Cassie McCullagh

In 1978, in a place known as Jonestown in Guyana in the West Indies, 904 people died altogether under the direction of the charismatic leader, Jim Jones.

But before we get to the novel, Vicki Laveau-Harvey, you grew up in Canada as well as living in France before settling in Australia.

You must remember hearing this event on the news.

I haven't drunk a Kool-Aid since.

That's right.

There is the Kool-Aid aspect of this.

Yes.

viable alternative something worth pursuing and what was the ravings of what turned out to be psychopathic people you bring up jim jones does he actually appear i mean he is such a fascinating character you've mentioned some other deeply charismatic but problematic people yes is he in the book

You know, that darkness doesn't put me off.

David Hunt, does it put you off?

Well, time now on the bookshelf to go behind the iron curtain with writer Simon Moore.

Kate, God.

Now, Jennifer Stevens, you've read this book for us, but first tell us about your connection to Prague.

So the crushing of ideals and, you know, the idea of freedom in a very concrete and violent and militaristic way.

David Hunt, you're listening in.

What do you make of what we've been hearing?

You've seen it all, Vicky.

What's the book?

Well, look, normally I would say you saved the best for last, Kate, but perhaps not in this circumstance.

A People's History of the Vampire Uprising by Raymond A Villareal has been presented to David and I. Thank you very much for it.