A book launch with a surprise guest….

It was a full house on Wednesday at the iconic Gertrude and Alice Bookstore (and Cafe) in Bondi.  We were there to celebrate the release ofThe Girl from Moscow, the debut novel of Thursday Book Club regular, Julia Levitina, and launched by the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns.The Girl from Moscowis a tale Julia is well placed to tell: she was born in the Soviet Union and used her early life as inspiration for the novel. Julia will appearing at the inauguralManly Writers Festival this Friday. 

Last Friday, I hosted the Korean Book Club with author and academic, Dr Jane Park. In celebration of International Women's Day, we discussed the novelCan't I Go Insteadby Lee Geum-yi. It's the story of two Korean women against the background of colonialism and Korea's fight for independence. The Korean Book Club, supported by the Korean Cultural Club, is a great community and I thoroughly enjoy my part in it. Some years ago, I interviewed the charismatic and much-acclaimed Korean writer and statesmen, Hwang Sok-yong, who, in breaking news, has just been longlisted for the 2024 International Booker Prize for his novel,Mater 2-10. 

Later this week, I'm off to Toowoomba to share the stage with author and journalist, Michael Burge, as part ofWord Fest Toowoomba's literary weekend.On Saturday, I'll be inBrisbaneto  talk about my novel,The Watchful Wife.  For the Queenslanders amongst you, it would be lovely to see you there. 

Finally, If you're an audio book listener, audiobooks.com has a March special - 60% discount on my novelThe Watchful Wife, beautifully read by Anthea Greco.  You can access the discounthere.