In this session Juan Gabriel Vásquez, one of Latin America’s most original writers joined Kim Scott, the first indigenous Australian writer to win the Miles Franklin Award, as they dug deep into their countries’ social and political histories.

Born in Bogotá, Vásquez studied Latin American literature at the Sorbonne. His novel The Sound of Things Falling won the 2011 Alfaguara Prize, one of the most prestigious Spanish literary awards. His latest translated title, The Secret History of Costaguana, is an insightful saga set in 19th and early 20th century Colombia. Kim Scott’s recent multi award-winning novel, That Deadman Dance, explores the early contact between the Aboriginal Noongar people and European settlers in Western Australia. Tina Makereti chaired.