From a criminal upbringing on the Gold Coast to archaeologist and director of Australia’s largest specialist heritage consultancy, Andrew Sneddon has an interesting story to tell in his memoir, Prehistoric Joy.

Prehistoric Joy captures Andrew’s story of growing up in the criminal underbelly of the Gold Coast in the 1980s. You can hear all about it as Andrew joins us live at our Broadbeach Library, in conversation with author Simon Cleary.

At the age of eleven, Andrew’s conman stepfather moves the family from Canberra to chase his next scam. From there, Andrew details his experience of growing up between cycles of domestic violence, poverty and homelessness with limited support available to his mother.

Reflecting on his journey through the contemporary lens as an archaeologist, Prehistoric Joy shares the story of his criminal childhood with refreshing humour, while also exploring the importance of family, and the timeless search for happiness.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to discover more about the Gold Coast’s criminal past from a former local and hear about Andrew’s journey from a child growing up in crime to a world explorer and conservator of history, while also reflecting on the universality of humanity.

This author talk is hosted by Simon Cleary is the author of three novels: The War Artist (2019), Closer to Stone (2012) and The Comfort of Figs (2008).