The sinking of the Titanic is one of the most famous catastrophes of the 20th Century, which continues to fascinate to this day. Much less known is the story of the ship that could have gone to her aid but didn’t. The Midnight Watch is a dramatic, compelling novel that brings to life what happened on this mysterious ship during those fateful hours.

Author David Dyer is well placed to tell the enigmatic tale of the Californian, the ship that failed to come to the Titanic’s aid. He has a deep knowledge of the Titanic and an abiding passion for her story. This interest is complemented by his own experience working as a ship’s cadet and third officer in the Australian merchant navy. Dyer was also a maritime lawyer for many years at the London legal practice, whose parent firm represented the White Star Line in 1912.

We’ve programmed a series of monthly author talks, created in partnership with the much-loved Newtown bookshop Better Read Than Dead. We let the writers do the talking as we hear from a lively mix of the best local, emerging and best-selling authors.

For information and booking, click here.

David Dyer in conversation with Debra Adelaide.

Australian author David Dyer’s debut novel The Midnight Watch is a brilliant exploration of the small human failings that can lead to the greatest disasters. The novel tells the captivating true story of Captain Lord, and others of the ship Californian, whose crewmen saw eight distress rockets fired by the Titanic on that fateful night, but unfathomably failed to act. Join us for a night of extraordinary storytelling.

Cost: free, but bookings essential. 

Bookings via Potts Point Bookshop: 

http://www.pottspointbookshop.com.au/pages/451-NewsEvents

Telephone: 9331 6642

In this talk, historical novelist David Dyer explores the implications of the sinking of the Titanic for the suffragette movement of the early 20th century. In the weeks leading up to the disaster, unruly women had been smashing windows in London, but on the sloping decks of the sinking liner they readily stepped into the lifeboats while brave men stood back. Should women who want the vote still expect the protection of men’s chivalry?

Free, no bookings.

Information: 

Titanic and the Suffragettes: Bookings

A talk about The Midnight Watch

Australian author David Dyer’s debut novel The Midnight Watch is a brilliant exploration of the small human failings that can lead to the greatest disasters. The novel tells the captivating true story of Captain Lord, and others of the ship Californian, whose crewmen saw eight distress rockets fired by the Titanic on that fateful night, but unfathomably failed to act. Join us for a night of extraordinary storytelling.

Tickets: $35, including wine and canapes.

Bookings:

email: bluesptbooks@bigpond.com

telephone:  (02) 9956 7056

On the 104th anniversary of the Titanic striking her iceberg, David Dyer talks about The Midnight Watch

David Dyer has a reporter's ear for a story, a detective's nose for motives, and an artist's eye for detail.

The Midnight Watch is a new gripping, factually based, fictionalised story of the events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic.  Dyer's background in the Law, having been with the London legal practice whose parent represented the owners of the Titanic, the Australian Maritime College, and a teacher of English in Sydney, gives him a marvellous platform for such an absorbing work.

Tickets $10 (includes glass of wine).

Hosted on behalf of "the bookshop queenscliff" www.thebookshopatqueenscliff.com

Bookings:

Contact: Marylou Gilbert

E: thebookshopatqueenscliff@gmail.com    Ph: (03) 52584496

David Dyer in conversation with Ben Ball

Australian author David Dyer’s debut novel The Midnight Watch is a brilliant exploration of the small human failings that can lead to the greatest disasters. The novel tells the captivating true story of Captain Lord, and others of the ship Californian, whose crewmen saw eight distress rockets fired by the Titanic on that fateful night, but unfathomably failed to act. Join us for a night of extraordinary storytelling.

This is a free event, but best to book ahead.

Bookings: 

https://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=190530

A talk about The Midnight Watch

Australian author David Dyer’s debut novel The Midnight Watch is a brilliant exploration of the small human failings that can lead to the greatest disasters. The novel tells the captivating true story of Captain Lord, and others of the ship Californian, whose crewmen saw eight distress rockets fired by the Titanic on that fateful night, but unfathomably failed to act. 

Come along and listen to David talk about his book.

Cost: Book and tickets together $50, which includes admission and finger food. Beverages at bar prices.

Ticket only: $35.

Phone: 03 9589 4638

Email: read@beaumarisbooks.com.au

Tune in and listen to me chat to Jon Faine of in 'Conversations' on ABC 774. 

If you miss the live program you can always download the podcast:

Conversations with Jon Faine