Event description An illustrious family. A beautiful home. A shipwrecked young woman left on its doorstep. Don't think they're going to save her … About this event Kavita Bedford joins Nikki Gemmell to discuss her new book The Ripping Tree, an intense, sharp tale of survival written in Gemmell’s signature lyrical prose, but with audacious overtones. This is a thrilling examination of Australia’s dark colonial history. Conceptualised by Gemmell on her return to Australia after 15 years living in the UK, this novel has taken her nine years to craft. It is her love letter to Australia – and encapsulates the wonder of seeing the country with fresh eyes.