A central love story unfolds as de Kretser grapples with her feelings for her lover Kit amidst her resentment towards his girlfriend Olivia, culminating in a notable plot twist.

The novel begins with a conventional narrative about a man's reflections but quickly shifts to a blend of memoir, essay, and storytelling, emphasizing the interplay between theory and practice.

Set primarily in the late 1980s, the book recounts de Kretser's experiences after moving from Sydney to Melbourne to pursue an MA in English, capturing the excitement and opportunities of youth.

The narrative includes humorous and poignant observations about de Kretser's relationship with her mother, characterized by passive-aggressive communication that reveals underlying love and desperation.

Michelle de Kretser, an acclaimed Australian novelist and two-time Miles Franklin award winner, challenges traditional narrative forms in her latest book, Theory & Practice.

De Kretser explores the influence of Virginia Woolf on her literary development, acknowledging both Woolf's inspirational essays and her shortcomings as a model for real women's lives.

The book also features a critical essay on the controversial artist Donald Friend, showcasing de Kretser's capacity for blending personal narrative with social commentary.

Ultimately, Theory & Practice transcends the question of genre, offering a rich exploration of life's complexities and the beauty found within its wreckage.