Prelude to Waking

By Miles Franklin

In the fog-laden streets and drawing rooms of post-World War One London, a restless generation drifts between hope and disillusionment. Here, the pulse of early twentieth century fiction beats with both wit and melancholy, as the boundaries of British society are scrutinised and gently mocked. With a modernist sensibility, this novel unspools the lives of expatriates and dreamers, their ambitions and disappointments tangled in the aftermath of a world forever changed. The narrative glides between satire and longing, capturing the nuances of an era when old certainties had crumbled and new freedoms beckoned, especially for women seeking meaning beyond the confines of tradition. Rich with social satire and feminist themes, the work stands as a singular contribution to Australian literature and the broader landscape of interwar literary fiction. The sharp, observant voice lays bare the follies and vanities of its cast, yet never loses sight of their humanity. Readers are drawn into a world where every conversation and social gathering is charged with unspoken tension, and where the search for identity-personal, national, and artistic-feels both urgent and elusive. The novel's satirical edge is balanced by moments of vulnerability, offering a nuanced portrait of women writers and their struggle to define themselves within and against the expectations of their time. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. For those intrigued by the interplay of modernist experimentation and the realities of the interwar period, this volume rewards close attention, offering a reading experience that is both elegant and quietly subversive.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9375368424
• ISBN13: 9789375368427
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 180 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.4" x 6.0"