10 Oct Linda J Bettenay Author Talk at the Guilderton Library
Author Linda J Bettenay shared the inspiration and stories behind her recently released book ‘The Apple Core Years’ at the Guilderton Community Library on 5th November 2016.
Many readers heard about author Linda J Bettenay after reading her first book ‘Secrets Mothers Keep’ which was based on a murder and brutal attack which happened in her husband’s family in the wheat belt in 1928. This masterly crafted tale arose from her husband discovering the sh0cking family secrets which were not spoken about for over 85 years.
Linda followed this up with ‘Wishes for Starlight’, which begins with a young mute aboriginal boy being found in a chook pen fighting dogs for scraps. This is another astounding tale set largely in the Perth hills.
Linda’s third novel ‘The Apple Core’ follows the story of Jack Bellamy, his sworn enemy Charlie Perkin, and the object of their affections, enigmtic Stella Cerini. It contrasts the boys’ early lives, when petty rivalries seem so important, against the inhumane atrocities inflicted upon them as POWs, when life could be spared or taken at any time. Over their horrendous ordeals, a mate-ship arises; Jackie and Charlie find they have more in common than that which divides them. In times of real adversity, it is friendship that gets one through.