“Things happen, people leave us, the world shuts down and the world reopens. We realise over time, sooner or later, that we’re never going back to anything. We’re only going forward and finding a new way.” – Benjamin Dreyer

The last few years have changed us all in profound ways. How have we been surprised, unsettled and enlivened as we return to once-familiar relationships, routines and realities? How are storytellers making sense of how life has changed? 

For our Opening Night event, five of the most remarkable writers in the world delivered their unique takes on the 2023 Festival theme: ‘I’ve been away for a while’.

Benjamin Dreyer – author ofDreyer’s English and vice president, executive managing editor and copy chief, of Random House – delivers a sweeping oration on finding your way through life, sharing profound wisdom and advice from writers across time including Virginia Woolf, Robert Frost and Elizabeth Strout. 

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023

This event was supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a $200 million partnership of the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.

<blockquote>
“Things happen, people leave us, the world shuts down and the world reopens. We realise over time, sooner or later, that we’re never going back to anything. We’re only going forward and finding a new way.” – Benjamin Dreyer
</blockquote>
The last few years have changed us all in profound ways. How have we been surprised, unsettled and enlivened as we return to once-familiar relationships, routines and realities? How are storytellers making sense of how life has changed? 
For our Opening Night event, five of the most remarkable writers in the world delivered their unique takes on the 2023 Festival theme: ‘I’ve been away for a while’.
Benjamin Dreyer – author of <a href="https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781787464131/dreyers-english-an-utterly-correct-guide-to-clarity-and-style--benjamin-dreyer--2020--9781787464131">Dreyer’s English</a> and vice president, executive managing editor and copy chief, of Random House – delivers a sweeping oration on finding your way through life, sharing profound wisdom and advice from writers across time including Virginia Woolf, Robert Frost and Elizabeth Strout. 
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023
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This event was supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a $200 million partnership of the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.

Australia's boldest literary festival.

Melbourne Writers Festival

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

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