Wednesday 17th October saw Unity Books welcome some familiar faces as well as a freshly published author for the launch of a collection of very ‘Wellington’ writing.
Steve Braunias of publisher Luncheon Sausage Books gave a typically barnstorming introduction, lampooning the weeks notable political upheavals. No fear though, there was a delightfully tenuous link to bring us round to the launch of Leah McFall’s collected columns, Karori Confidential. Steve was excited by the prospect of readers being able to enjoy more than the usual 700 words of Leah’s writing in one sitting, and launched the book with gusto.
Leah expressed her thanks to Steve for his support in publishing the book and praised his vociferous support of local bookselling in New Zealand. The newly published author brought some levity to the evening and perhaps even a tear to her own eye in remembering when she was first offered her Sunday Star Times magazine column, and what it meant to somebody navigating the lonely experience of being a new mother. Fans were pleased to find Leah as funny, candid and warm in person as we know her to be in her writing, the assembled crowd greeting the book with applause and a lengthy signing queue.
Leah and Steve caught up with Bill Manhire and Marion McLeod before the speeches got underway
Steve Braunias gave an on-trend if not entirely on topic introduction
A hearty round of applause for Leah
Leah thanked Steve for his ongoing support…
…and applauded his championing of indie bookshops
Things quickly got emotional
Signing and a good yarn
Author Rajorshi Chakraborti enjoying a chat after the launch
Fergus Barrowman of VUP in classic Wellington literati black on black
Karori Confidential is available now from Unity Books in store and online.
