The Eulogy: A Debut Australian Novel of Family, Loss and Love

The Eulogy is a literary page-turner by Jackie Bailey that explores family, death, and grief, filled with love, humor, and life. Kathy is on the run from a kidnapping charge and planning her sister Annie's funeral with her five surviving siblings. She wonders if Annie got sick to protect her and needs Annie's help to decide whether to love and be loved. Bailey's autofiction novel is a remarkable debut that will stay with readers long after the last page.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books

The Eulogy, a literary masterpiece by emerging Australian author Jackie Bailey, delves into the intricate tapestry of family, death, and grief, infused with an abundance of love, humor, and vitality. Set in the wintery landscape of Logan, southeast Queensland, the story unfolds amidst a backdrop of warmth that allows one to sleep in a car at night, even in the absence of a more suitable abode. However, Kathy, the protagonist, finds herself unable to slumber, haunted by the presence of her husband on her blocked call list and the looming threat of a kidnapping charge. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, she embarks on a journey from Sydney to plan a funeral with her five surviving siblings, most of whom she barely interacts with. The reason for this gathering is the untimely passing of their sister Annie, who has battled a brain tumor for twenty-five years, a period that marked a significant turning point in their lives.

Kathy's mind wanders to contemplate a profound question: did Annie's illness arise as a selfless act to protect her loved ones? If so, from what menacing force did she seek refuge? In the process of crafting Annie's eulogy, Kathy embarks on a quest to unravel the intricate story of the Bradley family. The novel traces their lineage from their mother's childhood during the Japanese occupation of Singapore during World War Two, to their father's experiences in the Malayan conflict and the Vietnam War. It also delves into Annie's cancer and disability, as well as the events that have shaped the person Kathy has become.

Ultimately, Kathy seeks the guidance of Annie in making a crucial decision—whether to embrace love and allow herself to be loved. Through her introspection and the exploration of the Bradley family's history, Kathy hopes to find solace and clarity in her own life. Jackie Bailey's autofiction novel is a remarkable debut, skillfully interweaving storylines and relationships across decades, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they finish the last page.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781743798324