- Published: 19 September 2023
- ISBN: 9781760891060
- Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
- Format: Audio Download
- Length: 10 hr 48 min
- Narrator: Natasha Beaumont
- RRP: $36.99
The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and his Wife
Winner of the 2024 Best Non fiction Crime Book, Davitt Awards
- Published: 19 September 2023
- ISBN: 9781760891060
- Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
- Format: Audio Download
- Length: 10 hr 48 min
- Narrator: Natasha Beaumont
- RRP: $36.99
My friend Rebecca Hazel shared compelling insights into a tragic and violent story when we would talk for my podcast series, The Teacher's Pet, about JC - and the suspected murder in January 1982 by her school teacher Chris Dawson, of his adoring wife, Lyn. It is poignant and beautifully framed by Rebecca - her book is imbued with great sensitivity and deep respect for JC - and for Lyn, the woman we never knew.
Hedley Thomas, The Australian
Long before The Teacher’s Pet, Rebecca Hazel was enquiring into the unexplained disappearance of Lynette Dawson. With equal parts determination and empathy, Hazel reveals the complicated world and damaged individuals that are left behind one missing person. This is a vivid portrait of that world, and I dare anyone to read it without feeling anger on behalf of Lynette, one woman who can be any woman.
Malcolm Knox
Compelling, moving and profoundly disturbing. This book is an act of justice. With extraordinary empathy Hazel lays bare the unease of all women: are our lives really worth less? This is a sophisticated, understated work of life-giving for one woman who died, and another who survived, though her life was ruined. It is an act of justice when the legal system failed. And an act of justice as painstaking and monumental as this is an act of love.
Anna Funder
Davitt Awards
Winner • 2024 • Best Non-fiction book