"The Understudy" (Simon & Schuster) by Sydney-based author Julie Bennett is a brilliant new debut novel inspired by the Sydney Opera House and Julie's own childhood.

A fascinating, page-turning glimpse into the underbelly of the theatre world, along with the rivalries, politics and machinations behind a history-making opera performance in 1973 Sydney.

I am in complete awe of Julie's achievement with this magnificent novel and was delighted to have the chance to speak with her recently for the podcast.