Join the remarkable Markus Zusak in conversation with interviewer, presenter and lover of big ideas Michaela Kalowski.

What happens when the Zusaks open their family home to three big, wild, pound-hardened dogs - Reuben, a wolf at your door with a hacksaw; Archer, blond, beautiful, deadly; and the rancorously smiling Frosty, who walks like a rolling thunderstorm?

The answer can only be chaos: there are street fights, park fights, public shamings, property trashing, bodily injuries, stomach pumping, purest comedy, shocking tragedy, and carnage that needs to be seen to be believed... Not to mention the odd police visit at some ungodly hour of the morning.

There is a reckoning of shortcomings and failure, a strengthening of will, but most important of all, an explosion of love - and the joy and recognition of family.

Markus Zusak is the international bestselling author of six novels, including The Messenger, Bridge of Clay, and The Book Thief - one of the most loved books of the twenty-first century and a New York Times bestseller for more than a decade. His work is translated into more than fifty languages, and has been awarded numerous honours around the world, ranging from literary prizes to bookseller and readers' choice awards. His books have also been adapted into film, television and theatre. He was born in Sydney, and still lives there with his wife, two children, and the last dog standing in a once thriving household of animals. 

Michaela Kalowski is an interviewer, moderator & curator for writers and ideas festivals. Highlight interviews include Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, Michelle de Kretser, & Stan Grant. She's the curator of Big Weekend of Books, ABC RN’s on-air writers’ festival, and produces and hosts a monthly books conversation event for Petersham Bowling Club. Michaela has conducted radio interviews and presented programs across ABC radio. She's co-presenter & co-writer of a two-part podcast for ABC RN, tracing part of her family’s history, called Laya’s Way Home.

This event is presented by Waverley Council and Gertrude and Alice Bookstore Cafe. With thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia.

Skip the queue
Prepurchase your copy of Three Wild Dogs and the Truth when booking your ticket and receive a bonus discount on the recommended retail price of the book. Orders will be available for collection at the venue from the team at the Gertrude & Alice Bookstore pop-up. Discount only applies to pre-purchased books, bought as part of the book bundle. Markus Zusak will be signing books after the talk.

Event informationRefreshments will be available from the Theatre Bar from 5.45pm.
Tickets are General Admission. Seats are not allocated.
To book accessible seating, please complete the Accessibility Requirements section when registering for your ticket.

Main image photo credit: Hugh Stewart