Magda Szubanski is one of Australia’s most beloved performers, most famously for her role in Kath and Kim as Sharon Strzelecki, but also for her many roles in the comedy sketch programs Fast Forward, the D-Generation, and as Esme Hoggett in the film Babe.

In the extraordinary memoir, Reckoning, Magda describes her journey of self-discovery from a suburban childhood, haunted by the demons of her father’s espionage activities in wartime Poland and by her secret awareness of her sexuality, to the complex dramas of adulthood and her need to find out the truth about herself and her family. With courage and compassion she addresses her own frailties and fears, and asks the big questions about life, about the shadows we inherit and the gifts we pass on. Heartbreaking, joyous, traumatic, intimate and revelatory, utterly captivating, Reckoning, announces the arrival of a fearless writer and natural storyteller. It will touch the lives of its readers.
It has also attracted remarkable cover notes, like this one from Christos Tsiolkas:

‘This is a remarkable memoir, that weaves the tragedy of twentieth century history into a personal narrative of coming to terms with family and self, and manages to honour both stories. The writing is assured and controlled, the storytelling expert and thoughtful, the language eloquent and moving. The writing, the story, the voice—all of it is beautiful.’

Paul Williams is Program Coordinator in Creative Writing at Sunshine Coast University and the author of several short stories and novels. His most recent book is Cokcraco, an exhilarating, playful and witty novel about writing, identity and literary KritiKs.

Some comments from reviews:
' Ever since Don Quixote, novelists have been taking the piss. In Cokcraco , Paul Williams does exactly that, turning the full beam of his satirical spotlight on the civil wars of university departments, the cultish bunkum of literary theory, the self-obsession of creative writing courses and the self-flagellation of white liberal guilt.' Jeffrey Poacher

If Heart of Darkness weren’t Conrad’s work, but instead a jolly collaboration between JM Coetzee and P. G. Wodehouse, it might have resembled Paul Williams’ latest novel, Cokraco.' Amy Brown

'A strange, funny, intelligent and quite unforgettable novel. What Flaubert did for parrots, Mr Williams has done for the humble roach.' Jeffrey Poacher (again but I couldn't resist)

About Us

Outspoken is organised by Steven Lang and Chris Francis.

We begin each evening with a fifteen minute interview and/or reading with an ‘Introducing’ author, a writer our audience may not be so familiar with but whom we believe to be worthy of their attention. The main part of the event takes the form of approximately one hour of conversation between the invited author and Steven Lang, including time for questions.

Please visit our website for more details and a list of our programmed events.

We will be running a bar so please come from 6.00 pm to enjoy a drink and sample our complimentary cheese and biscuits (from Maleny Cheese).

Proceedings start at 6.30 pm sharp.

For upcoming events, or to sign on to receive these emails, or for more information, please visit our website here