One of Australia’s most dramatic convict escape stories will come alive in Hobart next week, with Sydney writer Alexandria Burnham set to discuss her debut novel at the Maritime Museum Tasmania.
Burnham will appear at the museum on Friday, May 15 at 6pm to talk about her historical novel Swallow, which draws on the true story of convict William Swallow and the 1829 mutiny aboard the Cyprus off the coast of Van Diemen’s Land.
The mutiny is considered one of the most extraordinary episodes in Australian convict history and reviewers have called the book “fast-paced and fascinating.”
The evening will be hosted by actor Nate Gothard and will include readings from the novel, an audience Q&A, refreshments and the chance to buy signed copies.
Burnham is an AWGIE Award-winning screenwriter best known for the feature film Unsound.
The event ties in with Prevailing Gales, a current exhibition by artist Sue Pedley that explores the Cyprus mutiny and Tasmania’s unexpected historical connections with Japan.
Maritime Museum Tasmania’s marketing and communications manager Emily Quintin said the novel brings the events of 1829 vividly to life.
“We’re excited to welcome audiences into the museum after-hours for what will be a really atmospheric evening of storytelling and conversation,” she said.
Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for museum members, with bookings available through Eventbrite.
