On Events, with Chris Gordon
I know I’m not alone in riding the great rollercoaster of emotions over the last few weeks. It has been exhausting and there have been times when I yearned for an entire day in bed with a box of chocolates and a very good novel. I have felt myself drawn to authors whose writing resonates a pragmatic understanding of how we all live. I’ve become tired of reactive declarations and grand sweeping statements. I’m searching now for authors whocan give me quiet reassurances that our collective narrative includes the experiences of us all. I don’t want to hear from the loudest anymore. I want to read considered stories.
With perfect timing, I was delighted to read that Hannah Kent has turned towards writing about hope and love. I am thrilled to have her take part in our online program of events (on Wed 27 October), where she will no doubt talk about why this moment is the perfect time for a love story. Kent’s new book, Devotion, is one to savour. The novel centres on Hanne Nussbaum, a woman who would rather run wild than conform to the limitations society places on her gender, until she meets Thea. As always, Kent’s writing will transport you far from your own bedroom into bewitching forests with dappled light.
Speaking of love stories, Clementine Ford is a person who has loved deeply and with curiosity. She is fascinated by love and the multiple ways it makes its home in our hearts and believes that the way we continue to surrender ourselves to love is an act of great faith and bravery. Her new book is a tender and lyrical memoir which explores love in its many forms, through Ford’s own experiences. How We Love is heartfelt, funny, and most importantly, given our present landscape, compassionate. Join us on our Zoom platform (on Wed 3 November) as we chat with Ford about the importance of friendship and why love provides hope.
I am also delighted to welcome the wonderful Michelle de Kretser, twice-winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, to our program to discuss her new novel, Scary Monsters (Thurs 28 October). Told over two separate stories narrated by two migrant characters, each explores with great depth and empathy the migrant experience in the Western world and the narrowness of a society that fears the other and the ‘scary monsters’ of racism, ageism and misogyny.
These women’s books provide us with respite from our present carnival of grand statements; they provide us with an alternative view of the world, a way to understand pain and hope, and how love and humility can lessen the load of disappointment. These stories, these kind words can help us leave our bed covers and turn towards something that binds us all together. I do hope you will join us to rejoice in other possibilities. Bring your chocolate box and settle in.
Looking for more guidance? Below are more upcoming events we can’t wait for and you can view our full program here.
- Julia Baird in conversation on Thursday 14 October
- Bernadette Brennan in conversation on Wednesday 20 October
- Christos Tsiolkos in conversation on Thursday 4 November
- Trent Dalton in conversation Monday 8 November
- Lies, Damned Lies book launch Thursday 18 November
