Talks@Willoughby: Sophie Stern in conversation with Lindsay Bartels
Join author Sophie Stern in conversation with Lindsay Bartels as they celebrate the release of Sophie’s debut novel 'What is Left for Us'.
About What is Left for Us
Inseparable sisters Rebecca and Hannah are torn apart by a horrible betrayal, leading them to lead very separate lives. Ten years later, Rebecca is stuck in an unfulfilling job in London and reeling from a breakup when an unexpected email from Hannah forces her to confront a past she thought she’d left behind.
Hannah appears to have everything Rebecca doesn’t, but her perfect life is beginning to crack. When the sisters reunite, old wounds resurface and long-buried truths come to light. Told over two intense weeks, What Is Left For Us is a gripping exploration of family, resentment and loyalty, with shifting allegiances that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the conclusion of the event, courtesy of Constant Reader Bookstore. Please note only card purchases will be accepted.
About Sophie Stern
Sophie Stern is from Sydney, Australia, where she lives with her husband and son. Her short fiction has been published in magazines and literary zines including Yen Magazine and Ellipsis Zine and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. The manuscript of her first novel was shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize in 2024.
About Lindsay Bartels
A native Texan turned Coloradan then Californian, Lindsay Bartels always purses bringing the personal into her art. She has a BFA in Filmmaking, graduating with honors for her autobiographical documentary, and an MFA in Interior Architecture, focusing on sustainable design practices. Lindsay currently lives in Sydney, Australia - with her husband, their children and dog. IMOGEN IN WAITING: A Memoir of Modern Reproduction, arrives in June 2026 with Third Rail Press.
Visitor information
We follow NSW Health guidelines for the health and safety of our community and staff. Please read our Behaviour in the Library guidelines before your visit.
This event may be filmed or photographed. Images may be used on Council websites, publications, social media channels and circulated to the press and other media organisations for publication, transmission or broadcast. If you do not wish your image to be published, please notify staff before the event.
Join author Sophie Stern in conversation with Lindsay Bartels as they celebrate the release of Sophie’s debut novel 'What is Left for Us'.
About What is Left for Us
Inseparable sisters Rebecca and Hannah are torn apart by a horrible betrayal, leading them to lead very separate lives. Ten years later, Rebecca is stuck in an unfulfilling job in London and reeling from a breakup when an unexpected email from Hannah forces her to confront a past she thought she’d left behind.
Hannah appears to have everything Rebecca doesn’t, but her perfect life is beginning to crack. When the sisters reunite, old wounds resurface and long-buried truths come to light. Told over two intense weeks, What Is Left For Us is a gripping exploration of family, resentment and loyalty, with shifting allegiances that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the conclusion of the event, courtesy of Constant Reader Bookstore. Please note only card purchases will be accepted.
About Sophie Stern
Sophie Stern is from Sydney, Australia, where she lives with her husband and son. Her short fiction has been published in magazines and literary zines including Yen Magazine and Ellipsis Zine and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. The manuscript of her first novel was shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize in 2024.
About Lindsay Bartels
A native Texan turned Coloradan then Californian, Lindsay Bartels always purses bringing the personal into her art. She has a BFA in Filmmaking, graduating with honors for her autobiographical documentary, and an MFA in Interior Architecture, focusing on sustainable design practices. Lindsay currently lives in Sydney, Australia - with her husband, their children and dog. IMOGEN IN WAITING: A Memoir of Modern Reproduction, arrives in June 2026 with Third Rail Press.
Visitor information
We follow NSW Health guidelines for the health and safety of our community and staff. Please read our Behaviour in the Library guidelines before your visit.
This event may be filmed or photographed. Images may be used on Council websites, publications, social media channels and circulated to the press and other media organisations for publication, transmission or broadcast. If you do not wish your image to be published, please notify staff before the event.
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Highlights
- 1 hour
- In-person
Location
Northbridge Library
258 Sailors Bay Road
Northbridge, NSW 2063
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