Local Author Book Launch at Bellingen Library

Published on 17 September 2024

For those of you who enjoy books by authors Margaret Atwood and Holly Ringland, ‘Bird’ by Courtney Collins is an unforgettable novel about hope and resilience from one of Australia’s most exciting emerging writers. Courtney Collins is a Bellingen local and will be joining our very own Shire Librarian, Rowena Sierant, in conversations about the novel and her process writing it. The book launch will take place at Bellingen Library on Saturday 28 September at 10am.

‘It’s important as a community that we support our local authors,’ said Rowena. ‘I’m currently reading this book and loving Bird’s dual lives and how resilient she is – refusing to be caged!’

As Bird's sister braids her hair on the eve of her fourteenth birthday and finds herself in “'ten thousand strands of trouble.” Fleeing her home to escape an arranged marriage, she attempts to vanish into a crowd of pilgrims - not knowing that violence is on the precipice, and that it has its eyes on her. In search of her own life and her own truth, she could never imagine how long and how far it would take her.

Waking  in a hospital bed in Darwin, Bird tries to remember what brought her here? The story unfolds to reveal a man whose gaze she knew to fear, a stolen car, a plastic gun, and an actual bullet in her shoulder. Strand by strand, she begins to remember…

Newly published, Courtney Collins’, ‘Bird,’ is a masterful and profoundly moving novel about a girl determined to live on her own terms, no matter the cost.

‘The book launch at the library is a free event and perfect for those who love to get lost in a wonderfully written human interest story,’ said Rowena. ‘All are welcome, and morning tea will be provided.’

Courtney will be answering questions about the book, and personal signed copies will be available for purchase on the day.

For more information, contact Council’s Bellingen Library on 6655 1744