Join us as we speak to Saman Shad on the release of her debut novel, The Matchmaker. Saman is a writer, editor, journalist and teller of stories. Much of her work is inspired by her experiences as a third culture kid, growing up and living in Pakistan, the Middle East, the UK and Australia. Her writing credits span mediums, including radio scriptwriting for the BBC in the UK and the ABC in Australia, and playwriting, with works commissioned by theatres across London and Sydney. She is a regular writer for several publications, including the Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald and SBS. She has also worked on screen projects, including developing the feature film One of Us with funding from Screen Australia. She is currently working as a screenwriter on a number of upcoming projects. Saman is a proud mum of three children and lives with them and her husband in Sydney.

Saman will be in conversation with host Zeynab Gamieldien, winner of the inaugural WestWords/Ultimo Prize with her work The Scope of Permissibility, a coming-of-age story about a group of Muslim university students in Sydney.

WHEN: 11 May, 6.30pm (Arrive at 6pm for a 6.30pm start)

WHERE: WestWords Centre for Writing, 41 Hunter St, Parramatta

This is a free event.

Sparks fly in this glittering romantic comedy about love, marriage and mistaking your own identity.

Full of life, charm, and wonderfully observed detail, an utterly delightful debut.

~JODI McALISTER