Library to host popular author

AUTHOR, freelance editor and founder and co-host of the writing podcast ‘Secrets from the Green Room’, Irma Gold will launch her latest book Shift at Mount Gambier Library on Wednesday, July 9, at 7pm.

In the year of the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which outlines the principles of democracy and freedom in South Africa, comes Shift – set in the township where it was signed.

“My dad was born in Johannesburg the year Apartheid officially began, and I have always been fascinated with South Africa,” Irma said.

Shift follows Arlie, a moderately successful 30-something photographer who can’t seem to get his life together.

When he can’t hold onto a girlfriend and his relationship with his parents is complicated, he feels he doesn’t meet the expectations of his successful architect father, and his mother refuses to talk about her South African upbringing.

After another breakup, Arlie needs to escape and is drawn to his mother’s hometown of Kliptown in Johannesbugh.

Here he becomes immersed in its life; he meets choirmaster Rufaro, singer Glory and her younger brother, Sampson.

Amidst the poverty, violence and beauty of this neglected South African township, Arlie begins exploring ideas for an exhibition and courting the possibility of happiness then his father unexpectedly turns up, and a catastrophic event changes everything.

“When I was 14 years old, I read Donald Woods biography of Steve Biko and became obsessed with reading everything about the freedom fighters,” Irma said. “In a way, I’ve been researching for Shift my whole life: it’s the culmination of decades of reading and thinking. But it wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I first made it to Soweto, South Africa. I have since worked with SKY (Soweto Kliptown Youth) and made many friends there. It has a special place in my heart and Shift grew out of experiences there.”

Described as a poignant and multifaceted story exploring love, family, and the resilience of a community grappling with racial tensions, systemic inequality, and the pursuit of freedom, City of Mount Gambier community development coordinator Kristi Brooks said Shift will stay with you long after you’ve turned its final page.

“Shift has been widely praised by multiple literary professionals, including receiving five-star reviews from both Good Reading magazine and Glam magazine describing the novel as the perfect read and of Irma having immense literary talent,” Kristi said.

The author event is free with books available for sale and signing on the night. For bookings contact Mount Gambier Library on (08) 8721 2540 or online at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/Library under ‘Programs and Events’.