Before we arrived at the Founders’ Room, Salamanca Place, Hobart this morning for Lian Tanner’s launch of Sunker's Deep, the second book in her Hidden series, we had been warned to expect the unexpected and we were not disappointed!
But what else would you expect from an internationally acclaimed children's author who has also been a playwright, teacher, professional actor, freelance journalist, editor, and tourist bus driver?
Ably assisted by marvellous MC Mel King, puppeteer and actor, the audience was led though games and story teasers that were perfectly pitched to engage and enchant Lian’s besotted fans, little and big! We were also treated to wonderful reviews by some of Lian’s most impartial critics, including Gus and Max, who rated Sunker’s Deep 10/10!
And as with the 2013 launch of the first novel in the series, Icebreaker, again the lucky door prize proved to be very less than lucky (for details of last year’s launch http://liantanner.com.au/the-hobart-launch-of-ice-breaker). But luckily our plucky 2014 prizewinner was eventually returned safely to the bosom of her family, despite being forced to walk the plank by the despicable Chief Engineer Albie.
And who would have thought that this latest title in Hidden series, aimed at middle- and upper-primary readers who love adventure, suspense and strange worlds, was inspired by Lian’s visit to The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, where she fell in love with a German submarine known as U-505. She became besotted with the idea of writing a story set in a submarine after joining a tour which enabled her to experience life aboard this sub in the days leading up to its capture, when it was prowling off the coast of West Africa on a hunt for American and Allied ships, terrorising the Atlantic Ocean as part of a massive U-boat campaign that almost altered the outcome of World War II.
But enough of the background chat! I’ve got a shiny new copy of Sunker’s Deep waiting to be read… Can the Sunkers and the Ice Breakers put aside their differences and work together? Or will the Devouts finally catch up with them all?
When I’m finished will I agree with Gus and Max’s 10/10? If you’ve read it, tell me your score and which Lian Tanner book is your favourite.
Jessie Mahjouri
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