Book Launch | Suzanne Leal

There are stories that entertain, and there are stories that matter. The Year We Escaped is both.

Set in the chaos of World War II, it follows four young people as they flee their homes and forge fragile bonds in the face of destruction.

Suzanne Leal will be in conversation with celebrated author and broadcaster James O’Loghlin to unpack the truth behind her latest novel The Year We Escaped – a tale of ordinary lives caught in extraordinary times.

With James’ signature wit and curiosity, you can expect a lively and insightful conversation that goes beyond the page!

📅 Date: Thursday 12 June | 12.30 PM – 1.30PM
📍 Location: SMSA, Henry Carmichael Theatre, Level 1, 280 Pitt Street
🎟️ Tickets: Free for SMSA members, $10 for Friends and Non-Members

ABOUT THE BOOK

For fans of Jackie French and Katrina Nannestad, The Year We Escaped is a heart-stopping and remarkable World War II story by talented author Suzanne Leal.

Europe, 1940

With war on their doorstep, German classmates Klara and Rachel, and French brothers Lucien and Paul, are forced to leave their homes. They are taken to Gurs, a French detention camp in the south-west of France. It’s a crowded place, with little comfort and even less food.

When Klara and Rachel are promised safe refuge in a remote French village, Lucien and Paul are anxious to join them — and will risk their own lives to get there.

Filled with adventure, danger and intrigue, this is the story of four unlikely friends desperate to escape from a war that keeps coming closer.

ABOUT SUZANNE LEAL

Suzanne is the author of novels The Teacher’s Secret, Border Street and The Deceptions, for which she won the Nib People’s Choice Prize and was shortlisted for the Davitt Awards, and the Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award.

A senior member of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and facilitator at community, corporate and literary events, Suzanne is the host of Thursday Book Club, a relaxed, friendly book club connecting readers online.

Find out more HERE

ABOUT JAMES O’LOGHLIN

James is one of Australia’s most respected media personalities and corporate speakers. Best known as the host of The New Inventors on ABC TV and numerous ABC radio programs, James blends wit, insight and experience from a career spanning law, comedy, and broadcasting.

A sought-after keynote speaker on innovation, he’s also the author of seven books, including Innovation is a State of Mind and award-winning children’s novels.

You can explore James’ catalogue and blog HERE