Jonathon Welch, Melbourne launch and School of Hard Knocks

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Jonathon Welch and Annette Young at Readings Hawthorn 14 Feb 2013
Jonathon Welch AM, Artistic Director of the Choir of Hard Knocks, gave a small but engaged audience a heartfelt account of his response to Annette Young’s powerful debut novel, A Distant Prospect.

School of Hard Knocks InstituteJonathon said he was “blown away” by Annette’s testimony and insights into the writing process, when she spoke this morning to his creative writing group “Something To Say”, at the School of Hard Knocks Institute in Melbourne’s Southbank arts precinct.

Giving people a second chance after setbacks in life has characterised Jonathon’s work, including encouraging their creativity through the arts. The sacrifices made by Lucy’s father in A Distant Prospect, and the dedication of her music teacher, Mrs Epstein, are examples of the way that acts of kindness can turn people’s lives around.

Annette signing copies for readers at Readings Hawthorn

Annette signing copies for readers
at Readings Hawthorn 14 Feb 2013

One of the most satisfying moments of the Melbourne launch for Annette was the response of one reader whose father had suffered polio in the 1950s. He praised the way her prose accurately portrayed the personality of a person frustrated by the physical limitations of their limbs due to polio.

A big thank you to Readings Hawthorn and especially to the indefatigable Jonathon Welch!

A Distant Prospect in Readings Hawthorn storefront window

A Distant Prospect in Readings Hawthorn
storefront window


Tired boys after the Hawthorn launch

Tired little boys after the
Hawthorn launch 14 Feb 2013