ANU/The Canberra Times Meet the Author series
Robert Dessaix will be in conversation with Andrew Leigh on his new book Chameleon: A memoir of art, travel, ideas and love.
Wednesday 12 March, 6:00-7:00pm
T2 lecture theatre
Kambri Cultural Centre
Australian National University
Acton, ACT, 2601
Free Event: Registration is required
Robert Dessaix’s Chameleon is about everything that matters, a book of memories that flow so freely they seem to happen as we read. Cartwheeling from story to story, Dessaix describes an identity in flux: his beginnings as an adopted child named Thomas Robert Jones, his youthful interest in religious thinking, his obsession with all things Russian, his marriage to Lisa and divorce, his discovery of travel. In North Africa he finds different ways of feeling and being, and in Australia he begins his abiding relationship with his partner Peter Timms. At every point he muses on pleasure, art, sex, literature, infatuation, happiness, music, life, death and all the rest.
Chameleon is a virtuoso performance of self-revelation, as Dessaix explores how the restless mind takes constant detours to search for what makes life good, a place of wisdom and love.
Professor Arnold Dix is an Australian geologist, engineer, barrister, farmer and President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association. Arnold says “I do not see myself as a hero, though. Not even close. I am simply a guy who had a few skills, who knew a couple of things, and felt like he could help in a difficult situation. In reality, I am a pretty normal guy. My only superpowers are the ability to remain calm and think clearly, and an overwhelming motivation to be kind”.
Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury and Employment, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Before being elected in 2010, Andrew was a Professor of Economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. Andrew is the author of several books, most recently Battlers and Billionaires: The Updated Story of Inequality in Australia.
The vote of thanks will be given by Allan Behm, Director, International & Security Affairs Program at the Australia Institute.
This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop. Books will be available for purchase. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm and again after the event.
This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop. Books will be available for purchase. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm and again after the event.