Interview with Léonie Kelsall by the Author
Leonie Kelsall, a South Australian author with a deep love for her rural roots, crafts stories that beautifully capture the essence of rural Australia and the challenges faced by its people. Having grown up in small, rural towns in the wheat and sheep farming regions, Kelsall's stories are steeped in authenticity and emotional resonance.
Her latest book, Wings Above the Mallee, introduces Amelia, a female pilot character who uses flying as a metaphor for escaping personal tragedy. This novel, like many of Kelsall's works, is set in the fictional town of Settlers Bridge.
Kelsall's stories are not mere depictions of rural life; they delve deep into the complexities of human nature. As a professional counsellor, Kelsall is intrigued by the resilience that people exhibit in the face of adversity. This fascination is evident in her characters, who grapple with themes of hope, vulnerability, and the human capacity to heal.
In The Path Through the Coojong Trees and The Ironbark Chambers, Kelsall explores the lives of characters like Heath, whose teenage daughter, Charlee, faces the complexities of mourning a parent's loss, guilt, and addiction. Charlee's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the need to forgive oneself before moving forward.
Kelsall's stories are not without moments of lightness, humour, and connection. These elements provide relief and hope, balancing the emotional depth of her narratives. The author's upcoming books will feature both familiar and new characters from Settlers Bridge, offering readers a continuation of the town's vibrant community.
Kelsall's family members, including her father and brother, are recreational pilots. This passion for aviation finds its way into her stories, with Wings Above the Mallee offering a unique perspective on flying as a means of escape.
Feedback from readers who feel "seen" by Kelsall's stories about difficult subjects has been particularly humbling. Her youngest daughter inspired the idea for a female pilot character, further demonstrating Kelsall's commitment to creating characters that resonate with her readers.
In a world where despair can seem overwhelming, Kelsall's stories offer a beacon of hope. Characters like Amelia, who serves as a reminder that despair should not be allowed to prevail, and Heath, who embodies the resilience of the human spirit, inspire readers to face their own challenges with courage and determination.
As Kelsall works on her next novel, The Windmill in the Silver Gums, set once again in Settlers Bridge, readers can look forward to more stories that beautifully encapsulate the blend of joy and sorrow, triumph and struggle that is part of life in rural Australia.
[1] Kelsall, L. (2021). Wings Above the Mallee. Allen & Unwin. [3] Kelsall, L. (2019). The Path Through the Coojong Trees. Allen & Unwin. [5] Kelsall, L. (2017). The Ironbark Chambers. Allen & Unwin.
- Leonie Kelsall's novels, such as 'Wings Above the Mallee', 'The Path Through the Coojong Trees', and 'The Ironbark Chambers', delve into various aspects of life, including relationships, fashion-and-beauty, and books, offering insightful perspectives on human resilience.
- The rural lifestyle, home-and-garden settings, and food-and-drink experiences in Leonie Kelsall's books provide a vivid backdrop for her emotional narratives, while also demonstrating her love for rural Australia.
- In her authorship, Leonie Kelsall draws inspiration from various sources, including her personal relationships and her family's passion for aviation, blending these elements into entertainment that resonates with readers.
