The gripping story of Australia’s first female crime writer and her career-criminal son.

When Mary Fortune arrived in Melbourne with her infant son in 1855, she was determined to reinvent herself. The Victorian goldfields were just the place.

‘Mary Fortune’s bold fictions electrified colonial Australia. But her own story, pieced together by two tenacious literary detectives, was best of all.’ —Gideon Haigh

‘A fine introduction to the author and her work.’ —Garry Disher

Attendee price: $10 bookings essential incl. light refreshment. Tickets can also be purchased at the Library.

Presented in partnership with Collins Booksellers on Lydiard.

This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.

Contact the host of In conversation with Megan Brown & Lucy Sussex