Last night a crowd gathered in Fuller’s Bookshop in Hobart, glass of wine in hand, to celebrate the launch of Katherine Johnson’s six-years-in-the-making novel, Paris Savages. A Hobart local, Katherine drew in a large crowd for a talk with Geordie Williamson, literary critic at The Australian.
After reading one her favourite passages from early in the book, Katherine and Geordie dived into an intellectual discussion about the novel - it’s origins, the making and the character development (particularly of Hilda, who’s perspective we follow throughout the book). It is Hilda’s naivety that carries us through the uncomfortable images and circumstances in the novel and as she learns of the injustices we develop hope for the future, Geordie concludes.
They spoke of Dorondera’s and Hilda’s relationship - one of sisterhood, femininity and an encouragement of independence. And they spoke of Bonny’s bravery in his wanting to make a change for his people.
Question time saw some discussions of the development of the book cover - particularly over people’s pleasant surprise to see a face hidden beneath the foliage. If you’d like to read a little more behind the scenes of the cover, head to our Q&A with designer Alissa Dinallo.
And if you’d like to read a recap of the Sydney launch head here.
