A statue of novelist Monica McInerney has been unveiled on the Riesling Trail in the Clare Valley.
Key points:
- Monica McInerney fell in love with books as a child and used to sit on the roof of her home to read them
- Sculptor Paul Leditschke depicted McInerney as a 10-year-old and the author says he perfectly captured the sense of wonder and engagement she felt
- McInerney, who has sold millions of books, says the monument feels like “a celebration of the power of words”
McInerney grew up in the Clare Valley and has written 13 international bestsellers.
The master wordsmith was speechless when the statue was unveiled.
“I’m so touched and delighted and I feel really honoured,” McInerney said.
“It really means the world to me that it’s happening in my hometown.”
She said it was an “incredible, moving moment” to see Paul Leditschke’s sculpture beside her childhood home.
“His artwork is so special and beautiful — full of life and colour,” McInerney said.
“The child – me! – looks like she’s lost in her imagination, and so lifelike that I expected to see her turn the page of the book she’s reading.
“I am so touched and grateful to the Riesling Trail committee for this huge honour.
“It means the world to me.”
About 100 of McInerney’s friends, family and supporters attended the event.
Falling in love
McInerney grew up with her six other siblings in the railway stationmaster’s house adjacent to the Riesling Trail.
When she was 10 years old, McInerney would spend many hours on the roof, leaning against the chimney with a book in her hand.
“I had a very big family, they were noisy and had lots of visitors, so the roof was the quietest place to sit,” McInerney said.
“I absolutely fell in love with books.
“It was also a great spot to eavesdrop as well.”
Immortalising a childhood
Riesling Trail Committee secretary Sue Wurst said visitors would be able to see McInerneys’ old chimneys from where the statue stood.
“When people see the statue they’ll realise everything about it emphasises Monica’s connection with books,” Ms Wurst said.
“We had many donations from organisations and individuals for the statue, so it’s a statue for the community.”
McInerney said it was an amazing feeling to see herself depicted as a child.
“It really feels like a celebration of the power of words and the power of books and reading,” she said.
“Books have taken me away in my imagination all around the world and into other people’s shoes, and that’s what this sculpture means to me.”
