This creative non-fiction essay is from a book in progress, a parenting memoir called ‘Hunting Flowers’. The edge with this memoir is that is written honestly in the (guilty) voice of a female academic who has 'run away' from home for work far too often - and gets into too much trouble, both at home and away. It covers two decades, five children, four continents, a few husbands, and more universities than sensible in any one life. Absent Without Leave in particular uses the confessional voice to tells stories not only against the self, but against the larger dramatis persona, the institutions and people we work with and for. The main thematic concern - is it ethical, this hunt for success, when we absent ourselves form our children? - is swallowed by the constant feminist nag: is this the only way to do it?
Smith began her writing life as a music and theatre journalist in Sydney and later London, and has taught at universities in the UK and Australia. Widely published as a theatre historian and creative writer, her most recent book is Supermodernprayerbook (Salt 2010). Currently researching Australian sea change society, and working on a collection of short stories, she teaches English and Creative Writing at
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