The Good Girl Confessional

#131 Barbara Sumner | NZ Filmmaker & Author | The Gallow's Bird

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Episode notes

Far too often, the stories of women have been written out of the history pages. 

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to have as our special guest, the esteemed New Zealand filmmaker and author, Barbara Sumner.

Best known for her powerful memoir Tree of Strangers, Barbara is now stepping into the world of fiction with her debut novel The Gallow's Bird, set to be released this year by Pantera Press.

This vivid historical novel transports readers to the harsh realities of 1830s London and Australia, as we follow young convict Hannah ‘Birdie’ Bird on her journey from a life of servitude to the brutal conditions of a penal colony in Sydney Cove.

Barbara’s gripping storytelling gives voice to the often-forgotten women of history, revealing their strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Not only is Barbara an accomplished author and filmmaker, but she’s also completing her PhD and soon embarking on a prestigious Michael King Residency. Living proof that it’s never too late to pursue creative dreams, Barbara joins us to share insights into her writing journey and what’s next on her horizon.

The Gallow's Bird is out now and available in all good book stores. 

You can follow Barbara Sumner here:

https://www.barbarasumner.nz

https://www.instagram.com/barbara.sumner/
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Wb40 and The Good Girl Confessional Acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands that we record this podcast on, the Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung, and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nations and pay our deep respects to their elders, past and present. We acknowledge their ancient culture of storytelling.