Anna Goldsworthy – författare

From the bestselling author of Piano Lessons

Sometimes events occur as one might wish but sometimes they do not.

So says the ever-practical Ruby, always striving for what is right and proper, from the time we meet her as a striking soldier's fiancee through to the rather less steady years of her old age. With an eyebrow pencil in one hand and gardening shears in the other, Ruby navigates the intervening years doing her duty as a woman, allowing marriage and motherhood to fill her with purpose and pleasure - and only occasionally wondering, Is this all there is?

In her moving, captivating fiction debut, award-winning author Anna Goldsworthy recreates Adelaide and Melbourne of half a century ago, bringing a family to life as they move through the decades, challenging and caring for and loving one another, often in surprising ways. Charming and sharply observed, Melting Moments is, like Ruby herself, a gentle powerhouse.

Shortlisted, 2021 Colin Roderick Award

'A tender evocation of times past, and a subtle, elegant portrait of one woman's life and loves as she grows and adapts to a changing world.' —Ceridwen Dovey

'A delightful and beautifully written book, suffused with humour and enquiry into the domestic habits, social expectations and morals of a period and place.' —Joan London

The award-winning, much-loved memoir of renowned author and musician Anna Goldsworthy about her first steps towards a life in music.

In this remarkable story, Anna Goldsworthy recalls her journey from childhood piano lessons with a local jazz muso to a successful career as a concert pianist. As she discovers passion and ambition, and confronts doubt and disappointment, she learns about much more than technique.

Piano Lessons captures the hopes and uncertainties of youth, the fear and exhilaration of performing, and the complex bonds between teacher and student. An unforgettable cast of characters joins her: her family; her friends and rivals; and her teacher, Mrs Sivan, who inspires and challenges her in equal measure, and who transforms what seems an impossible dream into something real and sustaining.

This is a story of the getting of wisdom, tender and bittersweet.

'I loved this book. Anna Goldsworthy's memoir left me awed, inspired and humbled.' --Alice Pung

'Marvellous. Enlightenment and joy on every page' --Helen Garner

'An expertly spun narrative, told with wry, self-effacing charm, elegant economy and the genuine love of a student for her teacher' The Australian

'A brilliant memoir ... Goldsworthy is a fine writer.' Big Issue

Winner of Newcomer of the Year in the 2010 Australian Book Industry Awards

Shortlisted for the Melbourne Prize for Best Writing

Shortlisted for the Colin Roderick Award

Shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards