Hosted by New International Bookshop and Melbourne Labour History. Actor and historian Alice Garner will be in conversation with author Rowan Cahill.

Cold War Kid is an activist’s account of the period 1945-1972. Rowan Cahill tells the story of how a would-be poet and beachcomber solo-sailor was conscripted during the first call-up in 1965 and morphed to become prominent in opposing Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and conscription.

Activists will find hope and encouragement in this book describing agency and the development of resistance against overwhelming odds that helped end Australia’s involvement in an illegal war, ended conscription, and brought an end to twenty-three years of conservative government.

ROWAN CAHILL is a graduate of the universities of Sydney, New England, and Wollongong. He has published widely in mainstream, trade union, social movement, and academic publications. His recent books, co-authored with Terry Irving, are Radical Sydney: Places, Portraits and Unruly Episodes (UNSW Press, 2010) and The Barber Who Read History: Essays in Radical History (Bull Ant Press, 2021).

ALICE GARNER is a historian, teacher and writer. Beginning her career as a professional actor, she has specialised in collecting oral histories and developing audio works and podcasts.

Pre-order your copy of the book at www.kemblabooks.com

Contact the host of Book launch - Cold War Kid: Resisting the Vietnam War by Rowan Cahill