Author Katherine Jane will launch her debut novel Sally: A woman of her time, an Australian story of survival, identity and the enduring power of love, at Mount Gambier Library on Friday 19 September 2025 at 2:00pm.
Set in South Australia, Sally is a work of historical fiction with Mount Gambier featuring in part of the story.
"I was raised in Mount Gambier in the 1960s, and whilst the book is a blend of fact and fiction, the main characters are based on very real people, though their names have been changed," Ms Jane said.
Sally was raised on a struggling South Australian farm in the 1930s, the daughter of a disillusioned soldier settler. Life was never easy, and recognition even harder to come by.
When Jack, a kind and determined farmhand, sets his heart on her, he becomes her steady companion through the decades that follow: her parents' bitter divorce, Jack's wartime absence, the devastation of polio and the daily trails of raising four diverse children through the changing tides of the 60s and 70s.
Spanning six decades of challenges and change, Sally is a tender, sweeping take of endurance, love and the courage it takes to find yourself, no matter how late in life.
"Travelling from Western Australia to South Australia to promote Sally, Katherine Jane will present a series of meet the author events in each of the towns featured in the book. This will be a great event for people interested in Australian historical fiction and or interesting in learning about becoming a published writer," Community Development Coordinator Kristi Brooks said.
This is a free event with books available for sale and signing on the night. For bookings contact Mount Gambier Library on (08) 8721 2540 or online at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/Library under 'Programs and Events'.
