Literary biographer Bernadette Brennan describes sensuality and sexuality as the driving forces behind the life and writing of Gillian Mears.

As an adult, Gillian was plagued by ill health yet remained steadfast in her quest to be independent and free; while recovering from open-heart surgery, she traversed the country alone in a decommissioned ambulance. By her mid-forties, multiple sclerosis had confined her to a wheelchair. Undaunted, she continued to write and publish novels including the highly-acclaimed Foal’s Bread.

Join us for this conversation about this extraordinary writer. Hosted by Michelle de Kretser.

Bernadette Brennan is a literary critic, academic and researcher in contemporary Australian writing. In 2017, she published her award-winning literary biography, A Writing Life: Helen Garner and Her Work, which offers a fascinating portrait of one of Australia's best-loved authors.

Michelle de Kretser has received many prestigious awards for her books, and has won the Miles Franklin Literary Award twice – first in 2013, for her novel, Questions of Travel, and again in 2018 for The Life to Come. Her latest novel is Scary Monsters.

A portable T-loop is available for a limited number of seats for this event. Please email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au if you require this service.

This is a free event, and registration for tickets is not required.