Reflection by   Graeme Johnstone     “I just let her speak.” That was the simple, honest answer from Barry Dickins to a most difficult question. When doing research for his book, One Punch , how did he go about constructing an interview with a mother grieving the tragic, senseless loss of her son? Having set up the meeting, he knocked on the door with a simple plan in mind. Not to assail her with questions. Not to interrupt her conversation. Not to force the issue. Just let her speak.   Yes, there were tears. And yes, there were long silences. And yes, there were painful moments as Caterina Politi recalled especially horrific aspects of the night when her 22-year-old son,David Cassai,was killed. But whenever Barry suggested that they stop, she insisted that they carry on. Her words must be heard, she said.   On Saturday April 17 an expectant crowd gathered at the Mentone Activity Hub to hear Barry speak about his book, in which he reveals the experiences and...

  Mentone Public Library "An Author for All Seasons: Series Eleven "   with   Barry Dickins  Presenting      Barry Dickins' debut with    Mentone Public Library    also signifies the library's   first live event since 2019. This is a COVID-Safe event. Bookings are essential to ensure admission. Numbers will be capped    in accordance with social distancing. COVID check-in on the day will be required. The sharing of food and drink is prohibited. You are permitted to bring your own   food and drink  strictly for your    personal consumption. ENQUIRIES:   Phone :    (03) 9005 6300* * Don't let the British Skype lady deter you... you've reached the right number!     or      Email: mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com     BOOKINGS: mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com Entry: $5 Time:  11am-12pm  ( Melbourne time)   ...

  Introduction     An instant crowd-pleaser,  Gary Seeary cut the red ribbon  and opened our eleventh series of "An Author for All Seasons" in his natural, personable and earnest style.   Passionate about local history and celebrating the landmarks and characters of our municipality, Gary engaged us with honest and compelling story-telling and dialogue.      Proceedings were opened by  our library president  Graeme Johnstone  and  Cr Tamsin Bearsley  of Kingston Council's  Yammerbook Ward.   Cr Bearsley remarked of Gary's  "very moving extracts.  You are clearly a very talented writer." Adding, “This particular forum in promoting local authors is one we have got to extend and promote.”     While Graeme commended Gary  for how his research and narratives inspired a   "most educational discussion..."   More on this from our Blog reviewers below...     REVIEW PART O...