Look Back Laughing

Christina and Ollie face social disaster at snooty St. Hilda’s when they’re assigned The Sneer and David the Drone from the list of approved partners for the Senior School Dance. The two sixteen year olds, former enemies, vow to hunt down their own partners and join the high-status set. Impossible. It’s 1961 and they’re locked away in their stuffy girls’ only boarding-school.

After several spectacular failures, the naÏve pair locate the flashy Vinko Zdravkovic and Roy the Boy, would-be rock star. On the big night, Vinko and Roy break every taboo. Christina and Ollie find themselves cast adrift from their peers. It’s the most hideous night of their lives. They’re expelled! Christina’s university hopes shatter. Social disgrace looms for Ollie. But years later, they can indeed Look Back Laughing.

The disaster of expulsion results in a lifelong friendship.

Based on actual events in 1961 – the Year of the Yellow Event.

About the Authors:

Selena de Lang graduated from the University of Melbourne with an Arts degree, majoring in literature and philosophy. Professionally, she alternated between journalism and advertising copywriting for press, radio and TV. National magazine for which she has written range from The Australian Women’s Weekly and Woman’s Day to rock music/ fashion publications Juke and Ragtrader.



Heather R Mathew is a Bachelor of Arts graduate from the University of Melbourne with majors in philosophy and oriental studies. A librarian, editor and writer, her professional life includes managing a research library for CSIRO, Australia’s leading scientific and industrial research organisaiton.