There are dozens of wonderful literary events coming up in this year's Melbourne Writer's Festival. Here are some of our top picks, including visiting international authors you don't want to miss, and local favourites discussing their exciting new books!
For the full events lineup and to book your tickets, head to the MWF website.
Events to enjoy with young readers
The Library of Bears with Cat Rabbit
Join Melbourne author Cat Rabbit for a heartwarming storytime featuring The Library of Bears – a tale of Softie the Bear’s journey to find a friend. Meet felt animals and enjoy this magical, feel-good adventure!
Recommended for ages 3+.
Jessica Townsend: Silverborn
At this family-friendly event, join internationally bestselling author Jessica Townsend as she talks about the latest book in her phenomenally popular Nevermoor series, Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow.
Recommended for ages 9+.
Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner: Lady’s Knight
Join Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner for a lively chat about their latest YA book, Lady’s Knight, where even the best-laid plans are at risk of being trampled by dragons.
Recommended for ages 13+.
Events for fiction readers
Top 100 Books with ABC Radio National
Join Kaliane Bradley (The Ministry of Time), Kate Grenville (Unsettled), Colum McCann (Twist) and host Sarah L'Estrange as they debate the greatest contemporary books of the 21st century, inspired by ABC Radio National’s Top 100 Books Countdown.
Samantha Harvey: Orbital
Journey through deep space with the 2024 Booker Prize-winning novel, Orbital – a profound meditation on the meaning of life and the nature of humanity itself. Join Samantha Harvey in conversation with Kate Mildenhall.
Nardi Simpson: The Belburd
Award-winning author Nardi Simpson reflects on motherhood, belonging and connection to Country in The Belburd, her lyrical novel weaving the everyday with the metaphysical. In conversation with Daniel James.
Emily Maguire and Josephine Rowe: Are You There, God?
Celebrated authors Emily Maguire (Rapture) and Josephine Rowe (Little World) discuss their new novels that explore faith, fate and the nature of belief.
Insightful discussions for nonfiction lovers
Post-Referendum Voices: Where Do We Go From Here?
Eighteen months after the Voice referendum, Daniel Browning (Close to the Subject) leads a powerful discussion with Ben Abbatangelo, Thomas Mayo (Always Was, Always Will Be), and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts (Long Yarn Short) on the way forward for reconciliation and the urgent need for truth-telling
Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland: Broken Brains
Writers, friends and co-authors Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland discuss brain health – the physical and the mental – through their intertwined experiences of illness, resilience and friendship in this raw, insightful and Melbourne-exclusive conversation on their new book, Broken Brains.
The Past is a Foreign Country
Historians and authors Santilla Chingaipe (Black Convicts), Sita Sargeant (She Shapes History) and Steve Vizard (Nation, Memory, Myth) explore untold, mythologised and overlooked aspects of Australian history, revealing how they shape our national identity.
