An Immaculate Conception: Just when You Thought It Was Safe to Get on with Your Own Life

'So your grandchild will be raised by two lesbians. How do you feel about that?' Cathy Connolly, a high-powered senior executive in the education department, is revelling in the new-found joys of being Sam's grandmother. Suddenly, within the space of two weeks, her life plunges into disarray. A colleague at work is trying to push her out of her job, her architect husband, Steve, says he wants to head for the Kimberleys in a 4-wheel drive, her daughter has given her boyfriend the boot: 'Its hard to find the right man nowadays. They're all either married, losers, or gay!' Her brother is leaving his wife and two daughters for a woman twenty-five years younger: 'He's not thinking about anything. He's just thinking with his dick!' And her son is planning to donate sperm to a lesbian couple: 'A Turkey baster! Dear God! As if life isn't difficult enough already. Do they do it with the lights off as well?' But worst of all, Cathy finds she has cervical cancer: 'It's a bugger. I don't want to die. Not yet. I feel as if I'm only just beginning to live.' A fascinating and witty slice of Australian life in the 21st century, An Immaculate Conception highlights the dramatically changing standards, morals and attitudes, not only of the inhabitants of Sydney's beach suburbs, where it is set, but of the whole country.