AustLit

Dale Harcombe shares her memories of Eleanor Spence, whom she first met 'through the pages of her books' and 'later at a conference' (3). Describing her as realistic and honest, she refers to Saxby's comments regarding Spence's novels as expressions of family and social life that deal with 'the concerns and preoccupations of a growingly complex Australian society' (3). Harcombe recalls the support she received from Spence when she sent her a manuscript as well as discussing her love for The October Child: a story 'that held her interest more than the adult novel she was reading at the time' (3). For Harcombe, 'Australian literature is richer for Eleanor Spence's contribution (3).