An insight into the lives of transgender performers and exotic dancers working in Sydney's notorious Kings Cross in the 1960s is offered in the latest novel by best-selling Hamilton-based writer Deborah Challinor.
The Jacaranda House is the third in the Restless Years series and sees the return of Polly, a young Maori woman who makes decisions that lead to a rift with her mother, Awhi.
Polly's daughter Gina lives with Awhi in New Zealand while Polly saves up so she can take back her daughter to raise in Australia.
Polly's flatting with Star and Rhoda, two performers at the all-Male reviue club, Les Girls.
Lynn Freeman talks with Deborah about life on the Cross in the bad old days.
The Jacaranda House is published by Harper Collins.
