WA author Craig Silvey to visit Albany to promote latest book Runt

Albany bookworms will get a chance to hear from WA author Craig Silvey as he tours the South West after the release of his latest book.

Silvey is the bestselling author of 2009 novel Jasper Jones, which was made into a film in 2017.

His latest release, Runt, is a heartwarming story that has been compared to Babe, Roald Dahl’s Matilda, and The Castle.

It comes after his previous novel, Honeybee, was published in 2020.

Runt follows Annie Shearer, a young girl whose adopted stray dog Runt is her best friend, and their quest to win a local dog agility competition as her family endure hard times.

“I am delighted to welcome readers to the town of Upson Downs to meet Annie Shearer and her best friend Runt,” Silvey said.

“Among other things, Runt is a story about good people pressured by forces beyond their control who remain admirably optimistic in the face of it.”

Silvey said the story would resonate with readers as they emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we collectively reckon with conflict and uncertainty amid a global pandemic, this is a position many of us can identify with,” he said.

“In times of difficulty and duress, we often turn to stories as a means of comfort or escape or connection, or — perhaps above all — hope.

“This has been my experience as both a reader and an author.

“So it was a joy and a balm to write this book and spend my days and nights in the company of such kind-hearted, generous, funny and charming characters.”

Silvey will be in Albany on November 30, when he will spend an evening in conversation with Paperbark Merchants’ Billie-Jo Whitbread at Six Degrees.

Tickets are sold out.