The Harp in the South

An Australian classic, this is the story of the Darcy family who live in the Depression era tenements of Surry Hills, Sydney.Hugh and Margaret Darcy are raising their family in Sydney amid the brothels, grog shops and run-down boarding houses of Surry Hills, where money is scarce and life is not easy.Filled with beautifully drawn characters that will make you laugh as much as cry, this Australian classic will take you straight back to the colourful slums of Sydney with convincing depth, careful detail and great heart.

‘Ruth Park… that steady glow at the heart of Australian literature.’ -- Ruth Cracknell
“For all its faults this family is bound together by a powerful love, best exemplified by the staunch figure of Mumma, but also by the affection between the two girls and the fierce pride that Hughie feels for his family. And while they live in one of the roughest parts of Sydney, and there is drunkenness and violence, theirs is a community which will offer friendship and compassion when it’s needed.” -- ANZ LitLovers LitBlog
“Whilst there is a sequential plot, this is more of a snapshot of life (and love in its many forms) in the Sydney slums than it is a single story. Readers will connect with, and cheer for, the characters and emerge wanting to know more.” -- aussiereviews.com

Born in New Zealand, Ruth Park came to Australia in 1942 to continue her career as a journalist. She married the writer D'Arcy Niland and travelled with him through the north-west of New South Wales before settling in Sydney where she became a full-time writer. She has written over fifty books, and her many awards include the prestigious Miles Franklin Award. Kate Hood is one of Bolinda's most popular narrators and receives regular praise from listeners, authors and reviewers alike. Her seamless delivery and outstanding characterisations make the most extraordinary stories even more compelling. Kate has worked extensively in radio and in television both in Australia and New Zealand. Her theatre credits include Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Chicago and Sweet Charity. Bolinda audiobooks narrated by Kate include Tears of the Moon by Di Morrissey (winner of an AudioFile magazine Earphones Award), Turn Left at Bindi Creek by Lynne Wilding and Craft for a Dry Lake by Kim Mahood.

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