Split

By Lee Kofman

True stories of leaving, loss and new beginnings

In this compelling anthology of personal essays, curated by award-winning author Lee Kofman, some of Australia’s most beloved writers reveal, for the first time, powerful, occasionally funny and often heartbreaking stories of significant endings and their aftermath.

 Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project, shares how he discarded his past – perhaps autistic – self, while comedian Sami Shah writes about his public split from Islam, the religion of his birth. Ramona Koval delves into the bittersweet end to her career at the ABC and Fiona Wright explores how her anorexia has affected her romantic relationships. Whereas Kate Holden suggests that for some, splitting – whether from memorabilia, books or lovers – is unimaginable.

Join eighteen acclaimed storytellers in their candid and courageous reflections on the intrinsic human experience of loss and leaving, which acknowledge the price we can often pay for a much-needed end, or new beginning.

★★★★ “The emotional range, honesty and deep introspection make Split read like a map of the human heart.” – Books + Publishing

“So much to admire in this immersive, riveting collection, not least its intellectual honesty and just how fresh these essays feel. No reheated dishes here, nothing that feels even remotely half-hearted.” – Maria Turmakin

“Raw, engrossing, bruising, sometimes sexy, always personal, Split is packed with transformations.” – Richard Glover