Vale Gabrielle Carey
May 10, 2023
We pay tribute to Gabrielle Carey, renowned Australian author and Copyright Agency member, who has passed away. She was a prolific writer who made a significant contribution to the Australian literary scene.
While still teenagers, Gabrielle and her best friend, Kathy Lette, became famous for their largely autobiographical novel, Puberty Blues, which was published in 1979. The coming-of-age book quickly became a best seller, and is now regarded as an Australian classic, having empowered and enthralled readers for more than four decades. It was adapted for film in 1981; and a TV series based on the novel debuted in 2012.
Gabrielle went on to write several more books spanning fiction, biography and essays. Her non-fiction book, Only Happiness Here, was shortlisted for the 2021 Nib Literary Award.
Not just a writer, Gabrielle was also a teacher and a mentor. She taught creative writing at the University of Technology, Sydney, and was an inspiration to many aspiring writers.
In her honest and frank writing Gabrielle captured the essence of Australian life. She wrote about topics that were often taboo, such as sex, drugs, and mental illness, and she did so with sensitivity and compassion, and a touch of humour.
Her writing touched the lives of many people, and her work will continue to inspire and educate future generations of Australian writers.
Our thoughts are with Gabrielle’s family and friends.