In light of its republication by Faber this month, we are replaying this wonderful episode where author Rose Ruane (This is Yesterday, Birding) first brought Gaining Ground A.K.A. Abra (1978) by Canadian feminist writer Joan Barfoot to our attention back in 2024.

One day, seemingly on a whim, a woman walks out of her home and her marriage, forsaking her family for a life of near-solitude and self-sufficiency. Many years later, her daughter, now grown-up, comes to find her and to ask a simple question: why? But there are no easy answers... In a long and distinguished literary career, Barfoot has won the Marian Engel Award and been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, for Critical Injuries (2002).

Back in 2024, her debut novel, seemed to have vanished almost as thoroughly as its female protagonist; as you will hear from our discussion, we thought the book richly deserved to be rediscovered and are very happy now it's available to purchase.

Books mentioned
Joan Barfoot - Gaining Ground; Abra; Critical Injuries
Rose Ruane - This is Yesterday; Birding
Sylvia Plath - The Bell Jar