Monkey Grip

In 1970s Melbourne, Nora is a happy woman until she meets Javo, a drug addict who traps her in his addiction. Monkey Grip, published in 1977, is a modern classic that showcases Helen Garner's dazzling and radical literary voice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

One of the BBC's 100 Novels That Shaped Our World, Monkey Grip is a seductive and brilliant novel by Helen Garner. Set in 1970s Melbourne, Nora is a happy woman living in communal households with her daughter. However, her life takes a turn when she meets Javo, a crooked and wild man with violently blue eyes. Nora becomes trapped in Javo's drug addiction and her own obsessive love for him.

Monkey Grip was both a sensation and a lightning rod upon its first publication in 1977. It was praised for its frank portrayal of a generation's lives and showcased Helen Garner's dazzling and radical literary voice. The novel has since become a modern classic, and it is considered a W&N Essential with an Introduction by Lauren Groff.

Through Nora's journey, Monkey Grip explores themes of addiction, love, and the complexities of human relationships. Garner's writing is vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into Nora's world and immersing them in her struggles. The novel also offers a critical reflection on the social and cultural conditions of the 1970s, particularly the impact of drug addiction and the conservative attitudes towards women and sexuality.

Monkey Grip is a powerful and enduring work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Its frank portrayal of a generation's lives and Helen Garner's exceptional writing make it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary fiction.

Weight: 255g
Dimension: 196 x 126 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399606783