SHORTLISTED, 2025 Stella Prize, The Age Book of the Year and the Douglas Stewart Prize and highly commended for the Victoria Premier’s Literary Awards.

‘If there’s a more important or timely book in 2024, I’m yet to come across it. Five big shiny stars.’ GOOD READING MAGAZINE ‘

Samah Sabawi has written a story of courage and struggle. Her generosity is such that above all she has gifted us a story of love of family and country.’ TONY BIRCH The story of a family over the past 100 years, starting in Palestine under British rule and ending in Redland Bay in Queensland.

Join author Samah Sabawi as she shares the story of her family over the past 100 years, starting in Palestine under British rule and ending in Redland Bay in Queensland.

Samah’s book, Cactus Pear for My Beloved, is a heartfelt memoir celebrating land, history, and family. It tells the story of a boy, born during displacements to a disabled father and illiterate mother, who became a poet and advocate for peaceful resistance in Palestine before fleeing to Australia with his young family.

Samah Sabawi is an author, playwright and poet and a recipient of multiple awards both nationally and internationally. Cactus Pear for My Beloved was born as a result of Samah’s PhD research.

Samah’s book will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be served.

Free event. Eventbrite bookings essential.