Talking Aussie Books with Jane Harrison

Jane Harrison is an award-winning playwright and novelist as well as Festival director whose work has been performed across Australia and internationally. Jane is descended from the Muruwari people and believes stories have the power to strengthen cultural connection. Jane’s YA novel ‘Becoming Kirrali Lewis’ won the 2014 Black & Write Prize and that same novel was shortlisted for the 2014 Prime Ministers Literary Award and the Victorian Premiers Award. Jane’s stage play ‘The Visitors’ was performed to critical acclaim at the Sydney Festival back in 2020 and a Sydney Theatre Production of the 'The Visitors' is playing at the Sydney Opera House in September 2023. If that wasn't enough, HarperCollins has recently published Jane’s debut adult novel inspired by her hit stage show - also called ‘The Visitors’. This is a book that reimagines a crucial moment in Australia’s history from the point of view of our First Nations people. A story that challenges our understanding of this event by revisiting the landing of the first fleet in 1788 from the perspective of seven Aboriginal men, all of whom represent nearby clans. A stunning, evocative and thought-provoking novel which I loved. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Jane about her book on the podcast recently.