Marion Halligan and Alex Sloan

Join Marion Halligan and Alex Sloan as they discuss Marion’s latest work, Words for Lucy, a story of love, loss and a celebration of life. More joy than sorrow, this profoundly moving memoir celebrates Lucy's life, weaving together everyday details and treasured events. Words for Lucy tells the story of a mother surviving the aftershocks of death and finding the space to live.

Marion Halligan AM is a Canberra writer who worked as a teacher and journalist before publishing her first short stories in the 1980s. Marion’s literary output includes novels, short stories and non-fiction. The list of awards is numerous, including ACT Book of the Year winner, the Age book of the year, short listed for the Miles Franklin and the Nita Kibble Literary award. She was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2006 for services to literature and for her work in promoting Australian literature.

Marion was also member of the inaugural Friends Committee of the National Library of Australia, and the Library holds her literary papers.

Alex Sloan AM has been a journalist for over 30 years, including as a long-time broadcaster with the ABC. In 2017 Alex was named Canberra Citizen of the Year. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019 for her significant service to the community, and to the broadcast media as a radio presenter. Alex is deputy chair of The Australia Institute, a director of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and deputy chair of The ACT Writers Centre.

This event will be held in-person in the Theatre and will also be livestreamed to Zoom.

To join the online event, please purchase a livestream ticket and you will receive an email prior to the event with the Zoom link, as well as reminder emails one day in advance.

Become a member of the Friends of the National Library of Australia.

You can order a copy of Words for Lucy from the National Library Bookshop.

Type Talks / Lecture