Emily Maguire's tale of a medieval female pope is a triumph of imagination and historical fiction. Set in ninth-century Europe, Rapture recounts the story of a young woman and her rise (according to legend) to the papacy. Emily Maguire sits down with Lisa Markham to talk about the relationship between faith and desire and the importance of being recognised for one’s learning and achievements.

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Something magical happens when beautiful writers approach the topic of the sacred and divine and tell a tale replete with human desire and frailty. In Little World, Josephine Rowe travels with a girl saint through North-west Australia in the 1950s all the way through to the onset of Covid in Victoria. Emily Maguire took the literary scene by storm with Rapture, the story of a medieval girl who rises to become a Pope, and all the twists and turns and qualities that would have needed to unfold in her life to make it so. Here they are in conversation with Canberra author, Tabitha Carvan.

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Be part of this major event as we celebrate all things Austen! Over 200 years since Jane Austen's works were first published, her insights into daily life, manners, love and tragedy are more relevant and recognisable than ever. Popular Secret Life of Books podcasters Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole moderate an amazing international panel, including Wild for Austen author Devoney Looser (joining us all the way from the USA!), Emily Maguire (author of acclaimed Rapture), and President of the Jane Austen Society of Australia (and authorial cat lover), Susannah Fullerton. But the most important member of this event is you! Clip on your imaginary bonnet or slip into your breeches and join your Jane Austen-loving community for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration; for as Mr Darcy would say, "My feelings will not be repressed!" 

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Emily Maguire and Toni Jordan have both earned accolades for their novels. Linda Funnell will explore why Emily decided to venture into historical fiction with Rapture, and why Toni has returned to the genre with Tenderfoot after a 10 year absence.

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