Library hosts Rockhampton-raised author Ruth Clare

Published on 18 April 2016

“I was born into the war still raging inside my father.”

These thought-provoking words have echoed throughout the life of Rockhampton-raised author Ruth Clare, whose memoir Enemy details how her father brought the brutal Vietnam War back home and into her life.

Council’s Community Services Committee Chair Councillor Rose Swadling said community members will have the opportunity to meet with Ruth at the Author Event on Saturday 30 April.

“Ruth Clare is an exceptional writer who grew up in Rockhampton, and we’re thrilled that she’s sharing her very personal and emotional memoir Enemy, which is based around her father’s explosive family relationships after his return from the Vietnam War,” Cr Swadling said.

“Our Author Events are always popular because people get that fabulous opportunity to talk with authors about their books, why they write, what they write and ultimately get a glimpse into their lives, which is quite inspiring.

“On this occasion, they’ll also get the chance to chat with an impressive new Australian writer who grew up in our backyard.”

Enjoy a cuppa and a chat, or buy a singed copy of her work. Light refreshments will be served.

Ruth Clare was born in Brisbane, raised in Rockhampton and now lives in Melbourne. She has been a professional writer since 2004. Enemy is her first book.

What: Author Event - Ruth Clare

When: Saturday 30 April

Time: 10am

Where: Fitzroy Room, Rockhampton Regional Library

Contact: Rockhampton Regional Library on 4936 8043 for more information.

Enemy

Ruth Clare's father came back from the Vietnam War a changed man: a violent, controlling parent and a dominating, aggressive husband. Through a childhood of being constantly on guard, with no one to protect her but herself, Ruth learned to be strong and fierce in the face of fear.

After escaping her difficult upbringing, Ruth went on to have a family of her own. Facing the challenges of parenting brought her past back to life, and she lived in fear that she was doomed to repeat her father's behaviour. Wanting to understand the experiences that had damaged her father, she met with other veterans and began listening to their stories, of war, conscription, returning to civilian life. What Ruth uncovered left her with a surprising empathy for the man who caused her so much pain and heartache.

http://www.ruthclare.com/