Whakapapa, kēhua and a kurī in the backseat—in Whaea Blue Talia Marshall travels across Aotearoa in a series of European cars given their own names. She tells the stories of her tīpuna and their connection to the land, in amongst reflections of her own life. Talia is joined by her whanaunga, journalist Meriana Johnsen, for a conversation that tracks a tempestuous journey of family, legacy and collective memory.

“Marshall’s whirlwind prose effortlessly slams the reader with neck-snapping speed from laughter to sorrow to recognition to disbelief and then back again. An uncommonly good debut by an author who is as original as she is undeniable.” — Victor Rodger

A discounted ‘Ticket + book’ bundle is available for a copy of Whaea Blue by Talia Marshall. If purchased, your book can be collected from Unity Books, 57 Willis Street, Wellington in advance of the festival, or at the event from Unity's book table.