By Sonia Isaacs
A NEW book capturing the voices, memories and life journeys of Maleny locals will be launched next month, offering a rare and accessible celebration of community storytelling.
Slice of Life, curated by local writer Jack Wilcox AM, brings together 21 stories of remarkable careers, overseas adventures and family histories, written by elderly authors whose lived experiences span generations. Many of the contributors have never previously seen their stories published in book form, and for some families this is the first time these personal histories have been shared in full.
Mr Wilcox said the project was born from a desire to preserve stories that were at risk of being lost.
Several of the authors live with poor vision and were unable to read their own work when it appeared in newspapers, making the book a meaningful and lasting record of their lives.
In a distinctive publishing feature, Slice of Life is printed in a specialist typeface developed by the Braille Institute in the United States, designed to improve reading speed and comfort for people with low vision.
Printed in large 19-point font, the book is one of only a handful in Australia to use the accessible design.
The collection also includes Reflections of a Local Historian: The Historian’s Hat by Elizabeth Caffery, adding historical insight to the personal narratives.
The public launch will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 3pm at the Club House, Vantage Village, Maleny. The event is open to the public to attend.
