Barbara I. (Munro) reviewed on 10/10/2006 + 95 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 6

A beautifully written autobiography. At age 11, Conway ( Women Reformers and American Culture ) left the arduous life on her family's sheep farm in the Australian outback for school in war-time Sydney, burdened by an emotionally dependent, recently widowed mother. A lively curiosity and penetrating intellect illuminate this unusually objective account of the author's progress from a solitary childhood--the most appealing part of the narrative--to public achievement as president of Smith College and now professor at MIT. Gifted with an ability to adapt to a wide range of cultures and people and despite ingrained Australian prejudice against intellectuals, Conway devoted herself to the study of history and literature, spurred on by excellent British-style schooling.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details