The author will be visiting Avenel Library on Wednesday, May 8, at 2pm to share his most recent publication, Life So Full of Promise.
Life So Full of Promise is the sequel to Mr McMullin’s award-winning biography collection Farewell, Dear People and combines extensive research and narrative flair.
His second multi-biography about Australia’s lost generation of World War I features a collection of inter-woven stories set in that defining era.
There are extended biographies of the main characters, while their families and friends are also conspicuous in the narratives.
The rich cast includes a talented barrister whose outstanding leadership enabled a momentous Australian victory; an eminent newspaper editor who kept his community informed about the war while his sons were in the trenches; an energetic soldiers’ mother who became a political activist and a Red Cross dynamo; an admired farmer whose unit was rushed to the rescue in the climax of the conflict; the close sisters from Melbourne who found their lives transformed; a popular officer who was more fervently mourned than any other Australian casualty; and a bohemian Scandinavian blonde who disrupted one of Sydney’s best known families.
A feature of the book is its coverage of cricket and cricketers of the era.
It reveals the untold story of an enthusiastic all-rounder who was chosen for an Australian national team to tour England but did not go for an intriguing reason.
There is also a biography of a brilliant yet practically unknown cricketer whose stunning feat has never been matched.
Other prominent characters include the most versatile top-level sportsman Australia has ever known and a Test prospect whose violent post-war death shocked the nation.
The new publication is already shortlisted for the Nib Literary Awards.
It has also been reviewed by Barry Jones in The Age.
“His scholarship is impeccable, he writes like an angel,” Mr Jones said.
“His narrative gift is Blaineyesque.”
Goulburn Valley Libraries invites everyone to come and meet Mr McMullin and hear him talk about his newest publication.
Copies of his books will be available to buy at the event at a discounted price.
Get in touch with Goulburn Valley Libraries on 1300 374 765 or email avenel@gvlibraries.com.au to RSVP.
Booking is also available online via the Goulburn Valley Libraries website at www.gvlibraries.com.au
Mr McMullin will also be visiting Numurkah Library on Tuesday, May 7 at 2pm and Tatura Library at 6.30pm.
