Is the cultivation of an artist a subjective experience? Should emerging artists be separated from society, or immersed in it? These questions are explored in Soupdoll, an intriguing and dramatic work of fiction that features a child who was born to be a one-of-a-kind artist. However, such an idiosyncratic way of thinking was not welcomed at the time. Although metaphoric, the story details a period in Australian aesthetic history when, fashioned by its convict roots, the arts had turned into a masculine society wary of anything considered intellectual, highbrow, or "sissy." In contrast, the modernists were influenced by European émigrés, and they would venture abroad to seek work experience, pursue ideas, and gain inspiration. At odds with the stultifying Australian art scene, a prominent spokesman in the visual arts suggested the distrust of avant-garde was due to the country's egalitarian society, and some claim this trait is still visible in the 21st century. In a straightforward and illuminating style, author Lou Mason adds a humorous twist to lighten the pain in her story, but there is nevertheless a disturbing undercurrent. More of a portrayal than a judgment, Soupdoll follows the growth, the creativity, and the psyche of an artist. It captures her imagination, spirit, and her very essence. Candid, revealing, and laced with humour, it is a fascinating read about a young girl who's eyes are opened wide.