IT’S a privilege for readers to meet their favourite authors, a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans of historical fiction.
This opportunity to connect will be available on Thursday, March 27, when bestselling Australian author Natasha Lester visits the Victoria Point library for a free author talk.
The event, running from 10-11am, will see Lester discuss her latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance, a historical fiction piece based on the life of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, who led France’s largest spy network during World War II.
Event organiser Olywn Whale explained that meeting authors in person offered a unique chance to engage with them, ask questions during the formal Q&A or even during a quieter moment at the book signing.
“It’s good to meet them,” Ms Whale said.
“You get a chance to ask questions, either at the formal Q and A or afterwards quietly during the book signing.
“It’s a chance to connect and often find deeper meanings in the books you spend so long reading.”
Ms Whale noted that while readers often met authors after reading their books, this time, Lester’s new release would be available to the public only the day before the talk.
“It’s always interesting to hear the background and even about the authors themselves,” she said.
“I have met hundreds of authors and the main thing I notice is that most are driven to write.
“It is a driving force to write every day, something they just have to do.”
Lester’s novel The Mademoiselle Alliance tells the story of Fourcade, a young Parisienne who, despite being celebrated for her glamour, led daring espionage missions with deadly consequences.
Known for her own sense of style and elegance, Lester brings her experience as a former marketing executive at L’Oreal into her writing, crafting stories that are both captivating and insightful.
The international best-selling author of novels such as The Paris Seamstress and The Riviera House, Lester has had her books translated into 21 languages and published worldwide. Her eighth novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, was long-listed for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize.
For more information or to register, visit the Redland City Council website.
