‘A remarkably engaging writer, able to conceive characters and worlds that draw you in and hold you close.’
THE AUSTRALIAN
Delve into the worlds of The Year We Escaped and Running with Ivan, two heart-stopping World War II stories.
THE YEAR WE ESCAPED
OUT 4 JUNE 2025
For fans of Jackie French and Katrina Nannestad, The Year We Escaped is a heart-stopping and remarkable World War II story by talented author Suzanne Leal.
Europe, 1940
With war on their doorstep, German classmates Klara and Rachel, and French brothers Lucien and Paul, are forced to leave their homes. They are taken to Gurs, a French detention camp in the south-west of France. It's a crowded place, with little comfort and even less food.
When Klara and Rachel are promised safe refuge in a remote French village, Lucien and Paul are anxious to join them — and will risk their own lives to get there.
Filled with adventure, danger and intrigue, this is the story of four unlikely friends desperate to escape from a war that keeps coming closer.
SUZANNE’S NOVELS
‘Leal is a master storyteller. Impossible to put down.’
NIKKI GEMMELL
THE WATCHFUL WIFE
OUT NOW
A story of unshakeable belief and unbending faith from the author of The Deceptions.
Raised by her severe parents in a punitive and authoritarian church, Ellen's narrow world is upended when she meets Gordon, a fellow teacher. Ellen is both transformed and beguiled by the connection, love and laughter he brings into her life.
When Gordon is accused of a shocking crime, Ellen steadfastly refuses to believe Gordon has done anything wrong. Abandoned and reviled by those around her, she will have to fight to protect him.
But what will that cost her? And what will she discover about him along the way?
BOOK SUZANNE FOR EVENTS
Suzanne is a seasoned moderator, interviewer and host at literary festivals and events. She is also a popular speaker at schools, engaging and encouraging students to develop their creative skills and talents.
THURSDAY BOOK CLUB
Thursday Book Club is a relaxed, friendly book club connecting readers on Zoom. Join up to share book recommendations, find out about upcoming literary events and meet guest authors. Drop in as you can - it doesn’t matter if you’re late or if you have to leave early.
ABOUT SUZANNE
Suzanne is the author of novels The Deceptions, The Teacher’s Secret and Border Street. A regular presenter at literary events and festivals, she chairs the fiction and poetry panel for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards and is a board member of BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival.