Beauty is a central theme in the latest novels of Australian author Christos Tsiolkas (Seven and a Half) and British author and actor Sarah Winman (Still Life). The award-winning, bestselling writers join The Monthly Editor Michael Williams to discuss their unique approaches to the topic, and what their stories reveal about the capacity of beauty to flourish – be it in art, nature or human connection – even in the shadow of conflict and chaos.

This event was proudly supported by the Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne. 

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2022. 

Beauty is a central theme in the latest novels of Australian author Christos Tsiolkas (Seven and a Half) and British author and actor Sarah Winman (Still Life). The award-winning, bestselling writers join The Monthly Editor Michael Williams to discuss their unique approaches to the topic, and what their stories reveal about the capacity of beauty to flourish – be it in art, nature or human connection – even in the shadow of conflict and chaos.
This event was proudly supported by the Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne.  Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2022.

Australia's boldest literary festival.

Melbourne Writers Festival

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

In Pursuit of Beauty

[Content warning: Sensitive themes] Listen to former Australian of the Year Grace Tame as she talks about The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, her sharply intelligent, deeply felt and at times blisteringly funny memoir that shares her story – in her own words and on her own terms.

In conversation with Abigail Ulman, Tame talks about the hard-won journey to finding her voice, what her experience reveals about a culture of abuse in our society and institutions, the writing and editing process behind her memoir, and the values and passions that have helped her become a leading advocate for survivors of childhood sexual abuse who has inspired countless people from all walks of life.

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023

Please note, this conversation explores sensitive topics including child sexual abuse and domestic violence. 

[Content warning: Sensitive themes] Listen to former Australian of the Year Grace Tame as she talks about The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, her sharply intelligent, deeply felt and at times blisteringly funny memoir that shares her story – in her own words and on her own terms.
In conversation with Abigail Ulman, Tame talks about the hard-won journey to finding her voice, what her experience reveals about a culture of abuse in our society and institutions, the writing and editing process behind her memoir, and the values and passions that have helped her become a leading advocate for survivors of childhood sexual abuse who has inspired countless people from all walks of life.
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023
Please note, this conversation explores sensitive topics including child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

My Name Is Grace Tame

A world-renowned expert in American literature and culture, Sarah Churchwell (The Wrath to Come: Gone with the Wind and the Lies America Tells) delivers the 2023 John Button Oration.

Examining one of the most popular stories of all time, Gone with the Wind, Churchwell shows how histories of mythmaking have informed America’s racial and gender politics, the resurgence of white nationalism, the Black Lives Matter movement, the enduring power of the American dream, and the violence of Trumpism.

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023 

This event was proudly supported by the John Button Fund, Melbourne School of Government and the Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne

A world-renowned expert in American literature and culture, Sarah Churchwell (<a href="https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781789542998/9781789542998" data-emb-href-display="www.readings.com.au" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781789542998/9781789542998">The Wrath to Come: Gone with the Wind and the Lies America Tells</a>) delivers the 2023 John Button Oration.
Examining one of the most popular stories of all time, Gone with the Wind, Churchwell shows how histories of mythmaking have informed America’s racial and gender politics, the resurgence of white nationalism, the Black Lives Matter movement, the enduring power of the American dream, and the violence of Trumpism.
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023 
<hr>
This event was proudly supported by the John Button Fund, Melbourne School of Government and the Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne

The John Button Oration: The Great American Lie

"You can’t really interview a ghost." – Shehan Karunatilaka

Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka won the 2022 Booker Prize for his dazzling magic-realist satire The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. Set during his homeland’s long civil war, the story follows its title character, a self-described photographer, gambler and ‘closet queen’, who wakes up as a ghost with a week to discover who killed him.

One of the great literary voices of our times, Karunatilaka joins ABC RN’s Kate Evans (The Bookshelf) to discuss the novel's genesis and international success, the ethics of photography, and how Sri Lanka's history and culture informed the novel – with some cricket and daddy issues thrown in.  

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023 

This event was proudly supported by ARA Group

This event was presented in partnership with ABC RN

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

<blockquote>
"You can’t really interview a ghost." – Shehan Karunatilaka
</blockquote>
Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka won the 2022 Booker Prize for his dazzling magic-realist satire <a href="https://www.readings.com.au/product/9781908745903/the-seven-moons-of-maali-almeida--shehan-karunatilaka--2021--9781908745903">The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida</a>. Set during his homeland’s long civil war, the story follows its title character, a self-described photographer, gambler and ‘closet queen’, who wakes up as a ghost with a week to discover who killed him.
One of the great literary voices of our times, Karunatilaka joins ABC RN’s Kate Evans (The Bookshelf) to discuss the novel's genesis and international success, the ethics of photography, and how Sri Lanka's history and culture informed the novel – with some cricket and daddy issues thrown in.  
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2023 
<hr>
This event was proudly supported by ARA Group
This event was presented in partnership with ABC RN
This event was supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a $200 million partnership of the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.

In Pursuit of Beauty

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