Launching The Braided River, the new book on personal essays about migration, by Diane Comer was not an easy journey. A fire in the books’ first warehouse home delayed the event, but come Thursday 2nd of May, The Braided River fought the odds and came into this world with a bang.
Diane Comer has paired her experience with migration, growing up in Italy, Dominican Republic, Belgium, and the United States, with her talents and studies in creative non-fiction to create a book that explores contemporary migration in (to) New Zealand. The turnout to the launch showed the infectious charm Comer brings to her writing, as masses of people celebrated the book, students, friends, and family alike.
Vanessa Manhire of the book’s publisher Otago University Press spoke about the tumultuous journey the books suffered to get where it is today. Green MP and New Zealand’s first immigrant MP Golriz Ghahraman launched the book with a powerful speech about her experience as an Iranian immigrant in New Zealand. Finally, Diane spoke, giving a reading from her book, speaking with the fluid charm only a teacher of creative non-fiction can bring.
The Braided River’s migration took a while, but the wait has been worth it. An important and astounding book that is sure to stir up many important conversations for those that travel with it.
Otago University Press’s Vanessa Manhire introducing our speaker
Author Diane Comer grooving through her reading
Catching a snap of NZ history
Golriz Ghahraman launching the Braided River
Diane charming during her signing
A long line awaits
Being a published author is serious business
The Braided River is available in store and online at UnityBookOnline
