Fiona McFarlane in conversation with Michelle de Kretser

‘Gorgeous storytelling and superb characters are among the glories of The Sun Walks Down. Fiona McFarlane is an extraordinary writer, one of the best working today. Her magnificent reworking of the lost child story showcases the profound understanding she brings to people, places and the past. I lived in this wise, majestic novel for days and never wanted it to end.’

So comments event host Michelle de Kretser on Fiona McFarlane’s new book, The Sun Walks Down. But it’s not just de Kretser who loves the book. ‘The book I’m always longing to find: brilliant, fresh and compulsively readable,’ says Ann Patchett. From Sofie Laguna: ‘I adored it.’ And from Emily Bitto: ‘nothing short of brilliant.’

The Sun Walks Down is a brilliant alternative history novel set in 1883, where the residents of a small South Australian town huddle under strange, vivid sunsets. On Thursday 6 October, join McFarlane in conversation with de Kretser to discuss what is sure to be one of the most original novels released this year.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Seating is unallocated – another reason to arrive early to secure an optimal spot. Why not make a full evening of it, too, by booking a meal at the Royal Oak before or after the event? One of Balmain’s oldest and best-known pubs, it serves a delicious range of food and beverages.

The Sun Walks Down will be available for purchase at the venue through Roaring Stories, with book signings from McFarlane following the discussion.

If you miss out on a ticket, you can still watch the event as it is livestreamed from the Roaring Stories Facebook page (accessible on the Home page and from the Live tab). A recording will also be available to view later as an upload on the Roaring Stories YouTube channel.