In Conversation with Niall Williams

See Booker Prize nominated Irish author Niall Williams at his only Melbourne event.

Author of This is Happiness and Four Letters of Love – soon to be a feature film starring Pierce Brosnan – Niall has captivated readers around the world with his cinematic writing and quirky characters.

His most recent book is A Time of the Child: a heartbreaking and life-affirming novel about small towns and second chances.

It’s Christmas 1962 in the Irish town of Faha when Doctor Jack Troy and his daughter Ronnie’s lives are turned upside. An abandoned baby has been left in their care. As the winter passes, their lives are changed forever.

Hear from Niall about the inspiration behind his latest novel, and ask him any of your questions in an audience Q&A.

This event will be livestreamed and Auslan interpreted.

Doors will open from 7pm. Drinks will be available to purchase on the night.

Copies of Niall’s books will be able to purchase from Readings booksellers at the event.

Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation.

Book your tickets now.

By registering to attend or purchasing a ticket to a State Library Victoria event, you agree to our Conditions of Entry.

Views expressed by the speakers do not necessarily represent the views of the State Library Victoria.

Auslan interpretation is available on request when booking up to two weeks prior to the event.

About Niall Williams

Niall Williams is the author of nine novels, including History of the Rain, which was longlisted for the Booker Prize, Four Letters of Love, which was made into a major motion picture, This Is Happiness which was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards Book of the Year and his recent Time of the Child. He lives in Kiltumper in County Clare, Ireland.

About Time of the Child

Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in the little town of Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean he has always been set apart from his community. A visit from the doctor is always a sign of bad things to come.

His youngest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father's shadow, and remains there, having missed her chance at real love and passed up an offer of marriage from an unsuitable man.

But in the advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy's lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter's lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.