John Lyons: An Evening with the Author

Join John Lyons, in conversation, to celebrate the release of his new book A Bunker in Kyiv, in-store at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore.

WHEN: Tuesday, 29th of April 2025, at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore. Please arrive at 6:45pm for a prompt 7pm start.

TICKETS: 

1 x Admission: $25.00 (excluding external fees), includes admission for one, a glass of wine and nibbles upon arrival.

1 x Admission + 1 x Book Tickets: $50.00 (excluding external fees), includes admission for one, a copy of A Bunker in Kyiv (RRP: $34.95), a glass of wine and nibbles upon arrival.

A riveting account of courageous resistance from the bestselling author of Balcony Over Jerusalem

About The Book:

On 24 February 2022, residents of Kyiv, Ukraine, woke to the sound of explosions and gunfire as Russian forces attempted to seize Hostomel Airport. It marked the beginning of the first land war in Europe since World War II. Under the leadership of the charismatic Volodymyr Zelensky, a militarised resistance and a civilian army of volunteers combined to defy Vladimir Putin.

By day, visitors to Kyiv might mistake it for any other charming European city. But when night falls, sirens wail and citizens sleep in bathrooms and bunkers to escape the persistent dangers of incoming missiles. This war is fought daily on both the front lines and the home front. Resourceful civilians - from old punk rockers and bikers to university professors and corporate brand managers - provide every bit of help they can, outwitting and outmanoeuvring the Russian army with drones, cyber tech and sheer ingenuity.

As Ukraine's long-term future captures the focus of global leaders in Russia, Europe and the US, veteran journalist and ABC Global Affairs Editor John Lyons takes readers into the heart of a nation under siege. He interviews Ukrainians who stand tall in the face of an increasingly brutal conflict and an uncertain future. These are the stories of ordinary civilians making extraordinary contributions, determined to fight back in every way possible to ensure the survival of themselves, their families, and the soul of their nation.

The Astonishing Story of the People's Army Defying Putin, from respected Australian journalist and author of Balcony Over Jerusalem

About the Author:

John Lyons is an acclaimed journalist and the Global Affairs Editor at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). With over three decades of experience in international journalism, Lyons has reported from some of the world's most turbulent regions, including the Middle East and Ukraine. His insightful reporting has earned him numerous awards, including four prestigious Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism and has twice been named Australian Journalist of the Year.

Lyons is known for his deep analysis and compelling storytelling, bringing the human aspects of global conflicts to the forefront. He is the author of Balcony Over Jerusalem, an account of his time in the Middle East covering the Israel-Palestine conflict. His latest work, based on his three trips to cover the Ukraine War, offers a poignant look into the lives of everyday civilians caught in the crossfire, showcasing their resilience and spirit.

About Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore

Rated as one of the top 10 bookstores in the world by National Geographic, Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore is an oasis for writers, readers, and coffee lovers. Books overflow from the shelves of their store, featuring a mix of new, second-hand, antiquarian and rare books. Stay a while & enjoy some homemade chai, and amazing coffee, and unearth a book treasure or two. Read more about the bookstore's story here, and about the real Gertrude & Alice here.