Author Talk with Andra Putnis

Join us at the Queanbeyan Heritage Library for an author talk with Andra Putnis.

Set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history, Stories My Grandmothers Didn’t Tell Me by Andra Putnis, chronicles the harrowing experiences of Andra’s grandmothers who were forced to flee their homeland of Latvia amidst the chaos of World War II. Through vivid storytelling, Andra brings to life the trials and triumphs of these remarkable women, offering a glimpse into their extraordinary journey to freedom in Australia.

In her talk, local author, Andra, will take us to Latvia in the 1940s, through war-torn Europe, and all the way to her grandmothers building new lives in Newcastle.  As the world grapples with its modern day challenges, Andra will reflect on why we need the stories of the people who came before us – our parents and grandparents  – to better understand where we come from and who we want to be. 

Bio
Andra Putnis is an Australian writer with Latvian heritage living on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra with her partner and two children. Andra completed a Bachelor of Arts / Law at the Australian National University majoring in History in 2001 and is finalising a Masters Degree specialising in qualitative research and storytelling. 

Andra grew up close to her two Latvian grandmothers – but they were reticent to fully speak about what truly happened to them during the Second World War and she was afraid to ask too many questions.  As a young adult, Andra had the opportunity to finally piece together their stories and better understand her heritage

Book sales and signing will be available at the event.