Bringing the Past to Life

When

Duration

Location

Ross Family Studio

Glasshouse Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service present:

Bringing the Past to Life

Novel and familiar stories of families across time

A favourite Festival event for historical fiction buffs returns with stories from near and far.

Robbie Arnott’s Dusk, set in the mountains of Tasmania, and Tasma Walton’s I Am Nannertgarrook, based on a true story from Tasma’s family, were both awarded the ARA Historical Novel Prize for their brilliant stories from Australian history. While Booker Prize–winning writer Yann Martel’s first book in a decade, Son of Nobody, features the discovery of a new perspective from the Trojan War.

Sink into these stories of the past with Robbie, Tasma and Yann, in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.

Relax, Refuel, Connect

Relax in our SWF Lounge between sessions and take the opportunity to chat and meet like-mined people. Tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.

Exclusive Offer

Present your Sydney Writers’ Festival ticket or VIP Festival Pass at Book Face in Port Central or Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie to receive a 10% discount* on books by featured authors in the Live & Local Program. This exclusive offer is valid from 10am Thursday 21 May to 4pm Sunday 24 May, 2026.

*Final discount and qualifying books at the discretion of Book Face and Collins Booksellers management.

Full Program Here(PDF, 3MB)  Book Day & Festival Passes Here

Part of Glasshouse SELECT 2026 Theatre Program

Part of Education @ Glasshouse 2026 Theatre Program   

Robbie Arnott

Robbie Arnott is the author of Dusk, Limberlost, The Rain Heron and Flames. He has won the ARA Historical Novel Prize, twice won The Age Book of the Year, and twice been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. He lives in Hobart with his wife and children.

Yann Martel

Yann Martel is a Canadian writer, the author of a collection of short stories, a compilation of letters to a former Prime Minister of Canada and four novels, most notably Life of Pi, for which he won the 2002 Booker Prize. His latest novel, Son of Nobody, inspired by Homer's Iliad and the Trojan War, has just come out. He lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Kate Evans Kate Evans presents The Bookshelf on ABC Radio National (with co-host Cassie McCullagh). She has a PhD in history, too many books and a tendency to over use post-it notes for fear of forgetting a beautifully-turned phrase.

Kate Evans

Kate Evans presents The Bookshelf on ABC Radio National (with co-host Cassie McCullagh). She has a PhD in history, too many books and a tendency to over use post-it notes for fear of forgetting a beautifully-turned phrase.

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