21 November 2019: Author Anita Heiss was at the University of Canberra today as her book, Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms, was announced as the UC Book of the Year for 2020.
The book explores the politics of romance and Australia’s part in the second World War. Set in Cowra in 1944, Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms recounts a love story between a young Aboriginal woman and an escaped Japanese Prisoner of War.
The UC Book of the Year is an initiative to drive engagement and community for students and staff. All commencing students across the five faculties receive a copy of the book, which is integrated into the curriculum and provides a common conversational topic on campus.
“The UC Book of the Year is a creative way to engage with students and aids in building that sense of community which is invaluable for our commencing students,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Geoff Crisp.
“I believe students will really enjoy reading the winning novel, as the reader is transported in place and time, immersing themselves in a part of Australia’s World War II history.”
The UC Book of the Year is now in its eighth year, with the 2020 shortlist highlighting prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors. Professor Anita Heiss will be announced as the winner at a morning tea on campus this Thursday, 21 November 2019.
“I feel humbled and privileged as an author, that Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms has been chosen as the 2020 UC Book of the year,” said Professor Heiss.
“To have the UC community engaging in the story of the Cowra Breakout, and life of Wiradjuri people living under the Act of Protection during wartime, will add to a greater understanding of a significant moment in Australian history, just outside of Canberra.
“I am looking forward to being part of a number of conversations and events centred around the novel in the next 12 months and beyond.”
Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms was chosen as the 2020 Book of the Year by a panel of experts including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Geoff Crisp, Dean of Graduate Research Dr Jen Webb, University Librarian Christian West, PhD candidate Ian McHugh and author Grace Lucas-Pennington.