Bryan Brown will be in conversation with Alex Sloan on his new novel The Drowning. With sales of over 16,000 copies of his first book, Sweet Jimmy, Bryan Brown's distinctive storytelling voice continues in this cleverly plotted, tension -filled thriller set on the beaches of the north coast of New South Wales

The body of a local teenage boy is found on the beach of a sleepy northern New South Wales town. David went for an evening swim and got into trouble . . . at least, that's what it looks like. Three weeks before, Leila, a young backpacker, didn't turn up for her shift at the local cafe. Benny, the owner, isn't worried. It happens - backpackers are always on the move. There'll be another one. One of the locals, Adrian, has been a help to Benny. He's found him a nice little sideline. Not exactly legal. Is that all Adrian is arranging on the coast? He once was a cop but has he gone bad? And in the backblocks outside town, a bikie gang is gearing up for a large consignment from South America.

Murder, drugs, liaisons and lies are stirring up this small coastal town. With Bryan Brown's characteristic laconic storytelling - humorous, tough and suspenseful - the secrets of this seemingly idyllic town slowly come to the surface in an unflinching, gripping novel.

'A work of rattling and serpentine suspense … gripping and sinuous and so, so good.' Trent Dalton

Bryan Brown AM, actor and producer, has appeared in over 80 films and television series, including Newsfront, Breaker Morant, Australia and Palm Beach as well as the US mini-series The Thorn Birds , which won him an Emmy. In 2018 Bryan won the prestigious Longford Lyell award recognising his contribution to Australian cinema.

Alex Sloan AM has been a journalist for over 30 years, including as a long-time broadcaster with the ABC. Alex, who was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2017, is deputy chair of The Australia Institute, a director of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and deputy chair of The ACT Writers Centre. Alex is a regular conversationalist in the Meet the Author series.

The vote of thanks will be given by Brett Yeats, OAM, sponsorship officer and committee member of the ANU Film group group.

This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop. Books will be available for purchase on the evening in the Cultural Centre foyer. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm and again after the event.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Registration is required for this event.

Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them.

To help keep everyone safe, please ensure that you are familiar with, and follow, the advice from ACT Health regarding COVID-19.

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A podcast will be made available after the event.

Symposium by University House Wine bar (Shop 13, 152 University Avenue, Acton, which is just next to the Kambri cultural centre) will now be open for dining after meet the author events. Food and wine details at https://unihouse.anu.edu.au/eat/symposium/. No bookings necessary.

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Contact the host of Meet The Author - Bryan Brown