she wants to remain in the shadows, or to finally step into the spotlight.
Buy a copy of The Radio Hour here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Victoria Purman excels in recreating women’s work experiences in novels based on elements of historical fact. ‘The Radio Hour’ portrays the story of women in post-war radio broadcasting in Australia through the story of Martha Berry who works at the ABC. We experience what women in the 1950s Australian workforce went through, especially single, ‘spinster’ women, and the lack of value and power of women in these male-dominated domains. Martha is assistant to the dysfunctional Quentin Quinn, producer of a new radio serial, As the Sun Sets, and ends up secretly scriptwriting and running the entire show. The contrast between Martha’s immense skill and how family, friends and work colleagues see her conveys the vast gap in women’s capabilities and their treatment and the impact of this. The experience of reading ‘The Radio Hour’ and snuggling up with a cuppa, connecting with the cast of characters was thoroughly engaging and I didn’t want it to end. I wonder if more is planned for these characters and this story. Who knows? I certainly finished it wanting more! But do read The Radio Hour for a thoughtful, enjoyable and multifaceted story of women and radio. Terri, NSW, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour is a thoroughly enjoyable recreation of life in the 1950’s for working women and their experiences at the ABC. Martha Berry is a delightful narrator who grows from accepting her role as “just” a secretary for male bosses to an independent female “boss” of the new radio serial “As the Sun Sets”. The importance of radio serials such as “Blue Hills” in people’s lives is undercut by the reader’s knowledge that everything will change radically when TV arrives in Australia in 1956. The novel is laced with humour, especially in relation to Martha’s totally ineffectual boss Quentin Quinn! His complete lack of any talent reinforces the need for women to be taken seriously and involved in the creative process. The extracts of dialogue written by Martha for “As the Sun Sets” bring to life the important social issues of immigration, menopause, exploitation of women in the workplace as well as aspects of everyday life such as family, friends and work. The novel reinforces it is never too late to make an impact and to follow your beliefs, to support others and to speak up. Well done Victoria Purman and Martha! Fran, NSW, 5 Stars
What a ‘pearler’ of a read, thank you Victoria Purman for The Radio Hour, a developing story (radio serial) within a story, two for the price of one. Thoroughly researched as are all of Victoria’s books, with Victoria’s actual journalistic background with the broadcaster’s lustre shining throughout. This was a stand-out unputdownable 5 star read for me. To say that Martha, caring for her mother’s needs before her own, who is constantly mentoring her three younger up-and-coming ‘calendar’ girl colleagues, is taken for granted, by her so wet-behind-the-ears inexperienced, with an inexcusable lack of knowledge, new boss is frustratingly, for the times, the norm. It was very cathartic for me immersed in the story to be taken back to simpler times, when twice a day, listeners were glued to their radios to tune in to the latest episode of their favourite serial. Many who often took the time to put pen to paper to write to the broadcaster with hints or tips for the real-life characters. I for one admired the actor’s skillset, quiet often playing more than one character at a time, and for me the sound designer, the foley artist was the real star of the show. Kathy, WA, 5 Stars
Loved it. Just like the authors previous books it focuses on a strong woman, in a man’s world. While reading about the way woman were treated makes my blood boil, it’s important, especially now, for people to see how far women’s rights have come. Martha deals with sexism and misogyny daily, while silently supporting other women behind the scenes. Everything was wrapped up neatly by the end, which was very satisfying. Leanne, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved ‘The Radio Hour’ by Victoria Purman. Set in 1956 post war Sydney towards the end of the golden age of radio, when radio serials were so popular they were broadcast twice each day. The characters in this book have depth are individual and believable. I found myself cheering along the main character Martha Berry as she works on a new radio serial and has to navigate the obstacles put in her way. I found my self sneaking looks ahead as I couldn’t read fast enough! I would highly recommend this book. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
A brilliantly written story, that transformed me back in time to the 1950’s. It described issues that were happening at the time, in a manner that made me feel like I had lived through the experience myself, having been written in the first person. It kept me engaged and invested in what happened to the characters. A great read, I will be seeking out more books by Victoria Purman. Pennie, QLD, 5 Stars
Victoria Purman has written many books featuring strong, memorable women and ‘The Radio Hour’ is no exception. Set in Sydney in 1956, when housework came to a standstill while the latest episode of Blue Hills was aired at lunchtime, we are introduced to Martha Berry, a fifty-year-old spinster who has moved from job to job as required in the ABC (Australia’s national broadcaster). We are treated to a humorous description of how she sits politely while being informed of her latest assignment as secretary to a “very bright indeed” young writer who will produce a new radio play to follow the beloved Blue Hills. As the narrative progresses, we follow Martha’s journey alongside her female coworkers and the new radio drama, delighting in Victoria Purman’s deft use of humour. At the same time, she accurately adheres to the social, cringeworthy norms of the ‘50s. As Martha says, “Books are as important to me as breathing”, and this gorgeous book will grab you and encourage you to devour it in one sitting (I did) while chuckling at some of the absurdities of the times and rejoicing at the conclusion. Ann, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed Victoria’s latest book,The Radio Hour. Whilst I found it an easy read, it really highlighted society’s expectations of what life was like for different ages and classes of women in the 1950’s. As with the author’s previous books it was very well researched. The format – the short chapters with a summary at the front – really fitted well with the radio play storyline. I loved the main character Martha. She showed remarkable resilience, ingenuity and patience with her incompetent boss and great love and loyalty to her mother. Thank you for the advance copy to review. Kim, SA, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman provides lovely insight into the world of radio from a women’s point of view. I particularly enjoyed novel story line, indicating that a 50 year old woman is not past her prime. My favourite character was Martha, defying all odds to be her great self. Thank you @Better Reading and @HarlequinAus for the opportunity to preview this great book. Matilda, QLD, 5 Stars
Martha is a woman of a certain age: capable, competent, caring and responsible. She’s also a woman in a certain time, the 1950’s, where the world is designed and operated by men, for men. Martha has been a rock for the ABC in Sydney, where she’s been moved from role to role, to fix and support whichever hopeless man needed it. Now, she finds herself moved again to support a rookie Producer: another man fresh out of Uni and propelled with high expectations into a job that he didn’t have to prove his worth for. Quentin Quinn. Quentin has been set up to produce a new hit radio serial for the “sweep and swoon” demographic of housewives stuck at home post-war. Quentin of course believes that this will be simple, but finds it anything but! Facing the threat of closure of the show, Martha unleashes her own writing talent and creates suburban stories that connect with the audience, and create space for discussions that address the changing fabric of society in the 1950s. The question is, when that success sees Quentin elevated to ever greater heights in TV: will Martha be able to claim her success, save the show, and her own writing career? This was a wonderful, relaxing, easy read with lovely female characters that became real in my mind. A Mad Men set in Sydney, with strong friendships and humour. A lovely book for curling up with this winter and a must read for fans of Lessons in Chemistry. Kylie, SA, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour is set in 1950’s Sydney and follows Martha Berry, a secretary at ABC Radio, at the time when television was first being introduced in Australia. The story explores the challenges women faced working in the Commonwealth Public at the time. When I first read the premise, I was unsure whether this book would stand out amongst the copious books in, what feels like, a recent wave of feminist literary offerings. However, it didn’t take long for me to warm to the protagonist and other characters in the story. The attention to historical detail is admirable and Purman has pulled together a very believable and impeccably researched novel. The Radio Hour portrays a time in history that was transitional for broadcast media as well as gender relations, particularly in the workplace. There were moments when I wanted to throw the book out of frustration at the treatment of the women. It feels like a timely and important novel in highlighting how far we have come as a society, when we are able to look back and be appalled by what women have endured and tolerated. Engaging, emotive and enjoyable. Roxanne, NSW, 5 Stars
An interesting look into the lives of working women back in the post war days and in particular the main character. Martha is kind and although compliant willing to take some risks in a working environment where women were taken for granted. I loved this book and was rooting for Martha the whole way through. Kim, NSW, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman. Thanks very much for giving me an ARC of this book. Even though I was very young in the 1950’s I absolutely identified with the characters of Martha, her mother and the neighbours Mrs Tilley and Mrs Ward and found them very believable. Victoria’s words showed how different it was for working women at that time especially the silly rule which insisted they leave the job when they married. We’ve certainly come a long way since then. Martha is given the job of secretary to a the young inexperienced producer of a new radio serial destined to follow on and emulate the success of Blue Hills which was listened to by most of the population each day – I do vaguely remember it myself but am very aware of it. Mr Quinn, the producer, proves to be way out of his depth with no idea at all about writing a serial and long lunches and too much alcohol doesn’t inspire him. Thank goodness for Martha who starts writing and manages to convince Mr Quinn that it’s his work. With the support of the actors cast in the serial Martha sets out to prove her worth. This was a very enjoyable easy read and I thoroughly recommend it. Elizabeth, NSW, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman is a great book to read as it has a strong female character, Martha Berry at the forefront. The novel is set in 1956 and Martha is lucky to have work in Sydney at a radio broadcaster. She is a strong and caring person who supports her ageing mother and looks out for her friends, the ‘Calender Girls’ with whom she works with. In a dominating man’s world of radio and business, Martha also feels the constraints of the ability to not have a voice in her work and being taken seriously. She has to deal with a younger boss who does not have a clue in what he is doing and risks not only his job but the job of Martha’s so she takes action into her own hands and starts writing a radio serial for ‘As The Sun Sets’. She soon becomes the voice of one of the most popular radio shows in the nation with the help of the friends in her life. This is an uplifting novel of a women’s strength in life and career during the 1950’s and I will highly recommend it to others. Raffaela, VIC, 5 Stars
A nostalgic delight. The Radio Hour is a truly wonderful story filled with nostalgia of the time when radio was golden and radio serials floated over the airwaves and in to the family home. It was also a time when women were not often allowed to reach their full potential in the workplace. Not considered equal to men in many professions, it is in true Victoria Purman style that her female characters grow and evolve and overcome these obstacles and their true abilities are recognised. The Radio Hour has a delightful cast of characters and like all good stories there is always one of two as well that we like to despise and quietly cheer when they finally get there comeuppance. Kate, TAS, 5 Stars
For lovers of Historical Fiction; this is a must read. I loved this book. Set in the era when Australia is on the verge of introducing television, the radio serial is the main source of entertainment across the country. Women at that time were paid a pittance compared to their male counterparts and expected to fetch coffee and other mundane tasks for their ‘boss’ , while suffering the insults and ‘harmless fun’ of their male associates. Many of these women were far more talented than their bosses and in a lot of cases were the real force behind the productions while never being acknowledged. This is the story of one such woman and her refusal to remain forever in the shadows. An excellent book! Terry, SA, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour is an honest look into the working lives of women in post-war Australia of the 1950s. Victorias well researched and delightful tale brings to light the inequity and frustration faced by many working women of this era. The Radio Hour follows the story of Martha Berry who, like many, stepped up and worked while the men were at war only to find themselves overlooked and under-rated as the men came home and resumed their places in the workforce. This book is an important reminder that in our no-so-distant past womens place was largely considered to bring little to the workforce. As Marthas story unfolds you follow her as she is assigned to work on the new, highly anticipated radio serial, As The Sun Sets. Until she meets her new boss, the young, inexperienced male producer, Quentin Quinn. What ensues sees Martha uncover her own dreams and a realisation that even though she has largley been overlooked throughout her career, she is as competant as any of her male colleagues. This story is an affirmation to women, a reminder that you decide your path, you just have be willing to take the first step and not stop moving. Bridget, SA, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman was an absolutely delightful read in the historical fiction genre. The story is set in 1950’s Australia, and centres around Martha, a single woman approaching her 50’s who lives with her widowed mother and works for the local broadcasting corporation. Martha has worked for the corporation for over 20 years, without promotion or any kind of recognition for her hard work and dedication. The book explores post WW2 Australia and the many challenges that women faced in society and within the workplace. Martha inherits a new boss, a young man who is tasked with writing and producing a new daily 15 minute radio show. It is soon very apparent that this young man is not up to the task, and Martha steps in to get the show up and running. The story keeps you thoroughly engaged throughout until the end, and I did not want it to end. This was my first book I have read by this author and I am now looking forward to reading her other books. I would very much recommend The Radio Hour. Kelly, VIC, 5 Stars
Words cannot explain what a feel good read this book is. As a woman in my late 50’s, I grew up with a mother and a grandmother who listened avidly to Blue Hills and expounded the virtues of the late great Gwen Meredith and the radio medium as a whole. This story is something that feels like a cross between a beautiful memory and a big warm hug. I love that Martha Berry is a go-getting women’s libber, even if she didn’t realise that herself. She made no apologies for being a working woman in a time where getting married and having children was considered normal and the natural way of things for women. Martha’s polite and no-nonsense approach to her life is a blessing, not a curse, and proves to be a great asset to those around her who are still being raised with the ‘old’ traditions and expectations. Martha character is an intelligent trailblazer and inspiration to anyone who is too afraid to take a chance. The quotes throughout by her literary heroes were particularly apt and contribute to her metamorphosis. My takeaway? Reach for the moon-even if you can’t quite reach, you’ll land squarely amongst the stars. Kathy, VIC, 5 Stars
Absolutely loved this book! Enjoyed the historical aspect of the story, the characters and the setting. Elizabeth, NSW, 5 Stars
Victoria Purman’s latest novel The Radio Hour is simply superb. It took me on a journey back in time to a bygone era of the crackling sounds of live radio serials. It is set in post world war time 2 Australia and focuses on the lives of 3 women who work at the radio station. The novel examines certain themes like identity, memory, reality and the sometimes fine line between it and fiction. It is fast paced and very thought provoking read which left me unable to put down. It will definitely linger in my mind for years to come. Angela, SA, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour is a story of Martha Berry who is fifty and working as a secretary at ABC radio. She lives with her widowed mother Violet in Sydney and is unmarried herself. She does her work, is polite and efficient and stays in the background. That is until her job on the new radio serial As The Sun Sets is in jeopardy due to the new, young male producer not doing his job or being overly nice. Martha starts secretly writing the scripts and making the producer think it is his work. When it becomes a smash hit Martha is so pleased, but sad she doesn’t get the credit she deserves. There are so many great characters including workmates April, May and June and the cast of the serial. They help make this book such a treat to devour. I enjoyed learning about a time gone by in Australian history, and it started a conversation with my Grandma about these times. Issues of discrimination, harassment and mens attitudes at work and in general (although not everyone is tarred with the same brush), and work in general after World War II for women in Australia were all part of the story. Martha Berry may not have thought of herself as extraordinary, but along with people she interacted with, she was a real part of changes for her time, and had a wonderful attitude to all life had thrown her way. This was a wonderful step back in time, entertaining and an education all in one – thoroughly recommend. Tara, SA, 5 Stars
A wonderfully uplifting story about 50 year old Martha Berry and her struggle to achieve her dreams. At first working as a secretary for the ABC in the 1950’s, Martha doesn’t even have dreams! But working for Mr Quinn on a brand new radio serial soon opens her eyes to her true potential. As she gets to grips with her power as a writer, she finds she has the ability to change the lives of her friends and family for the better. I loved the neighbourhood matrons who sat around gossiping about the radio shows. Those women were so believable and true to life I could picture them clearly. While at the ABC Martha’s 3 girlfriends, April, May and June, were so filled with nerves and fears about the future. They portrayed women of their era or ours just as realistically worrying about their weight, their love lives, or their jobs. So realistic and sweet. This book was such a joy to read! I’d listen to ‘as the sun sets’ any day!! Gaye, NSW, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman is about the early days of ABC radio in the 1950’s. Martha Berry is 50 years old, a spinster and a polite and invisible woman who goes to work each day. She gets things done without fuss and reward. Martha is sent to work as a secretary on a brand new radio serial – As the Sun Sets. The producer of this new serial is Quentin Quinn – a young, egotistical and erratic man. Martha must work with Quentin typing up the scripts that he has written. But he always arrives late to work and takes extra long lunches. Needless to say that he hasn’t started writing yet. Martha is concerned that the serial won’t be ready to be broadcasted. She takes matters into her own hands. She starts writing the scripts. Quentin has no idea what is going on but he accepts the praises and the credits. Martha keeps on writing the scripts. She tackles subjects that are not normally spoken about in public. These storylines resonate with the serial’s growing and loyal women listeners. Martha cannot keep her secret forever. What happens in the end is a huge step for Martha. A great read. Denise, VIC, 5 Stars
‘The Radio Hour’ by Victoria Purman is set in the 1950s when Australia was a very different country. Martha Barry has worked at the ABC radio for many years as a secretary and is very familiar with what the audience enjoys. She is asked to ‘assist’ an inexperienced young producer and in the process finds her voice and realises she has the skills to do more than be an assistant. Martha also becomes a mentor to young women (colleagues) and encourages them to use their individual talents to achieve a rewarding career. I found this book very easy to read and interesting because of all the background information about life in Australia in the 1950s. I would definitely recommend it. Thank you. Marie, NSW, 5 Stars
I’ve been a fan of Victoria Purman for a while now and have thoroughly enjoyed her previous books (she’s an auto buy author for me) so I was thrilled to win a copy of her latest book The Radio Hour from Better Reading in exchange for a review. The Radio Hour follows 50 year old Martha Berry, an unwed woman working for the ABC in the 1950s. Martha becomes the secretary for a young producer on a new serial ‘As The Sun Sets’ and unbeknownst to the general public, also becomes the ghost-writer for the show as well. Victoria Purman’s books are well researched, engaging and contain such wonderful characters and The Radio Hour is no exception. With absolutely no background in radio, I loved reading about how things happened ‘behind the scenes’ and how much work goes into making such short episodes. The characters of the ‘calendar girls’ were just delightful and I honestly did not want this book to end! If you are a historical fiction fan I cannot recommend The Radio Hour highly enough! Elise, VIC, 5 Stars
As a young women myself with a professional career and control over my life and my choices, I found it very humbling to gain an insight into how restricted life was for women, even halfway through the 20th century. Victoria Purman details the challenges faced by women in regards to employment, relationships, the gender hierarchy and stigma regarding health and discussion revealed through the journey of Miss Berry and the women around her was very enlightening and had me gunning for them to succeed. Mikayla, QLD, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman is a delightful delve into post-war Australia’s radio broadcasting era. The fictional story is told through the eyes of Martha Berry, a humble and polite spinster. In a world where her contributions go unnoticed, Martha’s unwavering dedication and warmth shine through, making her a character that readers can’t help but fall in love with. With issues such as gender pay gap, bias towards women and sexual harassment in the workplace, Victoria Purman’s thorough research is evident through her writing and grounds the narrative in a very relatable reality. Thank you Better Reading Program for the opportunity to read this book. This was a captivating and at times, funny read and I highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-written story. Christine, QLD, 5 Stars
The story centers around a middle aged woman working at the ABC (Radio) post WWII. Miss Berry started her career at the ABC, as a polite, submissive young lady. We follow her as she develops into a proactive lady who manages to climb the corporate ladder that was ruled and dominated by men. It is a reminder of the times and conditions for working women in the 1930’s. A fabulous story which I thoroughly enjoyed. Jan, WA, 5 Stars
Great background story of radio serials prior to TV being available in Australia. The author has included some of the historical (read archaic) rules of working for the Federal Government back in the day. Also the bullying and sexism that went unchecked. That said, Victoria Purman tells a wonderful story that kept me reading late into the night. Dianne, WA, 5 Stars
I love reading Victoria Purman’s novels and how she melds history with fiction, intertwining stories of characters who become a part of us, and at times, who can be so relatable. She also shows that history, even though it has changed, still remains the same and as women, we still have a lot of work to do. Joan, VIC, 5 Stars
Thoroughly loved reading The Radio Hour . The life style the 1950’s women had or not had ! The story line of helpful hints for the radio serial from Martha’s mum / friends and co-workers was interesting how they got included to the serial . I was waiting to see when Quentin Quinn would be found out . The loyalty that Martha had for her job and Boss was inspiring . A book I would definitely recommend with many other Victoria Purman books . Sue, SA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed the Radio Hour by Victoria Purman – what a way to bring to light the stereotypes to be found in post-war Australia. It was easy to immerse myself in the male dominated world of the recording studio and imagine the back handed comments and frustration at being at the beck and call of incompetent superiors. I loved Martha’s character and how it developed throughout the book as she manoeuvred within the constraints of her job to gain her own independence, as well as discovering her own creativity. You go girl! Karina, QLD, 5 Stars
This is an adorable book. I was excited to read it as I have a special interest in radio broadcasting and I wasn’t disappointed in reading about how the radio play was produced and even reading some examples of scripts. However it’s so much more. This is the story of a compelling, intelligent character, Miss Martha Berry, navigating her way through a workplace and society rife with issues unfriendly to women and immigrants. We take some of the attitudes to equality we have today for granted but we shouldn’t forget how we got here. The quaintness of the post-war era comes across in Martha’s interaction with her family and the radio play she creates. Loved it. Rebecca, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book. It was one I didn’t want to put down. Martha is strong and caring, hardworking and intelligent. Stories set in this era somehow resonate with me but it brings home just how hard it was for females back then. I’d be tempted to push Quentin out of the window! What an absolute prat. The relationship Martha has with her mother and her endearing neighbours is sweet, and very supportive with her female co-workers. This book is a great reminder of just how far we have come in the treatment of women in the workforce in Australia and how to stand up for yourself. Highly recommend it. Tracey, NSW, 5 Stars
Another entertaining bokk form Victoria Purnam. She captures the era so well and manages to transport the reader into the life of Martha and the 1950’s. So enjoyable and one I will be passing on to my friends. Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
In her latest enthralling historical fiction novel, Victoria Purman immerses the reader in mid-nineteen-fifties Sydney, when radio, king of home entertainment for two decades, is under threat from that new phenomenon, television. And in a society where women are still very much second-class citizens, Miss Martha Berry, with twenty-four years’ experience in almost every department at the ABC, is assigned as secretary to the new young producer of “As the Sun Sets”, the soon-to-start radio drama serial with a city setting that execs hope will find equal favour with audiences as their iconic Blue Hills. It’s quickly apparent that after smoking, long lunches, drinking, Quentin Quinn’s greatest talent is for procrastination and, if the show is to air, Martha will have to take action. But is it wise to allow him to take credit for the scripts she writes while he’s passed out after boozy lunches? Especially as he’s so dismissive of her stellar abilities and essential input. In reality, she doesn’t have a choice. But, from her own experiences, and those of neighbours, colleagues and listeners, she crafts scripts that address issues challenging women, to the consternation of the execs, and the gratitude of loyal listeners. Funny, heart-warming and uplifting, this is another Purman winner. Marianne, NSW, 5 Stars
“The Radio Hour” by Victoria Purman was an absolute delight to read and utterly captivating. I was hooked from the very beginning and found it impossible to put down. Despite my eagerness to devour it all in one sitting, I also didn’t want it to end! It’s a wonder why it took me so long to discover Victoria Purman’s work, but now I’m eagerly anticipating diving into one of her other novels, probably “The Woman’s Work.” The narrative centres around Martha Berry, a fifty-year-old woman living with her widowed mother, Violet, in Randwick, Sydney. Martha’s job as a secretary at the ABC entails diligent work every day with minimal recognition or appreciation from her bosses. When Martha is tasked with assisting a new producer—a young and inexperienced talent responsible for creating a new radio serial called “As The Sun Sets”—she initially harbors doubts. The producer’s lack of professionalism and disregard for Martha’s efforts leave her frustrated, though she patiently waits for him to step up, aware of looming deadlines. Challenged with crafting innovative storylines for the radio serial, Martha takes matters into her own hands and begins secretly writing the scripts. Despite the risks, including potential job loss, Martha’s contributions lead to the program’s resounding success. However, she is overlooked (from all points of view) when it comes to receiving acknowledgment and praise. Victoria Purman’s meticulous research and profound understanding of radio broadcasting are evident throughout the novel. The characters are exquisitely developed and relatable, offering insights into the struggles faced by working women in post-World War Two Australia, particularly regarding discrimination and sexism. Martha’s journey deeply resonated with me, particularly her determination to break free from societal constraints and seize opportunities for personal growth. She emerges as a courageous, intelligent, and resourceful character, challenging expectations and paving the way for others. I was completely engrossed in Martha’s story from start to finish and wholeheartedly recommend “The Radio Hour” to anyone seeking an enthralling read. Victoria Purman has crafted a compelling and thought-provoking novel that held my attention throughout. Victoria Purman’s expertise in radio broadcasting shines brightly in this novel, further enhancing the reading experience. I am sure Netflix is going to snap this up as a movie or series! “The Radio Hour” undoubtedly deserves a five-star rating from me, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of Purman’s works. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read “The Radio Hour” courtesy of Harlequin Australia and NetGalley. Donne, NSW, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour Victoria Purman has yet again presented a slice of Australian social history in a delightful read. I have enjoyed all her previous works so was thrilled to receive this new offering as an ARC. Martha Berry is a spinster who has worked at the ABC for 24 years. She is now 50 and is one of the many overlooked, invisible women of the 1950s that are extremely efficient in their role as secretary and who spend their days looking after their male bosses, then going home to cook dinner and listen to the radio of an evening. Martha lives with her widowed mother and doesn’t ask for much in life. The head of ABC drama Mr Hayes has asked Martha to become the Secretary to a new employee Quentin Quinn, who is to produce a new radio show called ‘As the Sun Sets’. Quentin is all of 24 and has no idea what he is doing and spends most days at lunch and then drunk. Martha not wanting the show to be a disaster takes on the writing of the scripts leaving Quentin believing he is the mastermind behind the show. Martha writes the scripts with issues that affect not only women but also Australian society into the storyline and the show instantly becomes a hit. I loved this book and I loved Martha and her cohort of women, especially the calendar girls. Martha is a true leader who is intelligent, courageous and loyal. Everyone needs a Martha in their workplace. The themes of migrants, sexism in the workplace, gender inequality, women’s health are all touched on with dignity. I look forward to Ms Purman’s next book. Karyn, ACT, 5 Stars
What a great read! I love hearing the story of radio serials, the workplace in the 60’s and more wholesome times. Interspersed with this are great characters and women uplifting other women and seeing their worth in a male dominated world. This book is a must read that makes you feel good all over! Sally, NSW, 5 Stars
What a wonderful story about women in the Australian workplace in the fifties and the trials of their everyday lives. Gai, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved reading The Radio Hour and was rooting for Martha all the way! The story was both interesting historically and a real call to arms for women to continue to support each other. If I could I’d write a letter to Martha to congratulate her, as I loved her character and the way she evolved. She was so real, as were the other characters in the book. I hope her mum’s going to be OK! Kim, WA, 5 Stars
I was introduced to Victoria’s books by my mother-in-law and have eagerly devoured them all. I love her detailed research, interesting characters and the different historical stories she finds. My two favourites however, A Women’s Work and now this one I have reallly appreciated getting to know ordinary women and their lives in 1950’s Australia. I really felt transported back in time and got a good understanding of every day life and gender norms during this period. The Radio Hour is set in the ABC headquarters and I loved learning how radio serials were put together. From all the basics of scriptwriting and casting roles to all the behind the scenes gossip and scandals- ranging from a leading man’s second family to not being able to say the word pregnancy on air. It was also interesting to see how they were trying to stay relevant with introduction of television to Australia. I did have a good giggle when the characters discussed their concerns about what TV would do from sneering at the UK and US by saying they’d watch it even if they broadcast a film if a cat licking its paws to worries that kid would develop US accents and being so addicted they forget to run and play to people stopping conversations, going to lectures or to the theatre and stopping reading. I’d be interested to see what they think about technology today! What was also interesting was the office politics and gender roles of the time. There was certainly a Mad Men theme with staff smoking their desks and taking long, boozy lunches. This was a time where women employees needed to resign once they got married and there were major double standards in how males and female were expected to work, pay levels and abilities. Males being seen as creative types and given leeway whilst women were organized and structured. For some reason this meant that women had to run round and organize the males rather than run the show. The few women executives didn’t need a secretary as they could do all the themselves! I loved main protagonist Martha Berry. She really illustrated what it was like to be a woman of the time. Daring to be different, an unmarried spinster, with no children. Despite being one of the first employees and being very loyal, she was never promoted, shifted around constantly and treated quite badly. I certainly felt for her and was frustrated as she picked up the pieces for her boss a young male who came in late and was often drunk at work. I was so glad to see her grow in confidence and start standing up for herself. The side characters were great from the calendar girls, to actors and actresses. I loved being part of all their stories and the fun epigraphs at the start of each chapter. Another fantastic read from Victoria. Kirsten, ACT, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour is a wonderful immersion into the golden age of radio, the 1950’s, just before the advent of television. This is a time when married women were not permitted to work in the public service, so the work force was spinsters and single young ladies. Martha Berry joined the ABC in the 1932. Radio serials kept the ladies at home entertained for a brief period each day. Shifted from position to position, Martha was a product of the era when women had no voice. That is until ‘Mrs Barry’ secretly wrote a serial as the male script writer couldn’t. A lot of men at the time thought women weren’t capable of anything beyond secretaries, but when Martha finally finds her voice those in charge are going to find out women are no longer content with the basket men have put them in. I loved Martha and the Calender Girls as well as the ladies who looked forward to the daily serials. They were at the end of an era, for soon television would be broadcast and women would not be told by men what they could or could not do. This book is a glorious celebration of women in post war Australia. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rosemarie, NSW, 5 Stars
Victoria Purman congratulates on yet another great historical fiction novel, The characters are so wonderful absolutely loved Martha Berry and the calendar girls, once again thanks for another great book Deborah, NSW, 5 Stars
I give “The Radio Hour” by Victoria Purman 5 stars. I totally enjoyed this book which was well written and researched as her books usually are. The story brought back memories of my mother listening to radio serials are we didn’t have television for a long time. I applaud Martha for her bravery and determination to make the road easier for women in the workplace. Carla, NSW, 5 Stars
I have loved all of Victoria Purman’s historical fictions, but I think The Radio Hour is her best so far. The characters are so likeable, the story so enjoyable. The look into the workings of radio in the 1950s was really interesting, and the anticipation of what would change when television came to Australia. Victoria Purman has a real talent for seeing where the women fit behind the heavily masculine pages of our history, and telling their stories. I will definitely be recommending The Radio Hour to my friends. Kaye, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading Victoria Purman’s book The Radio Hour. The story really takes you back to the days when there was no television and married women stayed home to look after the house and their families. The women used to stop at lunchtime and listen to the daily serial on the radio and then discuss it with their friends. The twists and turns in The Radio Hour keeps you guessing as to whether Martha will be discovered as being the writer of a new series “As The Sun Sets” when her drunken boss Quentin Quinn was supposed to be writing the series. This book is one which I found hard to put down and I thoroughly recommend it as a very interesting and good read. Katrina, QLD, 5 Stars
I loved Miss Berry from the very start of the novel! Her character was very likeable and I felt like I was her little cheerleader as she gently, but successfully made her mark! The way she tried to ‘keep her cool’ when Quentin Quinn took all the credit for her hard work with As The Sun Sets, was so frustrating. Some of the topics covered on the show would have been uncommon to hear during the 1950s, but it highlighted how important those issues were and still are! It was an easy read, thoroughly enjoyable and now I have another wonderful female author that I can read more novels from. Vanessa, NSW, 5 Stars
Miss Martha Berry is a spinster and has been a secretary for 24 years with the ABC radio station. When being spoken to she sits with cupped hands, ankles crossed and with a very straight back, this is how she was taught. She is moved from department to department as she has only been employed as a casual and fills in here and there. She works for her latest boss, Mr Rutherford Hayes until a young Quentin Quinn comes in straight from University to write for the new radio serial “As the Sun Sets”. As each day passes, nothing is happening with scripts that are due. There is no sight of Quentin as the job has gone to his head. He is coming in late and having extra-long lunches. Always coming back drunk. What will Martha do to make this new serial a breakthrough? This was a really quick read and I loved all the characters within. Martha is a real hero and Victoria Purman has another great book out there. Didn’t want to put it down and also didn’t want it to end. #BRPreview @betterreadingau @victoriapurman #theradiohour @goodreadsau Sue A, NSW, 5 Stars
wow what a great read. This story would appeal to all women or should, to show how far women have succeeded in the business world. It should also be read by males. The story is based around Martha Berry working as a secretary for the ABC post war days and on the verge of television entering Australia. She is about to assist in creating a new serial to follow Blue Hills the long running Radio Serial but is working for a young producer straight from University who has no idea what he is doing. What happens to Miss Berry and her fellow women workers is described very well, intertwined with history of the time and how women are perceived. I’m sure the Radio Hour will be a very popular read. Elaine, NSW, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour is a thought-provoking tale which reminds us of what past generations of women faced growing up. Along the lines of Lessons in Chemistry and Mad Men it reminds us how women were raised to be wives and mothers and in some cases the choice to peruse a career and be a mother was unheard of. I found the characters in this book very relatable you either loved them or hated them. The story of long friendships of the older generation being reflected in the friendship of the calendar girls highlighting the opportunities the younger generations now have due to the action of a few brave women who stepped up and questioned the regime. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
I have previewed a number of novels over the years. I have found characters and storylines like no other. I honestly think @victoriapurmanauthor is one of the most authentic, Australian, professional talents of our generation. Without giving too much away of this story, think of being a woman in 1956 Sydney Australia. A time in radio broadcasting when radio serials were popular, just at the introduction of television. The marriage bar, the frustrating policy that prevented employment of married women wasn’t lifted until 1966. Men of a certain ilk, were given opportunities that weren’t open to others because they were recommended by the right fellow from the right sort of school or university. Or the right club. A work life covering dark secrets of men in the higher up club. This is a story about putting your cards on the table and playing hard. Its about women exercising their power. If you know of TV and film like Mad Men, She Said, Bombshell. If you know how loved is the novel Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, then you will understand how good this novel is and I hope it launches incredibly successfully in May. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for Book Clubs, a gift to your favourite booklover…yourself, your daughters, your mum. Onwards and upwards. Preeya, QLD, 5 Stars
This book by Victoria was worth the wait. I have always loved her books and so was very excited to get my hands on a copy of this and it did not disappoint. Joel, VIC, 5 Stars
I got transported to 1956 and was hooked from chapter one. I went to work with Martha Berry at the ABC radio and learned what work life was like for women at the time. They got their job done without ado but also without reward or recognition. It was the time leading up to the introduction of television in Australia and with it came concerns that radio would not be wanted anymore. It was fascinating to see how Martha not only joined the fight for radio but also to get insights into how the attitude towards women changed in the workplace and on air. I loved the storytelling and adored the literary quotes. Fictional Martha and I love the same books and I loved this book! Now I need to read all of Victoria Purman’s other books! Sabine, NSW, 5 Stars
The Radio Hour was a quick and easy read. I felt transported to the 1950s or 1960s. The setting was the ABC Sydney office. Martha Berry has worked there since it began. At a time when women were seen but not heard. Martha was a secretary and floated as needed. This was code for supporting her male manager. Until now when she is moved to a new show. She is forced to take over to keep the show going. She realises she enjoys this role and the listeners enjoy what she writes. Even ladies problems are discussed! Shock! Horror! I thoroughly enjoyed this look into our history. I see why ‘Lessons in Chemistry ‘ is in the same sentence. Lisa, QLD, 5 Stars
Martha Berry is single, 50years of age and what would today would be called a career girl. However, in Sydney in 1956, she was seen as a spinster, never a career woman, just one of thousands of women who worked as a secretary, at the beck and call of men to whom they were all but invisible. She is intelligent, talented and polite, yet with no hope of career advancement. A product of the times. Martha Works for ABC Radio where she finds she has a new departmental boss, a just out of uni ego-on-a-stick, who has no clue what he is doing, but is well connected socially. I found The Radio Times, well researched, tender, and filled with the spirit of strong young women. We owe them much, and yet there is so much more to do. A delightful, well written work. A must read. Nell, NSW, 5 Stars
Review for “The Radio Hour” by Victoria Purman. Where do I begin …? “The Radio Hour” by Victoria Purman is a wonderful novel that invites the reader back into the era of 1956 Sydney. It captures the life of Martha Berry, a professional secretary who is assigned to a new radio serial. It is set back in a time when men dominated the business world, and women’s skills were often over-looked, undervalued, and given limited career options. Once a woman was married, they were no longer useful. Martha, a 50-year-old spinster, had been walked over for the last time, before she finally takes things into her own hands and takes charge … the younger producer may have got more than he bargained for. I enjoyed reading and learning about this era. The radio scripts showcased the bygone years, and I imagined myself sitting in front of the radio eagerly listening along. Each characters brought something unique to the story. I loved Martha, her independence, her thoughts, and the way she proves everyone wrong; women aren’t invisible anymore. The calendar girls were a lovely edition that gave a bit of warm and showed true women friendship. Martha’s Mother and neighbours were common people on which Martha based her scripts upon. I gave a little cheer at the end as I turned the last page … and was sorry the story had to end. Now I’ve raided the bookshelves at my local library for more books written by Victoria Purman. Thank you for such a lovely read and allowing me to do this review. Sharron Alexiou, QLD, 4 Stars
I’m thoroughly enjoying this book. The lovely polite but unseen Martha with her subtle sarcasm in a world where men rule without reason. A real eye-opener regarding the 1950’s and womens place in this time. Lisa, WA, 4 Stars
The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman is a nostalgic narrative that captures the glitz, gossip and going’s on of the world of radio in post war Australia. The protagonist, Martha Berry, is a loyal and polite secretary of the national broadcaster whose secret scriptwriting talent saves the day. Faced with impending exposure, Miss Berry is faced with the dilemma of either claiming her well deserved success or remaining in the shadows as a ghostwriter. This novel provides an interesting insight into the radio medium during the rise of television whilst highlighting the changing roles of women in this era. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Australian drama and historical fiction. Maria, NSW, 4 Stars
Victoria Purman has done it again! I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Radio Hour’ and it’s delightful characters. I’m also grateful to the author for the way she continues to accurately depict the roles women have played and the challenges they faced within the time period of her novels. Debbie, VIC, 4 Stars
It’s hard to believe that there was a time in the 1950s when being a married woman meant a career sacrifice, but The Radio Hour is a gentle reminder of days gone by. The leading character Martha who has never married is delightful to follow as she gains the confidence and strength to forge her own successful career in radio, albeit she is considered a spinster at the ripe old age of 50. Her self awareness in assessing her capabilities finally challenges the mindset she’s been forced to endure her entire working life; that only men hold positions of power. This was a fun and easy read filled with some fabulous characters. Kim, ACT, 4 Stars
Martha has been fading away in the background of a Male ruled world for Her entire life. When She is the only chance to save Her job and a new radio program Martha will secretly step up in ways She could never have imagined. Loved Matha and Her Calendar girls. Deanne, VIC, 4 Stars
This book is about the golden years of Radio Broadcasting in Post War Australia. Women did the menial jobs and were treated terribly by the men who worked with them. Martha is a polite and invisible woman in 1956 Sydney. She got things done without a fuss. She is given a secretarial job on the new Radio Show, As the Sun Sets. She ends up ghost writing the series as her boss is hopeless. It took her awhile to claim that she was the author of the scripts which appealed to mainly women listeners. She finally takes the credit and the serial continues to go from strength to strength. Martha finally gets the recognition she deserves. I found myself cheering for her! This book is well written and well researched. Thank you Victoria Purman for another gem! Lynette, VIC, 4 Stars
This was the perfect book to read at the end of a busy day due to likeable characters and an uncomplicated plot. I was so immersed in the time, it would not have surprised me to look up and find a 1950s magazine on my coffee table. What a journey women have been on since then. Thank you to those who lived before me. And thank you to Better Reading for the opportunity to read this preview. KB, SA, 4 Stars
Thanks to Better Reading for providing this book, it is probably not a book that I would normally read, but now having read The Radio Hour I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Victoria Purman has produced an excellent piece of historical fiction with characters who are believable, flawed, strong, weak and authentic. The whole book has been thoroughly researched and does accurately convey the situation of the times. A woman’s lot of lower pay, tea making duties, workplace sexual harassment and not being able to continue working once married, are all highlighted. It is not just a story of women’s struggles in the workplace but also their place in society in 1956. Purman carefully, and successfully, weaves the storyline of the radio serial with the real-world life of women at the time. I rate this book 4 stars and look forward to reading other books written by Victoria Purman. Grahame, NSW, 4 Stars
Victoria Purman has vividly brought to life the era of the radio serial, when people at home eagerly tuned in to ‘Blue Hills’ or similar. Even the conversations between her main characters sound like a radio play, and the scripts that she inserts for the program ‘As the sun sets’ become like a play within a play. Martha’s dilemma as secretary come script girl for the new but completely incompetent young producer becomes a story we have to follow to the last pages. It’s the story of the experienced but always overlooked and unappreciated employee who ensures the success of every project she works on; overlooked because she is female and it’s the egotistical men who run the show. It’s not such an unfamiliar story even nowadays. Purman knows how to include all the details to ensure historical authenticity, the expectations of decorum and behaviour, the clothes, the way people talk, and the references to the aftermath of the war. It’s a delightful step into the past, with a theme of female empowerment that continues to be relevant to the current MeToo generation as well. Helen, SA, 4 Stars
Wow – The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman is a fantastic read. Based in Sydney we enter the life of 50 year old spinster Martha Berry. Set in the 1950’s Martha lives with her mum and has worked at ABC Radio for over 20 years. She is quietly efficient and works hard every day without much acknowledgment or reward. She gets selected to work on a new radio serial and finds her new boss is absolutely incompetent. Martha decides to use her work and life experiences to rescue the new radio show. This is a wonderful book that explores the roles of women in the workplace in Australia in the 1950s and also the life of a working spinster. Do yourself a favour and read this enjoyable book. Maree, VIC, 4 Stars
The Radio Hour is a delightful historical book. Victoria Purman has written a wonderful story depicting the radio broadcasting industry in post war Australia. The story focuses on Martha Berry a secretary at the ABC radio offices who ends up becoming the script writer of a new Radio Serial. The book addresses issues women faced in the work force and the challenges in trying to succeed. I enjoyed the book and found the story engaging and flowed easily. Julie, QLD, 4 Stars
In The Radio Hour, Victoria Purman gives readers a snapshot of Australia in the 1950’s when the radio serial ruled and television was on the horizon but unlikely to ever become popular. Victoria Purman has the knack of telling a story with an accurate female perspective, highlighting in this case the narrow opportunities available for working women in the mid fifties. Martha Berry is turning fifty and has worked all her life at the ABC without being promoted past secretary or really being seen as much more than an assistant to a male superior. She is a spinster and has always known that marriage and children would put an end to any kind of career. When Martha finally steps up and takes control, we see the beginnings of the feminist movement which was soon to sweep across Australia and change women’s lives forever. Supporting characters such as the bumbling Quentin Quinn, odious Handsy Hooper and the aptly named Calendar Girls, April, May and June are well drawn. Many readers will have fond memories of families gathering around the radio every night to listen to the serials (called soapie today) where three or four actors took on multiple speaking roles with ease and women who had been neighbours and friends for years but still addressed each other as Mrs …. Victoria Purman writes lovingly of this era without sugar coating or ignoring many of the harsher realities of the day. Dianne, QLD, 4 Stars
A book about women for women – for all that women have experienced and sadly continue to experience. I love the structure of this book – the introduction of each chapter with the summary sets up the importance of the radio serial. (As an aside, I love the historical nature of this book – I didn’t know or appreciate the radio serial and this is an excellent homage to what is now a lost medium that used to shape and unite a nation.). Martha is a wonderful protagonist – she is relatable and likeable, and you know exactly how she feels being constantly overlooked, given no credit and always underestimated. I loved the first chapter of The Radio Hour – it set the scene of Sydney Australia in the 1950s perfectly, bringing you back into what was. Chapter 2 throws cold water on your face – The Radio Hour doesn’t sugar coat or skip over the hardships faced by women then (and sadly now). It’s an authentic and relatable storyline. The only thing this book didn’t give me was an epilogue – Purman has a rich cast of characters and I want to know where they and As the Sun Sets ends up. Hopefully there is a sequel in the works, or at the least a mini-series in development. Kathleen, ACT, 4 Stars
This novel is a pointed comment, albeit done with a light touch, on how far Australian women haven’t come in the 70 years since 1956, when we learn Martha Berry, who’s worked at the ABC for over 20 years and lives with her invalid mother, turns fifty. Despite filling numerous positions within the public broadcaster, Martha has never had a permanent position. This changes when she’s assigned to the youthful Quentin Quinn, employed to write scripts for a new radio drama set to rival the famous and long-running Blue Hills. Although most characters border on the stereotypical, Purman’s journalist background, and experience of working at the ABC, gives authenticity to a setting and plot where scant regard was given to women by their male bosses in an era when women were believed capable only of making tea and typing. And once they married their paid employment was terminated. When wunderkind Quentin fails to deliver, Martha steps up and secretly writes scripts in his name. These resonate with the show’s mainly female audience but eventually her cover is blown, although not before she’s tackled topics that scandalised her male bosses but resulted in an avalanche of supportive listener letters. Anne, TAS, 4 Stars
This book was equal parts frustrating and inspiring. This novel is set in the 1950’s, with the protagonist Martha Berry working as an assistant to producer Quentin Quinn on a radio serial. Quinn is incompetent, lazy and unprofessional, and it is perhaps inevitable that Berry ends up saving the day. And who among us hasn’t had to work with a Quinn, or the sleazy technician ‘Handsy’ Hooper? The book is well written and gets better as it goes on, I found myself getting very involved in the character’s lives. The characters are all well written and the book gives a very 3 dimensional view to them. Whilst women no longer need to quit their jobs when they marry, it is still infuriating to see how much work there is still to go before women achieve any sort of equality in the workplace. This book may just inspire some to take action. I know I will, to hell with politeness, its time us women recognized our value! Wendi, VIC, 4 Stars
Thanks so much for the opportunity to read ‘The Radio Hour’ by Victoria Purman. I really enjoyed reading it and is the first novel of Victoria Purman’s I have read. The blurb read ‘perfect for readers of Lessons in Chemistry’ which to be honest, at first put me off a bit as I have read this but wasn’t really to my liking. But once I started reading ‘The Radio Hour’ I was pleasantly surprised. The way the book is written made me feel like I was a part of the story as I got to know the characters. As the story moved along and for some time, I thought I knew how it was going to end, it did have some turns along the way to keep me interested in ultimately what was going to happen. I wasn’t really wrong about the ending, but enjoyed how the author got there. Tracie, VIC, 4 Stars
It is an exciting time in Australia with the nation on the verge of television! The story is based around a secretary for the ABC, Martha Berry who is keen on impressing the new young male producer with her new show. This producer is a Uni graduate and is very green so this presents some interesting dynamics. This story gives an insight into 1950’s workforce and how it was for women. Samantha, QLD, 4 Stars
The Radio Hour was a cleverly crafted look back to the post world war 2 period in Sydney. It gave those of us that had not lived through this time an interesting perspective of working life for women at this time. Through the major storyline we also got a sense of workplace injustice for women that was tolerated as normal and we can celebrate and be grateful that this is changing in the 21st century. A very enjoyable book. Deborah, NSW, 4 Stars
The Radio Hour – Victoria Purman Martha Berry is a 50 years old, single secretary, sent to work for the national broadcaster on a new radio serial. Her new young boss is egotistical and erratic without a clue. Martha is focrced to step in and save the serial with storylines that resinate with women listeners. Will she step out of the shadows when her ghostwriting is threatened with exposure? Victoria Purman’s novel was well written in her unique writing style. Overall a good story about women getting a voice and being able to do a mans job but not much happens until the end of the novel. Arrisarne Graham, VIC, 3 Stars
It’s 1956 and 50 year old Martha Berry has worked for the ABC in Sydney for many years in various departments. She is sent to work as secretary to a producer of a new radio serial As the Sun Sets. This new, young, egotistical producer hasn’t a clue and spends most days inebriated. Weeks go by and he hadn’t produced a work of script, so Martha steps up and writes the script to save the serial from being cancelled before it has even got to air. This has to be done secretly as women in the 1950’s (with the exception of Gwen Meredith) were not considered capable of achieving such “heights”. However, her secret is eventually discovered with the result that there are many changes at the ABC – especially for female workers. Victoria Purman has captured 1950’s Australia perfectly and anyone who has lived through that time will immediately be drawn in to this tale. Elva, QLD, 3 Stars
I found this book ok not very exciting to read but gave a bit of history of rules working women faced. Sharon, NSW, 2 Stars
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