Geraldine Brooks on *Memorial Days*: Love, Loss and the Work of Grief

In this deeply moving conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks reflects on her latest book *Memorial Days*, a memoir born from profound personal loss. The discussion traverses themes of grief, resilience and the rituals—both cultural and personal—that help us navigate life after tragedy. Brooks shares the story behind her decision to retreat to Flinders Island, a place steeped in natural beauty and historical sorrow, to confront her grief and rediscover meaning. Along the way, she explores the intersections of memory, history and the solace of nature, while honouring the life and legacy of her late husband, acclaimed writer Tony Horwitz.

Colin Steele’s conversation with Brooks offers a rare insight into the private world of a writer whose work has long illuminated the human condition. With candour and grace, Brooks examines the inadequacy of modern mourning practices, the wisdom embedded in Jewish and First Nations traditions, and the cultural discomfort with death in Western societies. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling as a form of survival and connection, resonating with anyone interested in literature, history, and the universal experience of love and loss.