Shirley Hazzard

Shirley Hazzard (1931-2016) was an Australian-American writer known for her sophisticated prose and intellectual depth. Her writing often touched on themes of loss and redemption, making her a popular and much-beloved author.

Hazzard was born in Sydney in 1931. She studied English literature at the University of Sydney and went on to work as a freelance writer and researcher. In the 1950s, Hazzard moved to England, where she wrote for various magazines. Her first book, The Great Fire (2003), was based on her experiences in Tokyo during the US occupation of Japan following World War II. The semi-autobiographical novel follows the lives of an Australian woman and her Japanese lover.

The Transit of Venus (1980) launched Hazzard’s career as an internationally acclaimed novelist. This book tells the story of two war-orphaned sisters from England who migrate to Australia but struggle to find happiness and closure. The novel examines themes of love and loyalty, as well as the search for meaningful relationships amidst a world of political, social and sexual turmoil.

Hazzard’s other works include Defeat of an Ideal (1971) and The Bay of Noon (1970). Both novels explore personal, social and political conflicts and their impact on individuals. The Great Fire explores themes of identity, trauma and resilience, while The Bay of Noon looks at the plight of the people of Naples in the aftermath of World War II.

In addition to novels, Hazzard wrote several works of nonfiction. Her most well-known book in this genre is Greene on Capri (2005), which recounts her friendship with the English writer Graham Greene. She also wrote Human Redeemed:An Exploration of Human Love, a study of how human love has been portrayed in literature.

Hazzard's works are widely acclaimed and have been compared to those of Virginia Woolf, William Faulkner and Henry James. Her novels often featured complicated female protagonists and explored yearning, loss and emotional growth. Hazzard has won numerous awards, including the 2003 National Book Award for Fiction and the 2004 International Dublin Literary Award.

Hazzard's death in 2016 marked the passing of a great novelist, thinker, and humanitarian. Her works invite readers of all ages to pondering life's greatest questions, reflecting on memory and lessons from the past and ultimately, coming to a place of acceptance and hope for the future. Her profound, thought-provoking writing has been a source of inspiration to many and will continue to shape the conversations and imaginations of generations to come.