The book launch was a fabulous night. We held it in the grand Victorian ballroom, painted in luscious eau-de-nil and gold, of the Carrington Hotel and the co-owner of the hotel, who has a beautiful voice, even sang Volare for us!
So many people came and had a great time, enjoying the swing jazz (provided by some of our oldest and dearest friends, Paul Bennett and his son Scott, bass player Richard Lancaster – who I later found out is a cardiac surgeon – and wonderful singer Jo Kenderes) and the bubbly and chocolate cake. Our local independent bookseller was there and said it was one of the best he’s ever been to. It was lovely to have my publisher, Annette Barlow, of Allen & Unwin, there and there was the most amusing MC (my husband Julian). Amanda Lohrey launched the book with one of the best speeches – complex, erudite and intelligent – I’ve ever heard.
It’s great when reality surpasses your hopes and dreams. Thank you everyone for making it such a special night.
To hear two of the speeches made on the night, listen below:
Amanda Lohrey Speech
Claire Corbett Speech
