ABOUT THE EVENT:

The eagerly awaited new novel by beloved Australian author Monica McInerney

On Tuesday 29th September at the Red Mill Distillery, Balmain, join Monica McInerney in conversation with Madeleine Gray.

From one of Australia’s most beloved authors comes an inspiring and heartwarming story that celebrates all that makes life worth living and the extraordinary power of everyday acts of kindness.

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ABOUT THE VENUE

Red Mill is based in the historic White Bay Steelworks, just across from the inner-west icon, the White Bay Power Station. Red Mill makes small batches of high-quality Rum to age in a special barrel program, blended and bottled in their wonderful, industrial home. Visiting Red Mill is a chance to see the workings of an artisanal distillery, in the historic surrounds of this remarkable building. Refreshments available to purchase include wine, beer and a signature Red Mill cocktail. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique venue.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Seating is unallocated – another reason to arrive early to secure an optimal spot.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she’s not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she’s flying solo to Melbourne for a week. They think she’s in search of distraction and entertainment. The truth is, she’s chasing an elusive dream.

Sullivan Farrington is twelve years old. His life in Melbourne has turned upside down. His mother is in hospital, hiding a secret. His father lives on the other side of the world. School is a battleground. But Sullivan is no ordinary boy. He’s set himself a series of goals to turn his life around.

In a hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, Lola and Sullivan meet. When Lola’s fierce passion for people and stories teams up with Sullivan’s curiosity and brilliance, they discover that a friendship can bloom – magically – just when it is needed most.
What they don’t know yet is the wonder that’s about to unfold – or the emotional reckoning that will follow.

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ABOUT MONICA MCINERNEY

One of the stars of Australian fiction, Monica is the author of 13 internationally bestselling books for adults, including most recently The Godmothers, shortlisted for the 2021 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, and her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat. Monica grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley of South Australia. She and her Irish husband have been living between Australia and Ireland for thirty years. They currently live in Dublin.

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ABOUT MADELEINE GRAY

Madeleine Gray is a writer and critic from Sydney. Her debut novel, Green Dot, has been published in over 13 territories and won Madeleine the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year at the 2024 ABIAs and the 2025 Russell Prize for Humour Writing.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Refunds

Please note that tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or postponed due to extenuating circumstances. Refunds are not issued within 48 hours notice of event date. Humanitix fee is nonrefundable.

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This event is presented by Roaring Stories Bookshop Balmain.

With thanks to our venue partner Red Mill and Penguin Random House.

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Contact the host of Monica McInerney in conversation with Madeleine Gray