Most of us know the Titanic story. Very few of us know Evelyn’s.
Join us on Thursday 14 May in partnership with the Brisbane Writers Festival, for an evening in conversation with Lisa Wilkinson about her new book, The Titanic Story of Evelyn. It’s the never-before-told account of Evelyn Marsden, a young Australian nurse from South Australia who became the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic’s sinking. A woman who lived an extraordinary life, and yet, most Australians have never heard her name.
Evelyn was a champion rower, an accomplished horsewoman, trained in Morse code, and a nurse who defied the expectations of her time at every turn. When the Titanic struck ice in April 1912, she spent the hours that followed helping others to safety, all the while believing she herself would not survive. When she was finally pushed into one of the last lifeboats to leave, those years on the Murray River proved their worth.
Throughout her career, Lisa has been a consistent champion of women’s stories. From the youngest-ever editor of Dolly at 21, through a decade at Cleo, to the Today Show and The Project, that commitment has been the through-line. Her 2021 memoir went straight to the top of the bestseller lists and was named one of Apple’s Best Books of the Year. The Titanic Story of Evelyn is her first work of historical non-fiction. She spent years in the research, unearthing previously hidden fragments of a very private and humble life.
What she brought together is, in her own words, a story of fighting against societal norms, selfless courage, and how Evelyn found and then almost lost the great love of her life that same night.
Journalist Davina Smith will moderate the evening, before the floor opens for questions. There’ll be time to get your copy signed on the way out.
Our neighbours at Cursive Knives will be us on the night, with copies of The Titanic Story of Evelyn available to purchase.
We’d love to see you there.
