Friendship in focus

Meredith Appleyard set to unveil her latest novel

Mount Gambier Library welcomes back bestselling author Meredith Appleyard with the launch of her eighth book Daisy and Kate on Wednesday, September 27, at 7pm.

Meredith Appleyard lives in the Clare Valley wine-growing region of South Australia. As a registered nurse and midwife, she practiced in a wide range of country health settings including the Royal Flying Doctors, an agency nurse in London and a volunteer in Vietnam. Her first three novels draw experiences with strong medical storylines, whilst her last five novels are based on strong women and complex yet relatable family situations.

Team Leader Library Programs Kristi Brooks said Daisy and Kate was a compelling exploration of friendship; how precious it is, and the heartbreak that happens when it all comes undone.

Daisy Miller and Kate Hannaford were once the best of friends, sharing the woes of shift work and nursing, the delights of days off together in their small country town, and the joys of blossoming romances. They couldn’t imagine not being the best of friends. Until they weren’t.

Now bearing down on their 70s, life hasn’t gone the way either woman expected. Daisy is back in town, homeless and reduced to couch-surfing at her granddaughter’s place.

Meanwhile, a recently widowed Kate is facing the harsh reality that the home and lifestyle she worked so hard for is hollow comfort when there’s no one to share it with. More than three decades have passed since the demise of their friendship. Although neither will admit it, they are lonely and in desperate need of a friend. But they can’t agree on anything, most of all what it was that brought about the unravelling of their friendship all those years ago. “This is another beautifully written family saga that not only highlights the importance of true friendship, but also delves into grief, complex family dynamics and the harsh reality of financial insecurity and homelessness,” Mrs Brooks said.

This is a free event. Please book your place by contacting the Mount Gambier Library on (08)8721 2540 or book online at www. mountgambier.sa.gov.au/library under ‘Programs and Events’.