Helen Trinca

Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival 2025

In Looking for Elizabeth, journalist Helen Trinca asks why Elizabeth Harrower – one of Australia’s most important authors – stopped writing at the height of her powers. After publishing four acclaimed books, Harrower faded from the literary landscape and was rediscovered decades later to international acclaim.

Helen unravels this mystery, bringing to life the literary circles of a fascinating era in Australian culture. Based on private interviews with Harrower and full access to her archive, Looking for Elizabeth is the first full biography of this significant figure in Australian letters.

Helen Trinca is an experienced reporter, commentator and editor who has held senior positions at The Australian, including deputy editor, managing editor, European correspondent and editor of The Weekend Australian Magazine. She has authored and co-authored three other books including Better than Sex: How a whole generation got hooked on work.

Tickets $18 + booking fee