Canberra's literary scene is set to captivate book lovers with a remarkable series of author events running from mid-November through early December 2025. This diverse program features some of Australia's most celebrated writers, journalists, and thinkers, offering unique insights into their latest works.
November Highlights: From Memoirs to Murder Trials
The literary festivities commence on November 17 with media icon Ita Buttrose in conversation with Alex Sloan about her compelling memoir, Unapologetically Ita. This event promises to deliver fascinating revelations from one of Australia's most respected journalists, beginning at 6pm at the Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre.
Just two days later on November 19, three award-winning authors – Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, and Sarah Krasnostein – will gather to discuss their collaborative work, The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Trial. These literary heavyweights spent extensive time immersed in the infamous Erin Patterson case, exploring its complex themes of love, jealousy, revenge, and murder. They'll be in conversation with Beejay Silcox at 6pm, also at the Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre.
The November program continues with legendary Australian actor and author Bryan Brown on November 21. Fresh from the success of his debut novel The Drowning, Brown will discuss his new work The Hidden and his journey into writing with Alex Sloan at 6pm at the Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre.
Political Analysis and Historical Accounts
On November 25, political commentator Sean Kelly presents his new Quarterly Essay, The Good Fight. What Does Labor Stand For? In this subtle and brilliant analysis, Kelly examines whether the Labor Party remains committed to its core values. He'll be in conversation with Amy Remeikis at 6pm at the Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre.
History enthusiasts won't want to miss author Tom Trumble on November 27 at 5pm at Paperchain Bookstore in Manuka. Trumble will discuss his latest military history, Survival in Singapore, a gripping account of courage and human resilience during Japanese-occupied Singapore that reveals previously untold stories from this dramatic period.
December Events: From Elections to Aquatic Legends
As the calendar turns to December, journalist Niki Savva launches her new book Earthquake: The Election That Shook Australia on December 2. This collection features Savva's most groundbreaking newspaper columns alongside riveting analysis of Australia's epoch-making 2025 election. She'll be in conversation with Kerry-Anne Walsh at 6:15pm at the Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre.
Marking the 95th anniversary of Manuka Pool, The Book Cow in Kingston hosts writer Grantlee Kieza on November 30 at 2pm. Kieza will discuss his biographical novel Annette Kellerman: Australian Mermaid, followed by a screening of Neptune's Daughter courtesy of the National Film and Sound Archive. The event celebrates Kellerman's extraordinary legacy as one of the highest-paid entertainers of her time, though she considered her promotion of health, fitness, and independence for women her greatest achievement.
Diverse Voices and Contemporary Fiction
Also on November 27, Canberra GP and author Jo Skinner will discuss her second contemporary women's fiction novel, A World of Silence, with fellow author Karen Viggers. The novel explores powerful themes of female friendship, domestic abuse, parenting, sexuality, and the transformative power of women supporting women. This event begins at 6pm at The Book Cow.
This impressive lineup demonstrates the depth and diversity of Australian literary talent, offering Canberra readers unparalleled access to authors across multiple genres. From true crime analysis to political commentary, historical accounts to contemporary fiction, these events provide rich opportunities for literary engagement and discovery throughout the late spring season.
