Rosalie Ham - writing, small towns and movie stars
Published on 23 September 2015
With her beautiful story “The Dressmaker” about to hit the big screen and a visit to our region planned, acclaimed Australian author Rosalie Ham’s gothic tale has been chosen as the first story to kick off a new program through Mildura Rural City Council’s local libraries.
The Sunraysia Reads program aims to get people both reading and engaging with each other. Arts and Culture portfolio Councillor Jill Joslyn said it’s a fantastic way for people to come together, build on their love of reading and meet the author behind the story.
“The program is set up like a massive book-club,” Cr Joslyn explained. “You can borrow or download “The Dressmaker” from the library and then join with friends or the libraries Facebook community and talk about the issues and ideas within the story.”
“What’s even better is that you’ll actually be able to test your theories directly with the author, with Rosalie heading to Mildura on Thursday 15 October.”
Rosalie Ham is a quintessential country girl, having grown up in Jerilderie in NSW. Her story telling reflects both the wonderful and the difficult parts of living in small, rural communities.
“The Dressmaker” is her first novel and has been made into a feature film starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving and Liam Hemsworth. The book has won critical acclaim and was short listed for the 2001 Christina Stead prize for fiction in the NSW Premier’s Literary awards. The film adaptation is set to be released later this year.
“It’s a funny, fresh and entertaining story set in the 1950’s. Amid gossip, innuendo and isolation, Tilly Dunnage returns to her home town and immediately throws the town into turmoil,” Cr Joslyn said.
“I really encourage you to get hold of a copy of this wonderful tale, share your thoughts on the story with others in the Sunraysia Reads community and then come along and meet the author yourself.”
Rosalie will host two free authors’ talks – one at the Merbein Library at 2pm on Thursday 15 October and an evening session at Mildura Library at 7:30pm.
Further information about the Sunraysia Reads program and bookings for the free author events can be made online via the library services web page www.mildura.vic.gov.au/library or by contacting the Mildura Library by telephone on (03) 5018 8350.
You can also check out “The Dressmaker” trailer online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyLrIq_ZHDA
Rosalie Ham Event Details:
Merbein Library
When: Thursday 15 October 2015 at 2pm
Mildura Library
When: Thursday 15 October 2015 at 7:30pm
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au