Mount Gambier Library will welcome acclaimed Western Australian author, Tess Woods, for the launch of her latest novel The Cairo Bridal Shop on Wednesday 2 September at 6:30pm.
Tess Woods is an award-winning author and Australian Top 10 bestselling writer of contemporary fiction. She is best known for her breakout novel, The Venice Hotel, which debuted at number three on the Australian Fiction Chart and achieved significant commercial success.
Set in modern-day Egypt, The Cairo Bridal Shop tells the story of three sisters connected by their late mother's bridal boutique as they navigate love, identity and political turmoil. Sarah longs for a child while trapped in a failing marriage. Aya risks everything to save the man she loves from political imprisonment, while Lola struggles with her identity in a society where being true to herself could come at a devastating cost.
Born in Alexandria to an Egyptian family, Tess has drawn deeply on her own heritage to create this compelling and personal story.
City of Mount Gambier Community Development Coordinator Kristi Brooks said The Cairo Bridal Shop is a deeply personal novel for Tess - a sweeping tale of sisterhood, love and courage blending family drama, romance and contemporary social issues in a richly layered narrative.
"Drawing on her early childhood in Egypt and her family's migration to Australia in 1979, a move shaped by political instability and concerns for their safety, the novel explores themes of belonging, resilience and identity. It is also inspired by Tess' beloved grandmother, a bridal dressmaker who rebuilt her life in Australia. The story serves as a love letter to both her grandmother and Egypt, celebrating the country's beauty while acknowledging its complexities," Mrs Brooks said.
"Anticipation for this release is building among readers and critics alike, and Mount Gambier Library is thrilled to be one of only two South Australian venues hosting Tess as part of her national book tour."
The event is free with the opportunity for the audience to pose questions and purchase books available for signing. Contact Mount Gambier Library on 8721 2540 or book online via the Library's website www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/Library under 'Programs and Events'.
