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Annie’s Books on Peregian presents Australian author Donna Mulhearn and her latest novel Ordinary Courage: My Journey to Baghdad as a Human Shield, at QOM restaurant, Peregian Beach at 5.30 pm Thursday 25 March.

Donna Mulhearn was a journalist and political adviser when at the age of thirty-four the world as she knew fell apart. Her marriage was over; she was disillusioned by her career and she despaired at the person she was becoming.

Then one day she heard something radical, a call to action that would change her life forever.

A radio broadcast appealing for human shields in Iraq – volunteers to deter the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ from attacking Baghdad. Donna was already against the war – she was a firm believer in the power of non-violent action, and like many people she mistrusted Bush and Co’s motives for entering Iraq.

Despite protests from concerned family and friends, Donna soon found herself in Baghdad, which she was surprised to find was a thriving, cosmopolitan city, with a highly educated and confident population, who were waiting with dread for the missiles to strike. There she joined hundreds of human shields from a range of countries who formed small teams to protect major sites – power stations, water treatment plants, communication centres – that were crucial to the life of innocent people.

With Bush’s deadline for attack looming, businesses closed their doors and the streets became eerily silent as people prepared for the worst. Donna and her team took up position at a food silo, where they endured night after night of harrowing missile attacks, while during the day, in a show of support and solidarity, they visited hospitals and areas that had been bombed. Donna became the key media contact, and at the same time supplying vital information to the outside world, she found she had to defend herself against accusations of being a traitor. Even when Saddam’s statue toppled and the Coalition claimed victory, her challenges did not end.

This is an exceptional and inspirational story of bravery and conviction.

Donna Mulhearn tells her story at 5.30 pm Thursday March 25 at QOM restaurant, Peregian Village Square $22 per person for welcoming glass of wine and Middle Eastern finger food.

Bookings essential; Please phone 5448 2053 or email anniesbooks@bigpond.com