Fight to be free

READING enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet and hear author Carolyn Landon speak of her love of books in Cranbourne next week.
The Wonthaggi author will discuss and read from her book Cups With No Handles, a memoir about a woman who lived in Pakenham for a short time.
Ms Landon’s visit to the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens next Wednesday is part of the State Library of Victoria’s Summer Read program.
Ms Landon told the News she was excited about her visit to Cranbourne, and looked forward to sharing the story of Bette Boyanton, who was a feminist and political and environmental activist.
“She (Bette) was like a square peg in a round hole in the country,” Ms Landon said.
“The book is about the life of any woman who had ever been an activist in the 20th century.”
Ms Landon, who also wrote Jackson’s Track, knew Bette personally and worked with her on the book until she passed away before it was published.
“Things have changed so much for women since Bette was born, we own our own bank accounts now and we can vote.”
As well as reading from sections of her book, Ms Landon will speak about reading generally and some of the books that have influenced her own writing. Pru Menzies from the Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation released Cups With No Handles in Pakenham Upper last week as part of The Summer Read’s BookCrossing program. That person then leaves the book somewhere else for others to do the same. The books are labelled “I’m Free! I’m Not Lost!”
Ms Menzies released the book in Gembrook Road, Pakenham, last Thursday, which is where Bette Boyanton used to live for a period of time.
Carolyn Landon will visit the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens on Wednesday, 4 February from 10.30am to 11.30am. For bookings call the Cranbourne Library on 5990 0150.