{"title":"Shirley Barrett","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the collection of works by Shirley Barrett, a remarkable author known for her talent in weaving captivating stories that often blend historical and general fiction. If you're in search of unique narratives with a touch of humour and intrigue, Barrett's works are sure to be a delightful addition to your reading list.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong her acclaimed novels, \u003cem\u003eMrs Hopkins\u003c\/em\u003e draws readers into an enthralling world, showcasing Barrett's skill in creating vivid, relatable characters and page-turning plots. This book is a perfect choice for those who appreciate immersive historical fiction that brings past eras to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, \u003cem\u003eThe Bus on Thursday\u003c\/em\u003e exhibits Barrett's flair for general fiction. This novel is a quirky, entertaining tale that effortlessly bridges the gap between reality and the surreal, all the while keeping readers engaged with its wit and originality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eImmerse yourself in Shirley Barrett's literary creations, where you will find a perfect blend of intriguing plots, rich characterisation, and unforgettable settings. Whether you're a history buff or a connoisseur of contemporary storytelling, Barrett's books are certain to leave a lasting impression.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-bus-on-thursday-by-shirley-barrett-9781760632250","title":"The Bus on Thursday","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThat's when I literally had thoughts of becoming a nun, because I thought, Well, I'm never going to have sex again. If I become a nun, I would at least have somewhere to live.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt wasn't just the bad break-up that caused Eleanor's life to unravel. It was the cancer. And the demons that came with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFreshly single and thoroughly traumatised from the ordeals of breast cancer, Eleanor Mellett starts a new job as a teacher in a remote mountain hamlet. It's certainly peaceful enough, almost too peaceful. But what's become of the previous teacher, the saintly Miss Barker, who has disappeared abruptly under mysterious circumstances? And what's with all those locks on the door? And what the hell is that bus doing idling outside her house late, late at night?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBridget Jones\u003c\/em\u003e meets \u003cem\u003eThe Exorcist\u003c\/em\u003e in Twin Peaks. Darkly funny, deeply unsettling and surprisingly poignant, Shirley Barrett's \u003cem\u003eThe Bus on Thursday\u003c\/em\u003e is a strange and wild ride for all fans of Helen Fielding, Maria Semple, David Lynch and Stephen King.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46532927914220,"sku":"9781760632250","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23709443482814.jpg?v=1749350951"},{"product_id":"mrs-hopkins-by-shirley-barrett-9781761068522","title":"Mrs Hopkins","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEngaging, original and full of curiosity and wit . . . I didn't want it to end.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAsher Keddie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBursting with life . . . I was gripped from the first chapter.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDebra Oswald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA subversive, dark delight.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKat Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBarrett is a masterly world-builder.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a rainy night in 1871, an idealistic schoolmistress arrives on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour. \u003cem\u003eMrs Hopkins\u003c\/em\u003e doesn't know what to expect from the notorious Biloela Industrial School for Girls, but nothing could prepare her for what she encounters inside the high sandstone walls: the conditions are dismal, the rules are largely conceptual, and the girls spend most of their time finding creative ways to outsmart the adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVery quickly, Mrs Hopkins realises that noble intentions won't be enough to plough through the chaos around her. An unconventional school requires unconventional methods, and Mrs Hopkins is going to have to find her own ways to reach her lively, lost charges. But her own ghosts have followed her to Cockatoo Island, and refuse to stay hidden for much longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis witty, surreal and poignant final novel from Shirley Barrett is about what destroys us, what sustains us, and what we carry with us from one world into the next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47082295132396,"sku":"9781761068522","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/28072163482814.jpg?v=1765272833"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/shirley-barrett.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}