{"title":"Leah Purcell","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the compelling works of \u003cem\u003eLeah Purcell\u003c\/em\u003e, an acclaimed author and playwright who has become a significant voice in Australian literature. Her diverse collection includes titles that span across genres, from general fiction to biography and memoir, making her works both versatile and engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBox the Pony\u003c\/em\u003e is an evocative and often humorous tale that reflects Leah's own experiences, offering a unique perspective on identity and resilience. Meanwhile, her play \u003cem\u003eIs That You, Ruthie?\u003c\/em\u003e captivates with its heartfelt narrative set in the compelling world of theatre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDelve into history with \u003cem\u003eThe Drover's Son\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Drover's Wife\u003c\/em\u003e, where Purcell reimagines Australian folklore and historical fiction with a fresh, contemporary lens. These books not only entertain but also provoke thought on themes of race and gender in a historical context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin this collection, Leah Purcell's storytelling excels in weaving rich, Australian narratives with universal themes, making her works essential for both avid readers and those new to these genres. Discover the power of her words and the depth of her characters as you journey through her stories.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"is-that-you-ruthie-the-play-by-leah-purcell-9780702269271","title":"Is That You, Ruthie? The Play","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdapted for the stage by acclaimed actor-writer-director Leah Purcell, \u003cem\u003eIs That You, Ruthie? The Play\u003c\/em\u003e brings Ruth Hegarty's iconic memoir to a new audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1930s, a family seeking refuge from the Depression arrived at Queensland's oppressive Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission. Unbeknownst to them, they were stepping into a life dictated by 'The Act'. The eldest daughter, Ruby (Buthalangi), and her baby, Ruth (Munya), were placed in the Women's Dormitory - a system that would forever change their lives. When Ruth was just four and a half years old, she was removed entirely from her mother's care, only to be forced into domestic service years later. Yet, despite the harsh realities of institutional life, the Dommo Girls forged connections that became a source of strength, joy and a lifelong friendship that helped them survive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the David Unaipon Award-winning memoir \u003cem\u003eIs That You, Ruthie?\u003c\/em\u003e, Leah Purcell's playscript is a poignant exploration of the journeys a mother and daughter take to find their way back to each other. Capturing Hegarty's signature humour and courage, this masterful adaptation is a rich tapestry of truth-telling that delves into the complex aftermath of the government's removal policy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46372514889964,"sku":"9780702269271","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/336693482438.jpg?v=1744819373"},{"product_id":"the-drovers-wife-by-leah-purcell-9781761041938","title":"The Drover's Wife","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Drover's Wife\u003c\/em\u003e is now in cinemas, from Leah Purcell, named as one of the 100 figures shaping Australia's creative future. The novel is utterly authentic, brilliantly plotted, thoroughly harrowing, and entirely of our times, exploring race, gender, violence, and inheritance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDeep in the heart of Australia's high country, along an ancient, hidden track, live Molly Johnson and her children. Husband Joe is away droving, leaving his family in the bush to fend for itself. Molly's children are her world, and life is hard with only their dog, Alligator, and a shotgun for protection—but it can be harder when Joe is around.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMolly's eldest son, Danny, is the true man of the house, determined to see his mother and siblings safe—from raging floodwaters, hunger, and intruders. Danny is mature, but there are some things no child should see. He knows more than most just what it takes to be a drover's wife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne night, Molly has a visitor—a black 'story keeper', Yadaka. He's on the run from authorities and exchanges kindness for shelter. Both know that justice in this nation caught between two worlds can be as brutal as its landscape. But in their short time together, Yadaka shows Molly a secret truth and the strength to imagine a different path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this brave reimagining of the Henry Lawson short story that has become an Australian classic, Purcell brings us a compelling thriller of our pioneering past that confronts head-on issues of today—race, gender, violence, and inheritance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46553196331244,"sku":"9781761041938","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/27806323482814.jpg?v=1750064705"},{"product_id":"box-the-pony-by-leah-purcell-9780733610691","title":"Box the Pony","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe semi-autobiographical story of Leah Purcell - or her alter ego Stephanie - traces the events of her life growing up on an impoverished Aboriginal mission in Queensland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the poverty, violence, lack of education and opportunity, Stephanie is nurtured through the love of her family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBox the Pony\u003c\/em\u003e beautifully captures Stephanie's journey, highlighting the resilience and strength that define her existence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46711020028140,"sku":"9780733610691","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4807203482449.jpg?v=1754178063"},{"product_id":"the-drovers-son-by-leah-purcell-9781761341977","title":"The Drover's Son","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvival, truth telling and hope . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA unique and powerful illustrated book inspired by Leah Purcell's bestselling novel \u003cem\u003eThe Drover's Wife\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA yarn of bonding and the sharing of stories that celebrates the impact of a good man and a strong role model, and stands as a testament to the hardships and resilience of Australia's First Nations peoples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith his father away for much of the year, Danny has had to grow up fast. He thinks that soon he will have no choice but to leave home and go droving with his father. But then he meets Yadaka, and Danny finds another path - one in which a man can be wise and gentle, and a warrior too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA story of healing, care and connection that also shares challenging truths about the history of this country and life on the land in the late 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the Henry Lawson short story, this piece of literature has been part of Leah Purcell's life since she was five years old. Her adaptation of \u003cem\u003eThe Drover's Wife\u003c\/em\u003e started off as a play, was turned into a film, then a novel, and this picture book brings the powerful campfire chats between Yadaka and Danny to a younger audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47083926814956,"sku":"9781761341977","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781761341977.jpg?v=1765300029"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/leah-purcell.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}