There are few times I have changed Poetica’s date for another event. But this October I did – for a very special book launch – The Whale’s Last Song by Joanne Fedler.

The first time I saw Jo speak was for her book – When Hungry, Eat. I was mesmerized by her. The way she spoke, what she said, her passion, her intellect. Her generous spirit. Her big heart. Immediately I was catapulted into her world. And, as is my style, I swiftly introduced myself and got her to feature at my International Women’s Day fundraiser. And from then on we were friends. We have a mutual love for Leonard Cohen, Mary Oliver, Nick Cave. Words. Music. The ocean. Trees. Big hearts. Small acts of kindness. Women’s rights. Justice. Peace.

This is Jo’s 15th book. FIFTEEN! She’s productive. Dedicated. But of all her books I get the feeling this one stands alone. This next book has a little magic about it. A timeless tale for the ages.

So I’m inviting you to the launch. Jo will be in conversation with the incomparable and incredible Michaela Kalowski. @gertrudeandalice are hosting the launch at @paddingtonuniting on October 10. Tickets are here: https://events.humanitix.com/in-conversation-joanne-fedler

The Whale’s Last Song is a tender, sweet and wise fable, on what we are prepared to do for those we love; a celebration of the beauty and mystery of being alive in a world in which we are part of everything, and everything is part of us; and a love song to the natural world. It is The Alchemist meets The Princess Bride meets The Little Prince. It is a little gem.

‘A bright ode to all that is good and beautiful in the world. The Whale’s Last Song is a timeless tale, an allegory of the heart.’ Maggie Hamilton

‘Fresh, exquisite, a creative tour de force … Both challenging and reassuring, the story weaves a sense of belonging through the fallibility of being human and the mysteries of being alive.’ Suzie Miller, Prima Facie