Anna Franklin

Anna Funder, born in 1966, is an Australian author recognized for her critically acclaimed books, including "Stasiland," "All That I Am," and "Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life." Her literary career transitioned from international law, where she focused on human rights and treaty negotiation, to full-time writing in the late 1990s. Funder's education includes degrees from the University of Melbourne and the Freie Universität of Berlin, and she is fluent in French and German. Her writings often delve into complex historical events and the lives of individuals affected by political and social upheaval. She has also been recognized for her contributions to human rights advocacy and her extensive public speaking engagements.

Funder's debut book, "Stasiland" (2003), chronicles the experiences of individuals who resisted East Germany's communist regime and those who worked for its secret police, the Stasi. This work garnered significant international attention, being translated into sixteen languages and winning the prestigious Samuel Johnson Prize in 2004. Her 2012 novel, "All That I Am," unearths the hidden story of German-Jewish anti-Hitler activists who fled to London and continued their clandestine opposition to the Nazi regime. The novel explores themes of resistance, exile, and the dangers faced by those who opposed totalitarianism, earning numerous accolades including the Miles Franklin Award. Her most recent work, "Wifedom" (2023), focuses on the often-overlooked life of Eileen Blair, George Orwell's first wife, highlighting the "invisible" contributions of women in history.

Born in 1966, Anna Funder pursued a rigorous academic path, attending schools in Melbourne and Paris, and later graduating as dux from Star of the Sea College. She holds multiple degrees, including a BA (Hons) and LLB (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and Freie Universität of Berlin, as well as an MA and a Doctor of Creative Arts degree from the University of Technology Sydney. Prior to her writing career, Funder worked for the Australian Government as an international lawyer specializing in human rights, constitutional law, and treaty negotiation. This background undoubtedly informed her later literary explorations of justice, political oppression, and individual resilience.

Beyond her literary achievements, Funder is a dedicated advocate for human rights. She serves as an ambassador for the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN), an organization that provides safe havens for persecuted writers. Her involvement also extends to the Australian Privacy Foundation's Advisory Panel and prominent literary organizations like PEN International and the Folio Prize Academy. Funder has frequently appeared as a public speaker and delivered numerous named lectures, sharing her insights on literature, history, and courage. Her essays and articles have been published in various respected outlets, further cementing her role as a thoughtful commentator on contemporary issues.