Leeds Rugby Foundation’s renowned Children’s Day, which will take place at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Sunday 9th June, has received a major boost with confirmation that world famous author Thomas Keneally will be present signing copies of his new book.
Sydney born Keneally, who is a passionate Rugby League fan supporting Manly, is most famous for writing Schindler’s Ark which won him the Booker Prize and later went on to be filmed as Schindler’s List.
As part of the Children’s Day celebrations, he will be in the Taverners Suite from 2.30pm signing copies of his new book ‘The Daughters of Mars’, in association with Philip Howard Books, Roundhay.
Keneally is eagerly looking forward to the trip: “To be an old Australian writer and meet young British readers, at a time when the book is changing so much, is a great chance for a chat between the generations on the great subject: reading,” he said before departing.
“To come back to Headingley, arena of so many Rugby League and cricket Tests, and to convene with passionate fellow rugby league folk, including Gary and Kath Hetherington, is a wonderful return, loved from my point of view, and a pilgrimage of great note for Judy and myself.”
The 77-year-old's latest book follows the fortunes of country sisters Sally and Naomi whose difference in temperament and shared knowledge of a dark secret has forced a tense bond between them.
Offering a fresh focus on the brutalities of the First World War, they leave life in Australia to serve as nurses in the distant battlefields before meeting men; the kind of men for whom they might give up some of their precious independence – if only they all survive.
The novel, now out in paperback, has received rave reviews:
‘A tour de force of storytelling that is both epic and intimate, experimental and traditional’ – James Kidd, Books of the Year, Independent on Sunday.
‘Over and over again, a brief but brilliant phrase turns a statistic into a real person and wrings compassion from you’- Jake Kerridge, Sunday Express.
‘Superbly exciting…unmissable, unforgettable’ – Kate Saunders, The Times.
As well as the special Thomas Keneally event, Children’s Day 2013 has a number of fun-filled activities for all the family, including:
– Sports festivals and activities from Pro Coach (Yorkshire Cricket Foundation), Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Carnegie and Leeds United.
– Educational fun with Thackray Medical Museum, Eureka, Flamingo Land, Jorvik Viking Centre & Stadium Tours.
– WY Police open day, fire engines, pony rides, ECB Cricket Factory and Archery.
Plus, there is the opportunity for fans to meet their favourite mascots and Leeds Rhinos stars.
There will also be the chance to watch the stars of Emmerdale do battle against a Guest Team in a 10 over cricket match starting at 2:30pm on the famous square, site of England’s latest test victory over New Zealand.
Entry is FREE of charge and the day will kick off at 10:30am and run until approximately 4pm.
For more information please contact Kym Hammond on: Kym.Hammond@leedsrugbyfoundation.org
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