Council

One of Australia’s most loved forums for literature, ideas and storytelling, Sydney Writers’ Festival will livestream select headline events from Sydney to NPSP Libraries on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May. 

Prepare to be invigorated and engaged by conversations, debates and discussions featuring some of the world’s finest writers and thinkers. 

Thursday 22 May @ Payneham Library

• 9:30-10:30AM - Markus Zusak: Three Wild Dogs and the Truth

Twenty years after his international sensation The Book Thief, Markus Zusak turns to non-fiction. Listen as Markus extols on love and human-animal connection in his memoir about his three big pound dogs. In conversation with Richard Glover.

• 11:30AM-12:30PM - Gina Chick: We Are the Stars 

Hear Alone Australia winner Gina Chick regale you with stories of her extraordinary life, from her unconventional childhood to deep links with nature as an adult. With host TK.

• 1:30-2:30PM - David Nicholls: You Are Here

Travel the winding road of love through first encounters and second chances with bestselling novelist and screenwriter David Nicholls, in conversation with Jennifer Byrne on his latest love story.

• 3:30-4:30PM - Past and Future of Indigenous Recognition

Respected Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and historian Clare Wright reflect on the history of First Nations movements for change in Australia and look at next steps. With Lorena Allam.

Friday 23 May @ Payneham Library

• 9:30-10:30AM - The Moriarty Sisters

Join the Moriarty sisters, Jaclyn, Liane and Nicola, as they discuss their career beginnings, different publishing paths and many successes with writer and broadcaster Sarah Macdonald.

• 11:30AM-12:30PM - Helen Garner: The Season

Hear iconic Australian writer Helen Garner’s reflections on football and the cycles of life in The Season, her first full-length book in a decade. In conversation with David Leser.

• 1:30-2:30PM - Alan Hollinghurst: Our Evenings

Hear Alan Hollinghurst discuss his seventh novel, a rich and pleasurable account of a lifetime in modern England and the search for identity. In conversation with Georgina Godwin.

• 3:30-4:30PM - Colm Tóibín: From Brooklyn to Long Island

Hear how Laureate of Irish Fiction Colm Tóibín returned to the Lacey family of international bestseller Brooklyn with the long-awaited sequel, set 20 years after Rose’s death. With ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.