Sydney Writers Festival – Ailsa Piper on loss, hope and starting again

When her husband didn't answer his phone, Ailsa Piper knew something was wrong. She called their neighbour, and minutes later, he rang back. 'Oh, Ailsa. I'm so sorry.' Five words to change a life. 
 
She migrated north to Sydney and made a new home. She learned to swim, walked and met the locals: winter swimmers and shoreline philosophers. But we never leave our past behind... 

Ailsa Piper's For Life is an unforgettable and moving insight into loss, hope and starting again, aided by the incredible healing power of nature and a community of unexpected angels. 

Prior to taking up writing, Piper worked as an actor and director for many years. Her first book was the travel memoir Sinning Across Spain. It was followed by The Attachment: Letters from a most unlikely friendship, which was co-authored with Tony Doherty, a priest who had written her a fan letter.  

Ku-ring-gai Library is proud to present this event in partnership with the Sydney Writers Festival.