Alli Parker and Emma Pei Yin write compelling high-stakes historical novels that reach across generations and borders to examine inheritance, silence and survival. In this conversation, they speak with Phoebe McIlwraith about centring women in their stories, the trauma and legacy of war, and the real-life family histories that inspired their work.

This conversation was recorded at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival. The Stories to You podcast series is supported by Create NSW. If you would like to contribute to the valuable work of the festival in fostering a culture of reading and writing, please consider a tax-deductible donation.