Cambridge Library is thrilled to welcome award-winning Australian novelist Holden Sheppard for an "In Conversation" event in November.

Holden has won acclaim for the raw, blokey honesty of his emotional novels about the modern experiences of Aussie men. His bestselling debut "Invisible Boys" is a confessional novel about young gay men growing up in rural Australia and was later developed as a TV series for Stan.

At the upcoming event, Holden will be talking about his new release novel "Yeah the Boys" - the long-awaited sequel to Invisible Boys. Described as unapologetic and unforgettable, the novel tells the story of three boys finding their way back to each other and finding their own ways to become men.

Joining Holden will be former AFL player Leigh Ryswyk, who earlier this year became the first openly gay male player (past or present) in Australian football history.

Audiences can look forward to a fascinating and thoroughly engaging conversation between the two, exploring their shared experiences and perspectives.

About the speakers: 

Holden Sheppard is a West Australian author of four acclaimed novels, including the bestseller Invisible Boys, which won multiple awards, including the WA Premier’s Prize for an Emerging Writer. Invisible Boys was adapted as a Peabody Award-nominated TV series for Stan Australia, for which Holden served as screenwriter of two episodes, and is now screening on Hulu in the US. His new-release novel Yeah the Boys is a novel about the first gay male AFL player and is a sequel to Invisible Boys. Holden’s writing has been widely published in books, journals and the media. Originally from Geraldton, he now lives in Perth’s north, with his husband and his V8 ute.

Leigh Ryswyk is a former AFL and SANFL footballer, corporate leader, father of two and keynote speaker who helps organisations, schools and sporting clubs create environments where people feel they truly belong. In 2026, Leigh became the first past or present AFL player to publicly come out as gay, sparking important conversations about identity, courage and inclusion in sport and beyond. Drawing on his experiences in elite sport, leadership and parenthood, Leigh shares a powerful message about belonging, authenticity and the impact of everyday actions.

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