Young people are the hope for the future. In many countries youth literature is banned. Education is banned. Women and girls are denied rights. Their voice is hidden, silent and they are afraid.
Writing stories for young people inspires to have courage and work for peace.
Have we learned from mistakes of the past to built a new more tolerant world? What makes us human defines both our capacity for great acts of charity as well as unspeakable acts of hatred. These critical questions are integral in Susanne Gervay’s novel, Heroes of the Secret Underground. Unafraid of tackling topics of war and grief, Susanne holds the reader by the hand in this classic voyage and return to adventure narrative. Heroes of the Secret Underground, invites youth to literally step into the shoes of the oppressed and journey back to walk with them to better understand and find courage. It is the time for healing not hatred.
Susanne writes; ‘My parents taught me that, whatever evils beset us, we must keep our belief in the heroes in humanity. We must be courageous and for right, just like the underground did.’
Susanne shares the stage with Suzanne Leal and Alison Stegert to unlock history as a ways to grapple with today.
Extraordinary authors are part of HNSA Conference including Anna Funder and Melissa Lucashenko.
Key Facts:
Youth inspired to work for peace
When Youth is silenced, what is the future?
Heroes start from youth.
About us:
The Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA) is recognised as the home of the historical fiction genre in Australia as the third arm of the international Historical Novel Society.
HNSA promotes the writing, reading and publication of historical fiction, especially in Australia and New Zealand, through its biennial conferences held since 2015. Our events showcase the best literary talent and enable readers, writers and publishing professionals to celebrate the genre.
