Down in the City

Elizabeth Harrower's debut novel, originally published in 1957, tells the story of Esther Prescott, a young woman who transitions from a sheltered life in her wealthy family's home to a turbulent existence with her new husband, Stan Peterson. Set against the backdrop of postwar Sydney, the novel explores the complexities of an obsessive and troubled marriage, highlighting themes of control and vulnerability. This powerful and evocative story marked Harrower as a significant voice in Australian literature.