Paula Beavan - In Conversation with Tea Cooper

Paula Beavan introduces her audience to Lucy Stewart, a woman whose life turns chaotic when she finds herself caught up in a murder investigation in order to save her brother-in-law, Joe, from the hangman's noose. Set in 1842 in the Hunter Valley area of NSW, Among the grey gums follows Lucy's perilous journey through a world of bushrangers, corruption and cover-ups.

About the author - Paula Beavan

Paula J. Beavan grew up on a small property in the Hunter Valley, riding horses, mustering cattle and listening to the tales of local farriers, cattlemen and farmers. Her love of the land and its history together with a curiosity about the challenges faced by the pioneering women of the region led her to seek out stories of the area's early European settlers. Serendipitously, she discovered a family connection to William Harpur, local landowner and one of Australia's early surveyors. Inspired by this connection, she delved deeper to discover that when William Harpur lost his sight, his wife Catherine managed their Hunter river property-a perfect illustration of the women she writes about.

Tea Cooper

Tea Cooper is an award-winning Australian author of historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. Her internationally bestselling novels, include most recently The Naturalist's Daughter; the USA Today-bestselling The Woman in the Green Dress; The Girl in the Painting; The Cartographer's Secret, winner of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award; The Fossil Hunter and The Butterfly Collector.

Cost - Free

Gold coin donation on entry

Parking and Venue information

Belmont Library, located on Ernest Street has undercover onsite parking with accessible parking, that provides direct access via a ramp into the library. The venue has accessible bathrooms. The library is easily accessed by public buses.