AWC members received a warm welcome from Carolyn, our host for the evening, who ushered us into the ‘reading room’ where we were subsumed by an atmosphere of anticipation and exuberance.
There was no holding back of thoughts, feelings, or ambition tonight. Openness, frankness, and vulnerability flourished this evening. Genres were diverse, creating delight for the listeners, and a wealth of advice and abundance of questions for the authors.
A poignant tale of injustice and discrimination provoked an uplifting commitment to improve experiences of the LGBTI+ community through screenwriting and short film (watch this space).
Our attention and sympathies were drawn vividly to Clive, a protagonist endlessly tested, and not quite managing, the vagaries of modern society. Next, we listened carefully to find out Tristan’s fate. Would he be given the help he needed after running away? A cliffhanger moment!
It was not a night for the faint-hearted. We were treated to two bold and gruesome narratives of violence amongst adults and the harrowing impact this has on children.
A captivating flash fiction, inspired by the image of a primrose growing in a brick wall, evoked joy and hope as the characters found good fortune. The final story of the night tantalised us with the promise of neolithic time travel and a new understanding of our ancestors 10, 000 years ago.
It’s impossible not to wonder what the next Summer Read Around will reveal.
A huge thank you to Carolyn who was attentive to us all. We will be back for another slice of your most delicious homemade banana bread!
Jennifer Lerpiniere