Book Launch & In Conversation with Andra Putnis

Andra Putnis will be in conversation with Alex Sloan on her compelling debut book, Stories My Grandmothers Didn't Tell Me: Two women's journeys from war-torn Europe to a new life in Australia – Allen & Unwin

About the Book

When she breaks an unspoken family code not to dig too deep into the past, Andra is plunged into the bleak world of the Soviet and Nazi occupations of Latvia in World War II, and secret lives of her grandmothers.

'An elegant, absorbing story of ordinary people thrown into extraordinary crisis.' - Peter Greste

'Anyone with untold stories flowing through their DNA will find home and understanding here. I felt my own grandmother speaking to me...' - Amy Remeikis

'Deeply moving, brilliantly crafted and powerfully written' - Biff Ward

'An Australian born granddaughter discovering the stories of her Latvian grandmothers and their lives lived in very different times and circumstances...a compelling read.' - Ilze Thomas

About Andra Putnis

Andra 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 Master’s 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 Latvian heritage.

About Alex Sloan

Alex Sloan AM is an award-winning journalist and highly regarded interviewer, facilitator and MC. Alex has been a journalist for over 30 years, including 27 years as a broadcaster with the ABC. In 2017, Alex was named ACT Citizen of the Year, and in 2019 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

About the Event

• Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
• Registration is required for this event.
• Accessible parking spaces directly below the Harry Hartog ANU Bookshop are available should you require them. Kambri ANU / Parking
• If you do not feel well, please refrain from attending this event.
• Disability Access available - please ask in-store.