 First edition. The author distanced herself from this cover art, saying it "misrepresented" the book as an "uncompromising" love story, when it was actually about domestic violence. | |
| Author | Justine Ettler |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction, modern relationships |
| Publisher | Picador Australia |
Publication date | 1995 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Media type | paperback |
| Pages | 387 |
| ISBN | 9-780330356-70-1 |
The River Ophelia is an Australian novel by Justine Ettler first published by Picador in 1995. The story moves between first-person narrative to an unnamed observer. It was highly controversial in Australia upon its publication, with some prominent critics dismissing it as pornographic, though Ettler herself has strongly denied this.[1]
Since its initial publication, critics and scholars have read deeper meaning into the novel's plot and style, with some determining it as a post-modernism novel about domestic violence, nihilism in urban environments and toxic relationships, with absurdist or surreal features. The book was shortlisted for the 1995 Aurealis Awards for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction - Horror Division - Best Novel.[2]
The first edition cover published by Picador in 1995 features the tagline "an uncompromising love story" underneath the title, and while the novel does explore a no strings attached sexual relationship, Ettler has been adamant in stating that the novel was not about love (rather the misguided pursuit of it) nor was it intended to be erotic or romantic.[3] A reprinting in 2018 features a new cover image, implying the darker nature of the novel.
- ^ "Justine's not so terminal adventures". The Age (Melbourne). 23 June 1996. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
- ^ "Justine Ettler: Awards for Specific Works". AUSTLIT. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
- ^ "A new audience for Justine Ettler's The River Ophelia: In conversation with the author". textjournal.com.au. 1 April 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2019.