What would I do to you if you had murdered a member of my family? A dark but fascinating plot delves into the moral dilemma around this question in an engrossing novel just published by psychologist and first time author, Allora woman Georgia Harper.
Ms Harper is giving local people the opportunity to meet her and talk about her book on Thursday 18 April in Warwick as part of a book tour.
The novel, published by Penguin, explores the primal capabilities of humans as it follows a story set in Australia where the death penalty is allowed for families who have suffered the loss of a loved one through murder – but only if they are prepared to carry out the execution themselves.
Through the lens of counselling sessions with the court-appointed psychologist, What I Would Do to You explores the moral complexity faced by the surviving family.
Penguin describes it as “powerful and confronting; also beautiful. Georgia interweaves stories of the natural world and life on the land, as well as love, so seamlessly into the narrative that by its staggering conclusion, the reader looks up from the page to find their perspective of themselves and their world irrevocably changed.”
As a psychologist, Ms Harper has worked closely with both serious violent offenders and victim-survivors of crime. Her career has spanned roles in correctional, forensic mental health, mental health and rural psychology.
Ms Harper, who has a passion for animal welfare and is a sponsor for the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Day, actually wrote her book from her paddock, within sight of her horse.
She shares the path to publication, including her research and the experiences that shaped her writing, at the Warwick event, which will be held at the St Marks Anglican Church Hall at 2pm on 18 April. Entry is by gold coin which will be donated to Protea Place and people are asked to RSVP to 4661 0342.
