As several visitors to my site have asked about purchasing a copy of this book, I thought it time I gave the details of where you can purchase it world-wide. See poster above for the distributor’s contact. Also, I include a recent review of the novel, which I am most happy to share with you all.

Mrs Forsythe

‘Taking her inspiration from Virginia Woolf, Vivienne Lingard lovingly and evocatively brings to life the thoughts, feelings and everyday encounters of recently retired teacher, widow and “reluctant mother” Marjorie Forsythe. The novel, effectively recreates the atmosphere and feel of Wellington in the 1970s, with finely drawn descriptions and suggestive references to landscape, historical events, and the popular culture of that era. 

The primary focus is the character of Mrs Forsythe herself, as she wends her way through the physical and metaphorical paths of a vividly reimagined city. We are introduced to her at the end of a successful teaching career, as she moves house to live in the city, and sets out to shape her own destiny. Now living on her own, she is looking forward to making relatively unencumbered choices about work, leisure and personal relations. As the novel systematically reveals the complexities of her personality, we become progressively aware of the contradictions which underlie her choices and personal relations. She is a patient and caring teacher, convivial companion, and generous host, but also brittle and curt in her dealings with those who want to get close to her; fiercely protective of her privacy and newly won independence, but also longing for manifestations of love and affection which she seems cripplingly incapable of showing herself. 

The novel explores the intricacies, concerns, pleasures, upsets and preoccupations of everyday life with painstaking and affectionate attention. It is this careful evocation of the minutiae of life in a now bygone era that makes this finely written story so memorable.‘

Joe Grixti: former Head of the School of English and Media Studies at Massy University (NZ)