Club writers – Book Talk

Friday 7 May 2010, 1:00PM - 2:00PM

Presented by: Guest reviewers George Dunford & Kate Holden. Hosted by Elly Varrenti.
Rating: All levels
Type: Seminar
Additional dates: 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 1 October, 5 November, 1-2pm

Commencing in May, this lunchtime series will be held on the first Friday of each month. Join Elly Varrenti and special guests as they review topical books hot off the press and fresh on the market. Be prepared for lively debate with an opportunity for audience members to join in the discussion. Guest authors George Dunford and Kate Holden take on May’s featured book, Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel (Text release April 2010).

When a letter from an elderly taxidermist drops onto Henry’s doormat, it poses a puzzle that he cannot resist. As he is pulled closer to the world of this strange and calculating man, Henry becomes increasingly involved with the lives of a donkey and a howler monkey–named Beatrice and Virgil–and the epic journey they undertake together. With all the charm and spirit that made Life of Pi so treasured, this brilliant new novel takes the reader on a haunting, imaginative odyssey. On the way, Martel asks profound questions about life and art, truth and deception, responsibility and complicity.

George Dunford is a freelance writer who writes for Lonely Planet (including The Big Trip), Rough Guides, Meanjin, The Age Cheap Eats and Good Food Guides, The Big Issue, Wanderlust (UK), The Futurist (US) and others.

Kate Holden is the author of the bestselling In My Skin: A memoir, which was published in 2005 by Text Publishing to critical acclaim and sold to eleven countries. It was shortlisted for several awards and placed in the top five of the State Library of Victoria’s Summer Reads competition. She also writes short stories, a column in The Age, reviews and essays. Her new book, The Romantic, is due out later this year.

Series host, Elly Varrenti is an author, actress, teacher and broadcaster. Her most recent book – This is NOT my Beautiful Life – is published by Penguin and she is a regular columnist for ABC Radio National’s Life Matters program.

Hot off the press Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Marten is available via our books for sale online or you can pop into our office 10am-5pm Monday to Friday and purchase over the counter. Members receive a 10% discount off the retail price.

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SPECIAL OFFER FOR TODAY ONLY
20 FREE passes go to 20 people. Email us your comment (in 20 words or less) on your most recent book read. Offer closes midnight Thursday 6 May.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO ALL WHEELER CENTRE RESIDENT ORGANISATION MEMBERS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY. JUST CLICK ON MEMBER WHEN BOOKING.

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