The Life and Myth of Charmian Clift

Book excerpt: The long-awaited award-winning biography of one of Australia's most charismatic and misunderstood writers. Charmian Clift's writing captivated readers across the nation. Her life inspired legends and fascinated thousands. Now at last here is the real story. Charmian Clift was born in Kiama, New South Wales, in 1923. In this close-knit seaside community Clift felt an outsider and rebelled against the expectations of the working-class town. the beautiful, complex and intelligent young country girl grew into a forthright and witty woman who, after a stint in the war-time army, began a career as a journalist with the Melbourne newspaper the Argus. It was here that Clift met the 'golden boy' war correspondent George Johnston, who went on to write the classic My Brother Jack. Within a short space of time Clift and Johnston had collaborated on the prize-winning novel High Valley, moved to London and then shocked everyone by giving up the sophisticated London life and moving their family to a Greek island to focus on their careers as writers.