ECH BOOK CLUB EVENT

ADELAIDE AUTHOR PIP WILLIAMS IN CONVERSATION WITH TV LEGEND JANE DOYLE

ECH clients and staff gathered at Dymocks Rundle Mall on Monday 11 September for a special Book Club event hosted by retired Australian television presenter Jane Doyle, featuring acclaimed Adelaide author Pip Williams.

Held in conjunction with the State Theatre Company of South Australia, the audience was privileged to hear Williams speak about her compelling novel The Dictionary of Lost Words, which is being adapted to stage by the Company, and will run from 22 September to 14 October.

Set during the height of the women’s suffrage movement and with the Great War looming, this novel reveals a lost narrative, hidden between the lines of a history written by men.

Inspired by actual events, Williams delves into the archives of the Oxford English Dictionary to tell this highly original story.

ECH Chair Rosina Hislop said it was wonderful to come together for an evening of social connections and be captivated by a powerful story.

“Founded on the principle of empowering women, ECH’s journey has evolved to embrace inclusivity. Pip’s book serves as a poignant reminder that language reflects our society’s values, biases, and shifting norms. Today, ECH is pleased to support events like this, in line with our commitment to promoting community engagement,” she said.

State Theatre Company South Australia executive director Julian Hobba: “We are so grateful to be partnering with ECH to bring this new South Australian work to life. The production’s journey from page to stage has been a true SA affair, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this beautiful show when it premieres later this month.”

Audience member Annie enjoyed the evening hearing from an inspirational writer. “Pip was gracious and humble and very inspiring. As a writer myself, the dedication she took to research and write the book was truly remarkable,” she said.

The Dictionary of Lost Words is on at the Dunstan Playhouse from 22 September to 14 October. For more information, visit statetheatrecompany.com.au

Posted: September 18, 2023