When
Thursday 25 May | Friday 26 May | Saturday 27 May | Sunday 28 May 2023
One of Australia’s best-loved forums for literature, ideas and storytelling, Sydney Writers’ Festival will stream its headline events from Carriageworks in Sydney direct to Newcastle and Wallsend libraries.
Prepare to be stimulated and engaged by conversations, debates and discussions, as the Festival brings the world’s finest authors to Newcastle Libraries in real time.
Sessions at Wallsend Library:
Thursday 25 May
10:00–11:00AM JANE HARPER: EXILES
Internationally acclaimed crime writer Jane Harper discusses Exiles, the thrilling and likely final instalment of novels following investigator Aaron Falk, with Michaela Kalowski
12:00–1:00PM RICHARD FIDLER: THE BOOK OF ROADS & KINGDOMS
Much-loved radio host and author Richard Fidler delves into The Book of Roads & Kingdoms, his account of medieval wanderers during Islam’s Golden Age. He is joined by Caroline Baum.
2:00–3:00PM GERALDINE BROOKS: HORSE
Pulitzer Prize–winning author and journalist Geraldine Brooks sheds light on her bestselling novel, Horse, a sweeping historical saga of spirit, obsession and racial injustice, in conversation with Nicole Abadee.
Friday 26 May
10:00–11:00AM BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE
Celebrated historical novelists Geraldine Brooks and Pip Williams and newcomer Sally Colin-James share their insights into drawing from the past to understand the present and the future, in a panel event hosted by ABC RN’s Kate Evans.
12:00–1:00PM ELEANOR CATTON: BIRNAM WOOD
The Booker Prize–winning author of The Luminaries, Eleanor Catton, discusses her keenly anticipated thriller Birnam Wood with Beejay Silcox.
2:00–3:00PM MICHAEL KIRBY & BO SEO
Two-time world debating champion and Good Arguments author Bo Seo and former High Court justice Michael Kirby examine how to better listen and disagree with each other in an era of divisive public debate
Saturday 27 May
10:00–11:00AM A LIFE IN FOOD: STEPHANIE ALEXANDER AND MAGGIE BEER
Culinary icons Stephanie Alexander and Maggie Beer reflect on their decades-long friendship and decorated careers, which have transformed how Australians think about food, with interviewer Adam Liaw
12:00–1:00PM CRIME AND JUSTICE
Helen Garner and Hedley Thomas discuss their approaches to writing about crime and how they grapple with questions of justice, in conversation with Sarah Krasnostein.
Sunday 28 May
2:00–3:00PM RECKONING, NOT RECONCILIATION
With the campaign for a First Nations Voice to Parliament in full swing, leading First Nations thinkers Stan Grant and Teela Reid ask whether we are entering a new era for Australian democracy
4:00–5:00PM THE VOICE TO PARLIAMENT: ALL THE DETAIL YOU NEED
What will a Voice to Parliament actually mean? Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and legendary journalist Kerry O’Brien have worked together to write an accessible and engaging guide to this question. Whether you want to understand more about the Voice or would like some clear answers to share in conversations with others, this is a great opportunity to join an inspiring discussion of what our shared future can be.
Join us for one or all sessions, drop-in, no bookings necessary!