Discover the captivating journey of Elspeth Sandys in 'Casting Off', the compelling sequel to her memoir 'What Lies Beneath'. Perfectly crafted for readers who appreciate rich storytelling, this memoir invites you into Elspeth's world as she navigates the complexities of new beginnings while grappling with her roots in New Zealand. Spanning 224 pages and elegantly bound in paperback, this brand new edition offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman caught between two worlds. As Elspeth embarks on her first marriage and moves to England, she reflects on the transformative years of the Thatcher era, neo-liberalism, and the cultural tides of the 1960s. The allure of reading, writing, and theatre intertwine with her personal experiences, creating a tapestry of nostalgia and insight. This memoir not only tells Elspeth's story but also poses deep reflections on memory and identity. Perfect for fans of memoirs and autobiographies, 'Casting Off' promises to enrich your understanding of love, loss, and the passage of time. Enjoy seamless shipping across New Zealand with no hidden charges thanks to our local stock. Experience the profound honesty and narrative skill of Elspeth Sandys today! This product is available for quick delivery from our Auckland-based NZ business, ensuring prompt service and satisfaction.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 165 x 215 mm
Pages: 224
Bind: paperback
Author: Elspeth Sandys Publisher: Otago University Press


At the end of the first volume of Elspeth Sandys’ absorbing memoir, What Lies Beneath, an adult Elspeth has solved the riddle of her birth parents and begun to piece together the events of her early life and find her place in the world. Casting Off begins on the eve of Elspeth’s first marriage. She and her husband will soon depart New Zealand for England, joining a throng of Kiwis who chose to uproot themselves from their native land. New attachments will be formed: new loves – of people; of places – will take the place of the old. But the home country will continue to exercise a pull. Backgrounding the personal story in this deeply satisfying memoir is the story of the Thatcher years and the creeping virus of neo-liberalism, the sexual revolution of the sixties, the beguiling world of books – reading and writing – and theatre. Elspeth Sandys’ refreshing honesty and her skill as a writer of fiction and drama propel the reader through an absorbing life story that is equally a commentary on the meaning of memoir and the peculiarities of memory.

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