My Brilliant Career

My Brilliant Career is a 1901 novel by Miles Franklin. Although relatively little is known about the author, it is believed to be autobiographical.

The heroine, Sybylla, a headstrong girl growing up in early 20th century Australia, has the opportunity of marriage to a wealthy young man whom she loves, but rejects it in order to maintain her independence, preferring to take a job as a governess/housekeeper.

In the 1979 film of the book, Sybylla was played by Judy Davis and Harry by Sam Neill. The film was directed by Gillian Armstrong and produced by Margaret Fink. It won many awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for costume design.