Scan barcode
henrymarlene's review
4.0
Wendy Whitely, in her own right, is an artist and a muse to her own drumbeat. Whilst Brett may have shone for a particular time in that relationship for many years, Wendy’s skills, creativity, determination and passion was never tempered. The secret garden in Lavender Bay is obviously proof of this, but so is her style that she filtered through her little shop in New York, and her work as a fashion buyer, and her skills in curating Brett’s artworks and estate are phenomenal. This book touches on some of those darker and sadder times in losing loved ones along the way but it is carefully balanced with light snd dappled shadows that also are hoe to conversations and discussions that are unforeseen.
Like the garden that Wendy Whitely has created below her home in Lavender Bay, I feel like I am eavesdropping in a personal space. The conversations between Ashleigh and Wendy are intimate moments, and we are invited in to share in secrets that Wendy seemed very comfortable to share. The detailing in this book is just exquisite, and I feel that I am forever gliding from one room and space in her house and garden to another. The birds, the changing paintings on the wall, the layering of plants in the garden, the colours of Wendy’s headscarves all create such a textured landscape to her story, her life. Even the poor kookaburra that seems to crash into her window regularly is treated with a loving status and has a place and a moment to reminisce about.
I think this book really delivered something special: it allowed us to have a very unique glimpse into Wendy’s life and understand her influence, her power, her being and contribution to the world.
Like the garden that Wendy Whitely has created below her home in Lavender Bay, I feel like I am eavesdropping in a personal space. The conversations between Ashleigh and Wendy are intimate moments, and we are invited in to share in secrets that Wendy seemed very comfortable to share. The detailing in this book is just exquisite, and I feel that I am forever gliding from one room and space in her house and garden to another. The birds, the changing paintings on the wall, the layering of plants in the garden, the colours of Wendy’s headscarves all create such a textured landscape to her story, her life. Even the poor kookaburra that seems to crash into her window regularly is treated with a loving status and has a place and a moment to reminisce about.
I think this book really delivered something special: it allowed us to have a very unique glimpse into Wendy’s life and understand her influence, her power, her being and contribution to the world.
schgro's review
informative
fast-paced
2.0
Engrossed by the content; put off by the format. Repetitive and poorly structured; the author thinks aloud rather than making clear statements, and tries to make it atmospheric through describing the interview sessions—tedious padding. Incredible woman and amazing life. She’s fearless and honest.
textpublishing's review
The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of A Year with Wendy Whiteley
‘A gift of a book. A rare insight into an extraordinary woman in her own right. Wise, painful, illuminating: a narrative of resilience and hope. I have so many friends I want to give this beautiful book to.’
Nikki Gemmell
‘This astonishing, glorious book reveals Wendy Whiteley as she really is—an artist in her own right, a unique personality. Wendy tells the truth: she made a garden for Australia. And found the right person to tell her amazing story.’
Miriam Margolyes
‘Wendy is incisive, opinionated and totally loveable. She cuts to the chase, carrying her vision and creativity wherever she goes. Her approach has always been boots, secateurs, shovel and all. This book is a hidden treasure, filled with unexpected lessons on everything that life has to offer. Wendy’s garden may be secret but A Year with Wendy Whiteley reveals the blueprint behind her embrace of life.’
Costa Georgiadis
‘Reflective yet compellingly frank.’
Rosemary Neill, Australian
‘A Year with Wendy Whiteley is the story of an incredible woman who was so much more than the cool girl hanging out with the bad boy. She is a hypnotic artist, who was able to give full expression to her own creativity when she came out from under the shadow of Brett and into the sunshine of her own secret garden.’
Readings
‘The two discuss everything from mortality and grief to celebrity and the art market. Whiteley is wise and candid, and Wilson is a fine interviewer.’
Sian Cain, Guardian
‘A marvellous window into an Australian life, a creative life, an important life.’
Andy Park, ABC RN Drawing Room
‘Wilson’s time with Whiteley allows him to paint detailed brushstrokes of her life…The overall effect is a beautiful portrait of an Australian icon who, despite not seeking the spotlight, fell into it nonetheless; her own artistic ambitions growing in the midst of tragedy and grief, and finding new forms, such as her secret garden.’
Cherie Gilmour, ArtsHub
‘An insight into the pain and pleasures of an extraordinarily creative life and the resilience and passions that sometimes fire her soul.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘An engrossing picture of the subject’s life…[A Year with Wendy Whiteley] tells an absorbing story.’
Chloe Wolifson, Sydney Morning Herald
‘The exchanges between Whiteley and author Ashleigh Wilson grow gradually and organically to form an engrossing picture. Like a garden, this is a story featuring elements that push upwards into the light, shadowy layers nearly obscured by time, and paths leading to unexpected places.’
PS News
‘A gift of a book. A rare insight into an extraordinary woman in her own right. Wise, painful, illuminating: a narrative of resilience and hope. I have so many friends I want to give this beautiful book to.’
Nikki Gemmell
‘This astonishing, glorious book reveals Wendy Whiteley as she really is—an artist in her own right, a unique personality. Wendy tells the truth: she made a garden for Australia. And found the right person to tell her amazing story.’
Miriam Margolyes
‘Wendy is incisive, opinionated and totally loveable. She cuts to the chase, carrying her vision and creativity wherever she goes. Her approach has always been boots, secateurs, shovel and all. This book is a hidden treasure, filled with unexpected lessons on everything that life has to offer. Wendy’s garden may be secret but A Year with Wendy Whiteley reveals the blueprint behind her embrace of life.’
Costa Georgiadis
‘Reflective yet compellingly frank.’
Rosemary Neill, Australian
‘A Year with Wendy Whiteley is the story of an incredible woman who was so much more than the cool girl hanging out with the bad boy. She is a hypnotic artist, who was able to give full expression to her own creativity when she came out from under the shadow of Brett and into the sunshine of her own secret garden.’
Readings
‘The two discuss everything from mortality and grief to celebrity and the art market. Whiteley is wise and candid, and Wilson is a fine interviewer.’
Sian Cain, Guardian
‘A marvellous window into an Australian life, a creative life, an important life.’
Andy Park, ABC RN Drawing Room
‘Wilson’s time with Whiteley allows him to paint detailed brushstrokes of her life…The overall effect is a beautiful portrait of an Australian icon who, despite not seeking the spotlight, fell into it nonetheless; her own artistic ambitions growing in the midst of tragedy and grief, and finding new forms, such as her secret garden.’
Cherie Gilmour, ArtsHub
‘An insight into the pain and pleasures of an extraordinarily creative life and the resilience and passions that sometimes fire her soul.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘An engrossing picture of the subject’s life…[A Year with Wendy Whiteley] tells an absorbing story.’
Chloe Wolifson, Sydney Morning Herald
‘The exchanges between Whiteley and author Ashleigh Wilson grow gradually and organically to form an engrossing picture. Like a garden, this is a story featuring elements that push upwards into the light, shadowy layers nearly obscured by time, and paths leading to unexpected places.’
PS News
More...