Empire Day

Diane Armstrong

Sep 2011 · Bolinda · Narrated by Deidre Rubenstein

About this audiobook

Bondi Junction in the late 1940s is a microcosm of changing Australia, and life is changing too fast for locals like salt-of-the-earth Pop Wilson, prickly Miss McNulty and feisty single mum Kath, all of whom resent the European `reffos’ who have moved in. The newcomers are struggling to rebuild their lives while the unhealed wounds of the past threaten to overwhelm them. As the lives of the neighbours interweave, unexpected new relationships cause tragedy for some, but forgiveness and salvation for others. Ultimately the residents of Wattle Street discover that behind closed doors, Old as well as New Australians have secret heartaches which poison their lives. Can we ever forget the past, or does it continue to fester inside us? Can understanding be forged from prejudice and fear? Part love story, part mystery and part crime investigation, Empire Day confirms Diane Armstrong as one of our most gifted and compelling storytellers.

About the author

Diane Armstrong was born in Poland and arrived in Australia with her parents on the SS Derna in 1948. After gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney, she became a freelance journalist. Over 3,000 of her articles have been published in Australia and around the world, winning national and international awards.

Deidre Rubenstein is regarded as one of Australia's most accomplished actresses. As a stage actress, she has starred in productions with all major Australian theatre companies and has created three highly acclaimed one-woman shows which have toured Australia and overseas. Deidre won an Australian Film Industry (AFI) award for Best Actress in the mini-series Palace of Dreams and is also a multi-award-winning narrator. Audiobooks narrated for Bolinda include Elizabeth Costello by Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee, Gilgamesh by Joan London, Elizabeth Harrower novels and various ABC titles.