Disconnection and Lonliness in Stephanie Bishop's Novel the Other Side of the World

Abstract

Disconnection and Loneliness: "The Other Side of the World" portrays a sense of disconnection and loneliness experienced by the characters, particularly Charlotte. Moving to a new country isolates her from her familiar support system, and she grapples with feelings of estrangement and longing for her home country. The novel delves into the theme of place and how it shapes a person's sense of identity. It follows the journey of Charlotte and Henry, a couple who emigrate from England to Australia in the 1960s, searching for a new beginning. The novel examines their struggle to adapt to their new surroundings and the impact it has on their individual identities. Motherhood and conflict. The theme of motherhood is central to the story. Charlotte, the protagonist, grapples with the expectations and responsibilities of being a mother while also longing for her own independence and fulfillment. The novel explores the complexities of maternal duality and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood