Rosalie Ham

Where were you born?

I was born and raised in Jerilderie, NSW, population 800, a place I still call home. My childhood was one of outdoor play, hanging out at the family farm and observing the working of our small community. Everybody   worked together, looked out for each other and we learned to take an interest in what everybody else was doing, form an opinion about it and say nothing. 

What themes are recurring in your work?

Retribution, how to make a life worthwhile, unresolved grief, warm but dark humour, the clash of comedy and tragedy which results in irony. Communities and the relationships within, and the effects outside influences have on these communities. Within, my characters are those who generally fail to conform and work to overcome the obstacles placed on them by their circumstance, society, their gender and status.

What have been the highlights of your career?

The Dressmaker adapted to film in 2015 film starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving and Liam Hemsworth along with a stellar Australian ensemble. The Dressmaker was produced by Sue Maslin, (Film Art Media, and also from Jerilderie, NSW). Jocelyn Moorhouse directed and adapted the novel for film. The Dressmaker won several AACTA awards including Australia’s Favourite film (2016), topped the box office and the costumes were exhibited throughout Australia. Rosalie Ham, her friends and family were extras in the film, which meant Rosalie met her characters in their hometown, Dungatar, while embodying the theme of transformation.

The Dressmaker (novel) was a staple of the VCE Readers list for Literature (2002-2006, & 2010-2023) and English, and has sold over 400,000 copies worldwide. 

Where have your works been published?

Rosalie’s stories and essays have been published in magazines and newspapers including Meanjin, The Age, The Australian, The Bulletin and Invisible Ink. The Dressmaker was published in 14 countries including UK and USA.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about books and book sellers, publishers, good literature and the keeping our own unique publishing industry thriving. 

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Rosalie Ham’s celebrated Dressmaker Trilogy  — Molly, The Dressmaker and The Dressmaker’s Secret — follows Molly Dunnage and her daughter Tilly across four decades of Australian life, from 1914 to 1953. Known for strong female protagonists, visual writing, dark humour and narrative unpredictability, the series blends Australian gothic with satire, couture, class warfare, secrets, betrayal, loyalty and resilience. Film and television rights for Molly and The Dressmaker’s Secret are currently available.