Join us for a discussion with Sydney-based writer Uma Srinivasan, who will discuss her debut historical novel, Etched in Gold.

Etched in Gold brings alive a forgotten chapter of South Indian history through the intertwining lives of two courageous women — Amba from 1610 and Maya from 2010 — each seeking liberation through music, memory, and voice.

Uma will be speaking with Five Dock Librarian, Gayatri Krishnamurthy.

About the author

Uma came to Australia over thirty years ago as a skilled migrant, acquired a PhD from the University of New South Wales, and worked as a computer scientist till 2020. She is now a full-time writer of historical fiction.

Her journey into historical fiction began when she translated one of her mother's Tamil novels, Nandi Nayakan: The Temple Builder, into English.

Etched in Gold is her first original novel. It was shortlisted by Penguin Random House Australia for the 2023 Write It fellowship.

About the book

Etched in Gold traces the journey of two South Indian women separated by time and geography, yet connected by their love of music. Constrained by the cultural norms of their societies, both pursue their passion and push through the barriers that threaten their voices.

Woven as a tapestry of facts and fiction, set around temples and forts, this novel features characters from the sixteenth century to the eighteenth century, when Europe’s gaze was set on India.

Image of author by Dapper Dan Photography.

About the event

6pm - Light refreshments

6:30-7:30pm - Author talk