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Sally Isaac, City of Yarra
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What's your favourite work of fiction set in Victoria?
Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay
Which Victorian writer do you admire the most?
It is hard to go past the courageous Frank Hardy in his pursuit of free speech against the powers of his real life ‘John West’. This tension is etched into the narrative of Power Without Glory, which I understand from an introduction to a reprint, was sped up as the real-life legal and various other threats escalated. He showed commitment, tenacity in ensuring the production of this epic, rollicking depiction of corruption and excess in inner city Melbourne. I also like young brave writers like Tony Wilson who write about distinctly Victorian passions and pursuits.
Where do you like to do your reading in Victoria?
I read: on Sunday afternoons often with background music in the back room with green tea; on the tram (Route 1, East Coburg line) – the destination arrives so quickly with a good book in hand.
What do you believe is the best film adaptation of a Victorian book?
I have to defer to my first answer - Peter Weir’s 1975 haunting depiction of Picnic at Hanging Rock. The film had huge international success and took a totally local product and theme onto the world stage. Its depiction of the Australian landscape was realistic and arresting. I particularly liked that the film generated a disturbing sense of unease without the audience actually being exposed to the real threat in those rocks. And of course there was the pan flute music!
What is your most treasured memory of a public library?
There are many, and there are some of the finest libraries in Victoria located in the City of Yarra where I work so I am very lucky to have good access. The Harmony Day celebrations at Collingwood Library in Stanton Street, Abbotsford this year were very memorable with African drumming and story-telling – an interesting combination!
What is your best holiday read?
I really enjoy non-fiction and biography, which some would say is not a relaxing pursuit! I also I love the luxury of reading the newspaper from cover to cover on my days off.
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