Invitation to book launch “The Internment Diaries of Mario Sardi”

You are invited to a book launch:
The Internment Diaries of Mario Sardi
edited and with an introduction by Ilma Martinuzzi O’Brien
at: the Dante Alighieri Society, Brisbane
26 Gray St, New Farm
Saturday 2 November, 5pm
The book will be presented by Ilma Martinuzzi O’Brien, who will be introduced by Catherine Dewhirst, with open discussion following in English and Italian.
The diaries of Mario Sardi record daily life in Loveday Internment camp 14A, in South Australia, a camp especially set up for 1000 North Queenslanders. Mario Sardi was a cane-cutter from Innisfail who was among the first men sent to Loveday 14A, and he remained interned for 22 months. His diaries mention many men who were interned with him, and describe what they did to overcome the monotony of having nothing to do, while being locked up under army control.
The diary has been set in the context of the war and Australian society at the time, and Dr Ilma Martinuzzi O’Brien has included details about many of those mentioned and the process of setting up and managing the camps. This book reveals the arbitrary and unfair nature of the “great round-up” of 1942 and includes historic photographs and sketches. It is a compelling account of an important aspect of Australian history.
Dr Ilma Martinuzzi O’Brien was born in North Queensland and, after a career in three Universities and the Italian Historical Society in Melbourne, has now retired to an appointment as Honorary Research Associate in History at La Trobe University.
Dr Catherine Dewhirst is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Southern Queensland, where she teaches European and World histories.
All welcome!
NB A great option for dinner afterwards is Casa Italia, downstairs at the same address
For further information, please contact:
Ilma Martinuzzi O’Brien 0407 321 605, i.o’brien
or Claire Kennedy (07) 3735 7141, c.kennedy
Flyer Dante Diari Sardi launch v4.docx