AUSTRALIAN columnist Lainie Anderson will visit the Mount Gambier Library on Tuesday to speak about her newest novel Long Flight From Home.
Based around the 1919 Great Air Race which Prime Minister Billy Hughes developed, the story came to light following Ms Anderson’s column in Adelaide’s Sunday Mail from 2009.
Following her column, Ms Anderson was inundated with requests from readers to continue with the research.
Using war diaries as well as personal letters and a Churchill Fellowship research trip, Ms Anderson came across the story of Wally Shiers.
Wally is known as one of the two mechanics who flew in the race after being offered the opportunity from war hero and pilot Ross Smith.
Library programs team leader Kristi Leamey said the novel was “told through the eyes of Wally” and was a “magnificent story” which celebrated one of Australia’s greatest aeronautic achievements.
“It is an emotionally charged novel that is beautifully written and will appeal to anyone interested in history, aviation, war at the front end and of the hardships of leaving your loved ones behind,” Ms Leamey said.
The free event will be hosted by Dr Barney McCusker and represents an ideal time to learn about the historical event with its forthcoming centenary anniversary.
Bookings are available online or by calling the Mount Gambier Library.
