(For adults)
Shire of Mundaring Libraries in collaboration with Fremantle Press is delighted to invite you to you to the launch of The Names of a Hare, by Bernice Barry, the first event in the 2026 Great Big Book Club series.
Bernice Barry’s work, which includes non-fiction and historical fiction, reflects her passion for telling the stories of women whose truths have been obscured by time. Her new novel, The Names of a Hare, set in 17th century Cornwall, follows a young girl who guards a dangerous secret. Steeped in herbal lore and forbidden spells, the girl becomes a woman, while across the land whispers of witchcraft turn deadly. During a time when the world burned what it could not explain, Bernice Barry articulates the fear experienced by the women who were punished for being different.
Bernice will be interviewed by Elizabeth Lewis, a poet and poetry teacher based in the Boorloo/Perth Hills, with work published in numerous Australian literary journals and a poetry collection forthcoming with 5 Islands Press.
The Great Big Book Club series is a longstanding collaboration between Fremantle Press, local libraries and booksellers. As an initiative to connect with the reading and writing community, the event series has helped establish audiences for emerging authors, given WA retailers the opportunity to benefit from book sales, activated library spaces and brought the reading community together to share their love of Western Australian stories.
Books will be available for purchase on the day courtesy of Dymocks Midland Gate.
Light refreshments will be available. You are welcome to bring your own cup for tea/coffee or water.
Please let us know if you have any access requirements.
Please remember to cancel your booking via Humanitix or by contacting the library on 9290 6755 or email gills@mundaring.wa.gov.au if you are unable to attend on the day.
About the author: Bernice Barry is a writer and historian with a background in education. Her previous books (The Mind That Shines, 2016, A Lady’s Pen, 2023, Sarah Evans, 2024,) include historical fiction and non-fiction, reflecting her passion for discovering and telling women’s stories where truth has been dimmed or obscured by time.
Originally from Cornwall in the UK, Bernice has lived for twenty-five years on Wadandi country near Wooditjup/Margaret River, researching local history, nurturing a native garden in the bush and spending as much time as possible at the place where land meets ocean. She is a regular presenter and speaker on a wide range of topics from wildflowers and botany, writing and publishing, to history and heritage.