Join us for an evening with Susannah Begbie, author of The Deed

Published: 09 Oct 2024 4:01pm

Described by Goodreads as a “perceptive and memorable debut that captures the complex, often messy dynamics of family life”, Susannah Begbie’s first novel The Deed is receiving the sort of attention from reviewers and readers that most writers can only dream of getting.

Now Wagga Wagga residents can hear Susannah Begbie in a conversation with Library Services Manager Christine Bolton at Wagga Wagga City Library on Thursday 17 October between 6pm-7.30pm.

Ms Bolton said Susannah Begbie grew up on a sheep farm in NSW and works as a GP part-time and as a writer part-time.

“She has worked from Boggabri to Broome, the South Coast to the Red Centre, and many places in between,” Ms Bolton said.

“Susannah started a Graduate Diploma in Professional Writing at Canberra University in 2006, and in 2012 she started writing her novel.

“Ten years later, that novel – The Deed – won the Richell Prize for unpublished authors.”

The novel tells the story of a dying farmer who sets his children a task to gain their inheritance on his death – to build his coffin in four days. The Richell Prize panel believed the novel was expertly told, compelling and entertaining.

Ms Bolton said the novel’s setting was partly inspired by the Riverina.

“Susannah discovered the area northeast of Wagga while working as a locum doctor. Inspired by the beauty of the country she decided to set her novel halfway between Wagga Wagga and Albury in the fictitious town of Coorong.

“This free event is the perfect opportunity for locals to meet Susannah and listen to her talking about her book.”

Copies of The Deed will be available for purchase on the evening, and refreshments will be served.

WHERE & WHEN

Wagga Wagga City Library
6pm-7.30pm, Thursday 17 October

Bookings are  essential.