In a Common Hour

SHORTLISTED FOR THE QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARD FOR FICTION

A BIRDS OF A FEATHER BOOK CLUB PICK

‘Sita Walker's powerful debut novel In a Common Hour follows a diverse group of kids and teachers as they deal with the fallout from a student prank.’ —The Age

Walker is a teacher herself and, boy, does this novel ring true.’ —The Sydney Morning Herald

Sometimes the most important lessons are learnt at lunchtime

Parks State High is a melting pot of misfits. There is Oliver Fish, the teen philosopher hiding a secret relationship; Dev Desai, hopelessly in love with the brilliant Maryam Fadel; and a staffroom thick with gossip, camaraderie and burnt-out teachers. At the centre of it all is well-loved teacher Paul Bush. But when a disgruntled student makes a devastating move – one lunchtime is all it takes for Bushie’s life to change forever.

With a cast of unforgettable characters, In a Common Hour is a smart, funny and wise novel that shows us all the ways we are connected.

PRAISE FOR IN A COMMON HOUR

‘In a Common Hour is ultimately an uplifting story that shows Walker still has faith in humanity (and teenagers). You might find yourself wandering into the bush for a moment of quiet contemplation after reading this book, too.’ —ABC Arts

‘electric and assured.’ —Qantas Magazine

‘Sita Walker's 20 years as a high school literature teacher flavours every page of her terrific new book, In a Common Hour.’ —The Herald Sun

‘In a Common Hour is a hope-filled masterpiece about contemporary high school classrooms and the people that inhabit them.’ —Gabbie Stroud, author of Teacher and The Things that Matter Most

‘I read this in a gulp. In a Common Hour marks the arrival of a major new talent. Sita Walker makes me fall in love with reading all over again.’ —Nikki Gemmell, author of Wing

‘Walker’s novel is unputdownable. I was charmed, moved, and so sorry to close the covers.’ —Sharlene Allsopp, author of The Great Undoing

‘The full emotional force of Walker’s well-plotted tale arrives in the final chapter, offering an ending that is empathetic to both students and teachers, and ultimately optimistic.’ —Books+Publishing