Author Talk: An Evening with Linda Royal

Spend the evening with author Linda Royal as she discusses her bestselling novel, 'The Star on the Grave'.

This riveting historical novel is inspired by the incredible true story of the Japanese diplomat who defied his government to save thousands from the Nazis - including Linda's own family.

This event will start at 6.30pm, light catering will be provided for guests to enjoy from 6.00pm.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

About the Author:

Linda Margolin Royal was born in Sydney, Australia, forever thankful her father and grandparents received life-saving transit visas from Chiune Sugihara in 1940, which enabled them to enter Japan and escape the Holocaust. This ultimately meant they could find a permanent home in Australia in 1941 and she was able to be born into freedom. The remainder of her family, numbering in the hundreds, was murdered in concentration camps.

Linda trained as a graphic designer and then copywriter, and spent thirty years in the advertising industry both in Australia and the US, writing advertisements for TV and radio and general press for multinational companies. Linda's creative bent extends to abstract painting and drawing from live models. She now speaks regularly at events about her personal experience of being alive only thanks to the actions of the two courageous strangers she aims to immortalise, who risked their lives to save desperate Jewish refugees fleeing extermination. The Star on the Grave is her first novel, which was awarded the Australian Jewish Writers Award for Fiction in 2025.

About The Star on the Grave:

In 1940, as the Nazis sweep toward Lithuania, Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara defies his government and secretly issues visas to fleeing Jewish refugees. After the war, Sugihara is dismissed and disappears into obscurity.

Three decades later, in Australia, Rachel Margol is shocked when her engagement reveals a long-held family secret: she is Jewish. As she grapples with this deception and the dysfunction it has caused, unspoken tragedies from the past begin to come to light. When an opportunity arrives to visit Chiune Sugihara, the man who risked his life to save the Margols during World War II, Rachel becomes determined to meet him. But will a journey to Japan, and the secrets it uncovers, heal the family or fracture them for good?

The Star on the Grave is a powerful and moving novel inspired by the true story of Chiune Sugihara, and the thousands of people - including the author - who owe him their lives.

Accessibility

Randwick City Library is committed to making our events accessible and inclusive. If you have any access requirements, please let us know so we can support your participation. You can:

• Email libraryevents@randwick.nsw.gov.au, or
• call us on 02 9093 6400.

We’ll be in touch to confirm arrangements.

Terms and Conditions:

The health & safety of our community and staff is our top priority. By registering, you agree to comply with the terms and conditions listed below including the Covid-safe measures. Note: these terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

• Bookings are essential and spaces are limited.
• If you are unable to attend, please cancel your tickets as soon as possible. This will enable others to participate in the event.
• Due to the safety and enjoyment of participants, we are unable to admit latecomers to the room after the start time.
• Please arrive from 6pm to enjoy some light catering and allow the event to run on time from 6.30pm.
• Covid-19 Safety Terms and Conditions apply. Follow this link to find out more. Please review them prior to attending this event as these may change with short notice.
• Your attendance at events supported by Randwick City Council may be digitally recorded through photographs and/or video recordings. Images may be used for promotional purposes on council's websites, publications, social media or by newspapers. By attending this session you agree to these terms. If you do not wish your image (or the image of your child) to be published, please notify staff before the event.