Gerringong author Lisa Darcy’s latest book Christmas Actually is the perfect stocking filler for avid readers. 

Following on from the theme of its famous namesake Love Actually, and in keeping with the yuletide spirit, Christmas Actually is ultimately about humanity: putting others first and showing kindness, says Lisa.

“My publisher wanted my new novel to have a festive theme, specifically set in Australia – sun, surf, sunburn and prawns,” she says.

“Christmas Actually is a snapshot of modern family life; addressing Instagram to motherhood, and everything in between. A common thread throughout my novels is women finding the strength to move forward when faced with challenging circumstances.

“These characters deal with real-life circumstances such as divorce, betrayal, heartache, and addiction, with behaviours that are unpredictable, messy, flawed, and generally lead to more chaos with a sprinkling of humour.”

You can pick up a signed copy of Lisa’s latest novel at her author talk at Gerringong Library.

Lisa will join children’s book author Alison Tait for a conversation on December 6, from 5-6pm. The event is free, but bookings are essential. Christmas nibbles will be provided and books from both authors will be available for signing and purchase. For more information visit Kiama Library’s website. 

With Christmas just around the corner, Lisa Darcy shares her favourite holiday reads with The Bugle.

A book Lisa couldn’t put down:

Dirrayawadha (Rise Up) by best-selling Wiradyuri author, Dr Anita Heiss, is an outstanding Australian historical novel - truth-telling through fiction, a story of love and resilience in a time of war. In Anita’s acknowledgements, she writes “Dirrayawadha is probably the most important book I will ever write.” I believe her. This is definitely a story that needs to be told. Dirrayawadha should be on the curriculum list of every high school in Australia.

A book readers can get lost in at the beach? 

Richard Osman’s frolic, We Solve Murders. His novels are funny, easy to read, and his characters are always well-rounded. His entertaining murder mysteries are easily read on a lazy day at the beach.

A book that left an impression on Lisa? 

Watermelon by Marian Keyes. I think she is brilliant. Keye’s is funny and incredibly talented, and I admire her enormously. Her writing always seems so effortless even when her characters are dealing with serious issues like alcoholism, divorce and disease. I get in the heads of the characters that inspire me - the heroine triumphing over adversity - and am with them on their journey all the way. 

A book that challenged Lisa’s perspective on a topic? 

I was never a fan of fantasy or sci-fi. But when my boys were pre-tweens, they were into Harry Potter, then when my daughter was a teenager, she loved the Twilight series. I read these books because my kids did. It opened my eyes to many more genres.

A book Lisa hopes to find under her Christmas tree? 

Something that surprises me. Last Christmas, my daughter and my partner both gave me Paul Barbera’s Book, House Cat. This year, I hope they chat before gifting me a book, but give me something equally as wonderful as House Cat.

Why should book lovers put Christmas Actually on their wish list? 

Christmas Actually is a universal story about rebirth, love and redemption, packaged in fresh wrapping. Familial expectations don’t fade into the background just because Christmas is looming. All of Kate’s family – her parents, husband, sister, children, and friends – demand something from her, whether that be love, time, acceptance, food, or silence. Kate’s at breaking point, and something’s got to give. She can’t even find the time to haul the Christmas decorations out from the garage. And there’s no Christmas tree. This book reminds us that despite our imperfections, it is never too late to admit our past mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Love, in all its incarnations, need not be out of reach.

Competition time:

Email us at hello@the buglenewspaper.com.au for a chance to win a signed copy of Christmas Actually. The winner’s name will be drawn out of a Santa hat.