Australian author, Mary-Anne O'Connor, recently visited the Kempsey Shire Library to discuss her new book The Stowaway. O'Connor has a close connection to the Macleay Valley and still has a lot of family who live in the area. The event had a great turnout with 17 community members in attendance.
The Stowaway is an epic nineteenth-century romantic adventure filled with passion and heartbreak in an age of exploration, danger and opportunity. Attendees to this event heard O'Connor tell fascinating stories from her father, renowned artist Kevin Best. He shared with her the tall tale of a family stowaway which turned out to be true!
Her great grandfather was found sitting atop a trunk with his son in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after they were discovered (and jettisoned) as stowaways. This was blended into research about a famous Danish explorer to create this epic, windswept adventure.
O'Connor also spoke about Jorgen 'the dog days king of Iceland' Jorgensen and his travels. She also shared how seeing the film Gallipoli when she was 11 years old inspired her to be a writer.
Mary-Anne O'Connor has a combined arts education degree with specialities in environment, music and literature. After a successful copywriting and marketing career she now focuses on writing fiction and non-fiction as well as public speaking. O'Connor lives with her husband Anthony and their two sons Jimmy and Jack in northern Sydney with an outlook over beautiful bushland.
Copies of Mary-Anne's book were available for sale and signing.
The Kempsey Library regularly hosts similar events throughout the year from storytime sessions for children aged 3 to 6 years to information sessions on planning ahead for older adults. Your local library is a great way to connect with your local community and learn more while you're at it!
Check out other similar events: Library events - Kempsey Shire Libraries
