Hear from one of the country’s most acclaimed authors, Kate Grenville, on her dazzling new work of non-fiction – a colonial-era cold case that’s part locked-room mystery, part captivating exploration of a writer's imagination navigating the blurred boundaries between fact and possibility.

The Country Schoolmaster: A Mystery in 88 Letters begins with the discovery of an unassuming bundle of letters in an archive. On closer inspection, they reveal a complex and curious tale of victims, villains and small-town secrets. Was schoolmaster Joseph Connor savagely beating the students in his care? Or was he the victim of a small-town vendetta? And what went so terribly wrong between him and his daughter?

Fearlessly grappling with complicated histories and the strange textures of the past, Grenville once again reveals how great stories can emerge from unassuming archival fragments. Join her in conversation with Santilla Chingaipe as she lifts the lid on this fascinating true story.  

Originally presented on Thursday 1 October 2026 by The Wheeler Centre. 

Featured music is 'Traveling Again' by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist. 

The official bookseller was Ramona Books.

 

Hear from one of the country&rsquo;s most acclaimed authors, Kate Grenville, on her dazzling new work of non-fiction &ndash; a colonial-era cold case that&rsquo;s part locked-room mystery, part captivating exploration of a writer's imagination navigating the blurred boundaries between fact and possibility.
The Country Schoolmaster: A Mystery in 88 Letters begins with the discovery of an unassuming bundle of letters in an archive. On closer inspection, they reveal a complex and curious tale of victims, villains and small-town secrets. Was schoolmaster Joseph Connor savagely beating the students in his care? Or was he the victim of a small-town vendetta? And what went so terribly wrong between him and his daughter?
Fearlessly grappling with complicated histories and the strange textures of the past, Grenville once again reveals how great stories can emerge from unassuming archival fragments. Join her in conversation with Santilla Chingaipe as she lifts the lid on this fascinating true story.  Originally presented on Thursday 1 October 2026 by The Wheeler Centre. Featured music is 'Traveling Again' by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist. The official bookseller was Ramona Books.
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