Kate Grenville: A Room Made of Leaves
Melbourne-based writer Kate Grenville is a long-time favourite among readers. She’s the author of the international bestseller The Secret River, and other novels including Sarah Thornhill, Lilian’s Story, Dark Places and The Idea of Perfection.
Grenville has spent almost a decade focussed on non-fiction. One Life offered an intimate account of her mother’s life; The Case Against Fragrance investigated the allure, affect and health risks of synthetic scents.
A Room Made of Leaves marks the author’s return to the novel form. It’s a work of historical fiction posing as a memoir written by Elizabeth Macarthur – wife of John Macarthur, the notorious Second Fleet settler and wool baron of early Sydney. Moving between fact and fiction, Grenville uses Macarthur’s story to unravel common notions of women of the past – and to delve into the attraction of false stories.
In this online conversation hosted by Larissa Behrendt, Grenville will talk about the book, her writing and her career.
Presented in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Watch this event on this page.
It’s an uncertain moment for the arts, for writers and for everybody. If you’re in a position to support our efforts to bring you books, writing and ideas from a safe distance, you can make a contribution here. Thank you for your generosity.
Featuring
Featuring
Kate Grenville is one of Australia’s most celebrated writers. Her bestselling novel The Secret River received the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the Miles Franklin Literary Award. The Idea of Perfection won the Orange Prize. Grenville’s other nove... Read more
Larissa Behrendt AO is the Laureate Fellow at Jumbunna Research, UTS. She is an award winning author and filmmaker and the host of Speaking Out on ABC Radio.
Watch, Listen, Read
Read
Read an excerpt from The Almighty Sometimes
Read
What's on in May: Resident Organisation Round Up
Listen
Chanel Contos: Consent Laid Bare
Watch
Chanel Contos: Consent Laid Bare
Listen
Origin of You: Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 and Sui Zhen
Watch