Salt Upon the Water

Description

Join award-winning author and academic Dr Lyn Dickens for a discussion of her Miles Franklin longlisted novel, Salt Upon the Water, and the inspiration behind the novel's 'alternative history' of South Australia's 'founding' colonial figure, Colonel William Light. 

Lyn will discuss her use of the State Library's invaluable archives, the blend of fact and fiction, and her fortuitous opportunity to visit William Light's childhood home in Suffolk, as well as the implications of Light's heritage for Australian history, culture, and identity.

Set in the early 19th century in South Australia, England, Italy, India and Malaysia, Salt Upon the Water blends magical realism with historical fiction to explore William Light's under-told Asian ancestry. Part love story, part colonial critique, the novel won the 2024 Arts SA Unpublished Manuscript Award and was longlisted for the 2026 Miles Franklin Award.

Image: book cover of Salt Upon the Water by Lyn Dickens

About the author

Lyn Dickens is an award-winning writer, editor, and academic. Her debut novel Salt Upon the Water was longlisted for the 2026 Miles Franklin Award and the winner of the 2024 Arts South Australia Wakefield Press Unpublished Manuscript Award. She was the 2025 Arts and Culture winner of the Asian Australian Leadership Awards, and the Co-Founder of the literary journal The Saltbush Review. Lyn has a doctorate in Sociology and a PhD in Creative Writing, and is an Adjunct Fellow of the JM Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice at Adelaide University. 

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

Access to the Institute Building is via the external ramp on the Kintore Ave entrance or via the internal ramp between the Institute Building and the Spence Wing (opposite the Treasures Wall).

There is on-street accessible parking available close to the State Library. View more information and maps of City of Adelaide's Accessible parking options.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays. The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.