Events › Author talk: Olivia Spooner

Author talk: Olivia Spooner

Date: Friday 21 March
Time: 6-7pm
Doors open at 5.30pm, for book sales and signing
Venue: Tautoru / TSB Space, Hapori | Community, Level 1, Tūranga

New Zealand author Olivia Spooner’s first historical novel The Girl from London quickly became a NZ bestseller, as did her second novel The Songbirds of Florence. Both were inspired by people and events in World War 2 – the sinking of the MS Rangitane, and the experiences of members of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corp (the Tuis) who worked in Egypt and Italy.

Join Olivia Spooner in conversation with author and broadcaster Liz Grant for an exploration of how these fascinating real-life events in New Zealand’s history became best-selling novels. Not to be missed!

Free, bookings required 

Olivia Spooner

Olivia is a writer and a bookseller. She is the proud owner of independent bookstore, The Booklover Bookshop, which was awarded NZ Bookshop of the Year in 2024.  If Olivia isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one, and if she’s doing neither, she’s probably trying to convince someone else to read or write a book.

Liz Grant

Liz Grant is a writer and editor with a background in broadcasting. She is a regular session chair at WORD festival events, which she particularly enjoys. Liz is the author of four books of non-fiction, and for three years she headed the writing team at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Now home living in Lyttelton, she continues to work freelance.

The Songbirds of Florence

The Girl From London

A Way Back to Happy