Bronwyn Birdsall

Time and Tide in Sarajevo

My first novel was published in August 2022 by Affirm Press and has been shortlisted for the 2023 Readings Prize.

The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age described it as “elegant and finely wrought, achieving an intimate sense of place before ramping up the suspense” and WellRead called it “exquisitely written and perfectly paced.” The judges of the Readings Prize said it was “a fascinating look at contemporary politics and how they impact ordinary lives…A warm yet gripping read from a new voice in Australian fiction.”

I loved writing this book, and it has been such a joy to hear the wonderful readers’ responses I received via email, IG DMs, and at events. I wrote the novel for my younger self and having it out in the world is a genuine thrill.

A bit about the book:

Time and Time in Sarajevo is inspired by the years I lived in Sarajevo – a place rich in beauty and history. I was 24 when I moved there in 2007, eleven years after the end of the long and brutal siege of the city. After returning to Australia in 2011, I couldn’t stop thinking about everything I’d seen and heard, asking myself – how do I find hope in a world that can feel beyond repair? What does it mean to have given up on a future?

One morning before work in 2016, I found myself writing a scene that took me by surprise. By the time I was running for my bus, I had figured out the basics of a story that took me several years to solve, like a puzzle.

Set over a few days, I think it's about friendship, loyalty, and finding your place in the world. I hope it captures the city's warmth, humour, and atmosphere. The protagonist Evelyn is similar in age and background to me, but responds to life very differently than I do. Through her, I got to experience the city again with a fresh perspective. I think it’s deepened my understanding of Sarajevo, and maybe even given me some answers to those questions.

For more about me, click here. For more resources and tips about writing, click here.