In Conversation with Paul Morgan

We are delighted to be hosting Paul Morgan as he visits Ballarat to share his latest book 'The Winter Palace'.

ABOUT PAUL MORGAN

Paul is the author of two highly-praised novels – The Pelagius Book and Turner’s Paintbox (both published by Penguin Books). His short stories and other writings have appeared in Meanjin, Sleepers, Quadrant, Going down Swinging, and other journals, as well as anthologies including New Australian Stories. He has been a frequent contributor to the Australian Book Review and writes a regular column in Victorian Writer for PEN International where he serves on the committee of its Melbourne Centre.

ABOUT THE WINTER PALACE

In 1939, Anton, a captain in the Polish army, says goodbye to his wife, Elisabeth. They make a vow that – whatever happens, however much time passes – they’ll meet again at the Winter Palace, their stately home in the Polish countryside.

The winds of war draw them far apart. Anton is captured and sent to Siberia as a POW. He eventually joins a lost army that battles through snowstorms and scorching deserts in Central Asia to find freedom. Anton survives, driven by his determination to join Elisabeth again. She, meanwhile, is forced to be the ‘mistress’ of a Nazi officer before escaping to join the Polish resistance.

As the war ends, Anton and Elisabeth are at the opposite ends of the world. Anton is in Australia. Elisabeth is in Poland, awaiting his return for months and then years. Will they ever meet again at the Winter Palace?

From 1930s Europe to present-day Australia, this is a sweeping story of love that cannot be broken by time, distance, war or even death.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Old Colonists Club, 16 Lydiard St North, Ballarat (upstairs from Collins Booksellers on Lydiard), 16 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central, Australia