A visit from authors Angourie Rice and Kate Rice
This week, we had the privilege to meet authors Kate and Angourie Rice, and listen to them speak about their new book Stuck Up and Stupid, a modern twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
This was a fantastic experience where students were given an insight into the creative process, and involved lively conversations about literature, storytelling, and its impact on society.
We also had the opportunity to ask the authors questions ranging from the inspiration for the book, to their own personal experiences, to the role that literature and storytelling play in contemporary society. Overall, this was a highly enjoyable and engaging experience that examined the importance of literature and provided us with a fascinating first-hand insight into the book-writing process.
Kate Pitman-Fernandez
Year 10
Alongside the Year 8 cohort and parents, I was incredibly fortunate to meet the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Angourie and Kate Rice, authors of the captivating new novel, Stuck Up & Stupid. Kate is an actress, writer, and a PhD holder in the ethics of creative writing, who joined forces with her daughter Angourie, a rising star known for her roles in popular films such as the forthcoming Mean Girls and the Spider-Man trilogy, to write the novel.
As a reader and enthusiast of contemporary literature, the opportunity to engage with Kate and Angourie Rice was nothing short of enlightening.
During the insightful interview, Kate and Angourie generously opened the doors to their creative process, offering glimpses into the inspiration behind Stuck Up & Stupid and their collaborative writing process. The discussion illuminated the synergy between the two authors, showcasing how their distinct personalities seamlessly merged, undoubtedly contributing to the novel’s success.
A particularly striking aspect of our conversation was the authors’ unwavering commitment to addressing pertinent social issues within the narrative fabric of the novel. Much like Austen’s classic exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships, Kate and Angourie skilfully navigate these themes, infusing their work with a contemporary resonance. The duo expressed a shared belief in the transformative power of literature, emphasising their desire to convey timeless ideas and values while ensuring relevance for modern audiences.
Meeting both Kate and Angourie was an extraordinary experience for us as students. We had the invaluable opportunity to delve into a myriad of questions, exploring not only the intricacies of the creative writing process but also gaining insights into the world of international acting.
Alysia Rostirolla
Year 12
