Plot Summary

Moving Among Strangers

Gabrielle Carey
Guide cover placeholder

Moving Among Strangers

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1987

Book Brief

Gabrielle Carey

Moving Among Strangers

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Details
Pages

236

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Australia • Contemporary

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Moving Among Strangers by Gabrielle Carey delves into her mother Joan's life-long friendship with reclusive novelist Randolph Stow. As Joan faces terminal cancer, Carey writes a letter to Stow, sparking a journey of discovery about Joan's hidden past as a London socialite and her secret letters to Stow, revealing aspects of Joan's life unbeknownst to her. The memoir examines familial estrangement, hidden histories, and the complexities of truly knowing our parents. The book discusses terminal illness and death.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

103 ratings

65%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Gabrielle Carey’s Moving Among Strangers offers an introspective exploration of family, friendship, and literary connections. While praised for its heartfelt narrative and deep cultural insights into Australian literature, some critiques note a meandering structure. Overall, it's celebrated for its emotional depth but may not appeal to all readers structurally.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Moving Among Strangers?

A reader who would enjoy Moving Among Strangers by Gabrielle Carey appreciates literary memoirs, rich family histories, and deep exploration of personal connections. Fans of Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend or Patti Smith's Just Kids will find similar poignant narratives and emotional depth.

3.8

103 ratings

65%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

236

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Australia • Contemporary

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!