Carrying On

How do you rebuild a life after the death of a much loved one? What brings solace, peace and maybe even pleasure as the living are left to carry on? A new lover? A pub? A rabbit?

Three gorgeous novels meditate on the nature of grief and ghosts, legacies and loss: Melanie Cheng’s The Burrow has been called ‘a rare delicacy’ by Helen Garner. Kylie Mirmohamadi’s first novel, Diving, Falling, is as elegant as it is exhilarating. While Jock Serong’s latest work of historical fiction, Cherrywood, brings a touch of magic realism to a gothic Melbourne. With host, La Trobe University’s Kelly Gardiner.

Bookings are essential. 

On Second Thoughts

In the final session of the festival, we once again pay respects to literary elders very much present.

Robert Dessaix is a writer, translator and broadcaster whose novels, memoirs, travel writing and essays have been adored by Australian and global audiences for decades. His latest book is Chameleon, a meditation on art, love, sex, literature, music and happiness, reveals Robert’s trademark wit, intellect and idiosyncrasy. Clare Wright will host Robert in this contemplative reflection on his writing.

Bookings are essential.