Ian Kemish at Books on Bywong (Meanjin)

Celebrating books and reading, Books on Bywong is a regular event for book lovers hosted by Sally Wilson.

Each month a guest author takes readers behind the scenes of their book, discussing their inspiration, writing process and publishing journey, as well as their top reading recommendations.

There is no obligation to have read the book, simply come along to enjoy the bookish conversation, pick up some new book recommendations and enjoy a relaxed evening at the West Toowong Bowls Club.

Books will be available for purchase thanks to our friends at Avid Reader and the bar will be open!

The guest author in July is Ian Kemish, author of Two Islands.

About Ian Kemish

Ian Kemish AM is a former Australian diplomat who served as ambassador to Germany, high commissioner to Papua New Guinea, international adviser to the Prime Minister, and head of the consular and crisis management service. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his leadership of the emergency response to the 2002 Bali bombings.

Ian’s first book, The Consul (UQP, 2022), offered a personal perspective on Australia’s foreign affairs challenges over two decades − spanning hostage diplomacy, natural disasters and evacuations from war zones.

Two Islands is his first work of fiction, drawing on both his diplomatic work in the Balkans in the mid-1990s and his strong family links with the western isles of Scotland.

About Two Islands

When a desperate young man arrives on an isolated Scottish isle, the locals view him with suspicion. But Niko is there for a reason – he’s running for his life, pursued by those who want him silenced for what he has seen in the Balkan War. His neighbour is a recluse known to the villagers as ‘Slow Fergus’. As the two men circle each other, Australian war crimes investigator Anita Costello races against sinister forces to locate her key witness.

Against this rugged landscape, where the tight-knit island community holds painful memories close, Niko must weigh his loyalties to his family, his country and himself.

Written with compassion and insight, Two Islands explores how the ripples of distant conflicts can wash up on the most remote shores.

About Sally Wilson

Sally Wilson has worked in books and magazine publishing for more than 20 years as a writer, editor, book publicist and marketer. She's passionate about storytelling in all forms and has worked with publishers and literary organisations such as the Brisbane Writers Festival, University of Queensland Press, Griffith Review, Magabala Books, Black Inc, Monash University Publishing and the Australian Book Industry Awards.

Please book here.