Almanac Literary: Adelaide Writers’ Week 2022 – Day 2

 

Day 2 of Adelaide Writers’ Week did not disappoint with another day of stimulating, thought provoking, and enlightening discussion about books and writing.

 

Charlotte McConaghy reading from her latest novel Once There Were Wolves

 

My first session this morning was with Charlotte McConaughey. Charlotte read selected passages from her new book Once There Were Wolves with session chair Geordie Williamson asking incisive and well thought out questions eliciting articulate and informative responses from the author. The book revolves around the quest of biologists to reintroduce grey wolves to the highlands of Scotland in a rewilding program which is fiercely opposed to by various vested interests. And, the story has a twist, there is a murder. Sounds a very interesting book!

 

 

 

Malcolm Knox on screen, Nick Ryan, and Bharat Sundarasan in a tribute to Shane Warne

 

As actor Brian Brown was ill, his session was replaced with a tribute to Shane Warne by journalists Malcolm Knox (via Zoom), Nick Ryan, and Bharat Sundarasan in conversation discussing the life and times of Shane Warne. These well respected writers presented a heart felt session full of love and admiration for Warne extolling the virtues of his cricketing prowess with personal anecdotes, as well as acknowledging the not so virtuous side of his life. For a fill in session this was brilliant and extremely well received by the audience.

 

Mark Willacy interviewed by Sharon Davis; Samantha Crompvoets via Zoom in a session ‘Our Nation’s Shame’

 

The most powerful and compelling session was ‘Our Nation’s Shame’ with ABC journalist Mark Willacy, and sociologist  Dr Samantha Crompvoets discussing the alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, and the books both have written about issue. Mark Willacy produced the  Gold Walkley winning ABC Four Corners program ‘Killing Field’ where war crimes by Australian soldiers were perpetrated and captured on film and were featured in the program. As a result of the response generated by the program and as further information and evidence was forthcoming, the AFP led an investigation into the allegations.  Crompvoets was the military sociologist who sparked the Brereton Inquiry into the alleged war crimes. The books Willacy and Crompvoets have written were the focal point of today’s session and discussed at length. The incisive questions asked by chair Sharon Davis provoked  frightening responses and insights by both authors into the shameful issues surrounding the allegations, and in particular, the reaction and threats both have since received highlight the seriousness and the extent proponents of opposing viewpoints  are willing to go to. I think everyone in the audience was stunned by the graphic revelations of both Willacy and Crompvoets and one could gauge the feeling that they all firmly believed the facts as they were presented. It will be interesting to see what happens as the story further unfolds.

 

 

 

Peter Doherty and Barry Jones via Zoom interviewed by Rick Sarre in a session titled ‘Words From The Wise’

 

Two intellect giants, distinguished thinkers, and Australian treasures, Nobel laureate Peter Doherty, and ‘dazzling polymath’ Barry Jones  both appeared in a Zoom session ably chaired by Rick Sarre. They discussed their recent  books sharing their wise words and thoughts on some of the wide-ranging  issues our country is confronted by today. As both pointed out, it is disappointing  the words of learned experts in their fields of expertise are so under utilised or are unacknowledged by governments and organisations in Australia today. As they said,  it is no wonder we are in the position we find ourselves, and a lack of leadership is not helping either. These two wise old men find it very frustrating if the issues affecting our way of life are readily identified and acknowledged then  surely the means to resolving those problems should be readily rectified. As Barry said, “engage, engage, engage”, and Peter, “think it through” and we’ll get there. If only governments listened! A wonderful entertaining session featuring two wonderful men both still at the top of their game .

 

 

 

 

Day 1 report can be read Here.

 

More from Col can be read Here.

 

 

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About Colin Ritchie

Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.

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