Explore the program
The Festival may be over but we can't stop thinking about all the discussions, performances and stories we experienced together. Around the office, we're still buzzing about some of the books that have stayed with us and will continue to impact how we see and understand the world around us.
Brooke, CEO – The Forever War: America's Unending Conflict with Itself by Nick Bryant
A 250-year history of America being at war with itself – packed with insights and sharp, compelling commentary from one of Australia’s pre-eminent political journalists.
Lauren, Festival Producer – The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas
I still can’t decide how I feel about these characters, Ivan and Perry, but I know that I can’t shake them. They are so complex and vividly alive on the page. I can’t wait to return to them and know when I do it will feel as if they’re old friends. Friends you may not always agree with, whose behaviour you may not always condone, but who you love nonetheless.
Sarah, Head of Marketing – The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel
Katy's approach to art and art history is all about access, making great art approachable to the art nerds like myself but also to those who are new to the space. I went into Katy's session knowing a fair bit about women in modern art, but was surprised by the in-depth exploration of women in art before the 20th century, so many of whom were almost lost to history. Lucky for us, Katy is here to ensure they get their dues, even if it's a few centuries too late!
Jen, Digital Marketing Manager – Songs for the Dead and the Living by Sara M Saleh
This debut novel from Sara M Saleh about intergenerational resilience was very moving and very beautiful. The young woman at the heart of the novel grapples with challenges to her identity, family and feelings of home. It's a novel with big emotions that has stayed with me and makes me look forward to Sara's future work.
Georgia, Development Manager – Unshrinking: How to Fight Fatphobia by Kate Manne
The book and subsequently the session I can't stop thinking about is Kate Manne's Unshrinking: How to Fight Fatphobia. Manne's candid honesty, vulnerability and humour hooked me from the first page, as she uses her own experiences to unpack fatphobia and debunk myths and assumptions. I adored her Festival session with Maeve Marsden. When Kate was asked how we can all better love our bodies, her response was that she tells herself, "My body is for me". This is a brilliant battle cry in the face of fatphobia, capitalism, ableism, patriarchy (I could go on...) and one I have had ringing in my ears since then. Read this book!
Which writers and books have stayed with you since the Festival?