Join us for an author event with Vesna Cvjeticanon discussing her book An Unexpected Life, which presents the remarkable journeys of twelve migrant women who embarked on a courageous path to Australia as adults, each confronting formidable challenges along the way.

Vesna is one of these women, and they are all her friends. Through resilience and determination, they not only overcame adversity but thrived against the odds. They come from eleven different countries from all over the World: Romania, Afghanistan, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Peru, North Macedonia, Chile, Bosnia, Malaysia and South Africa, and they tell the stories of their childhoods in those countries. Some are stories of struggle from early days, and some are fine portrayals of innocence and gentle family nests in which they grew up. These have all formed them and built their toughness to face challenges of migration.

Each of these stories also depicts an unexpected life: they all had to start anew after landing in Australia, which required a great deal of enthusiasm, energy, strength and self-belief.

Despite often facing discrimination, economic hardship, and personal struggles, these women emerged triumphant, proving that with unwavering resolve, anything is possible. The hope is that their narratives inspire hope and illuminate the transformative power of resilience, reminding readers that amidst life’s uncertainties, unexpected opportunities for growth and fulfillment await. An Unexpected Life celebrates the indomitable spirit of the portrayed women, offering a testament to the human capacity for triumph in the face of adversity.

This book is a must read for anyone who has experienced migration under any circumstances, as a refugee or as an intended migrant. Language barriers, cultural challenges as well as unexpected both traumas and enjoyments along the way, embellish these 12 stories on every page of this unique, gentle and lovingly created book.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear first-hand about the triumphs and hardships that shaped these remarkable women.

FROM THE AUTHOR

For a lawyer by profession, I am overly positive and trusting, people say :). And playful! I sing whenever I can. I write constantly - wirelessly (in my head), typing (on my lap-top), with my special fountain pen (into my little red notebook)... and all of those while wandering aimlessly, driving, exercising, showering, sleeping, sitting on a train or at my desk...

I am born to fight windmills and swim upstream. I tolerate physical pain, but tremble when emotionally overwhelmed.

So - where does this come from? From my life that has been a magical concoction of tears, laughter, a mountain of uncertainty, a solid rock of belief in myself, three drops of love, and a powerful Balkan gene-structure!

That is where my personality comes from.

My first name means 'A Goddess of Spring' and my (married) surname means 'Made our of Flowers'.

I am a poet.

I write short stories.

I have a novel or two in me yet.

Lovingly yours,

Vesna