# Rosemary’s Book of the Week | When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney

Source: https://ballaratmi.org.au/rosemarys-book-of-the-week-when-sullivan-met-lola-by-monica-mcinerney/

![Monica McInerney author photo with When Sullivan Met Lola book cover](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/libary-bow-monica-mcinerney-when-sullivan-met-lola-768x960.jpg)

*When Sullivan Met Lola*

Monica McInerney

Don’t miss Monica who will be talking about her new book at BMI on 5 October at 6pm

**The eagerly awaited new novel by beloved Australian author Monica McInerney.**

**Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she’s not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she’s flying solo to Melbourne for a week. They think she’s in search of distraction and entertainment. The truth is, she’s chasing an elusive dream.**

Sullivan Farrington is twelve years old. His life in Melbourne has turned upside down. His mother is in hospital, hiding a secret. His father lives on the other side of the world. School is a battleground. But Sullivan is no ordinary boy. He’s set himself a series of goals to turn his life around.

In a hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, Lola and Sullivan meet. When Lola’s fierce passion for people and stories teams up with Sullivan’s curiosity and brilliance, they discover that a friendship can bloom – magically – just when it is needed most.
What they don’t know yet is the wonder that’s about
to unfold – or the emotional reckoning that will follow.
From one of Australia’s most beloved authors comes an inspiring and heartwarming story that celebrates all that makes life worth living and the extraordinary power of everyday acts of kindness.

[Reserve >](https://ballaratmi.org.au/reserve-a-library-book/)

![Book cover of When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/when-sullivan-met-lola-monica-mcinerney-669x1024.jpg)

*When Sullivan Met Lola | Monica McInerney*

[Library Membership >](https://ballaratmi.org.au/membership/)

Coming soon…

[find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/talks/)

![Monica McInerney author event promoting When Sullivan Met Lola](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sp-promo-talks-monica-mcinerney-v2.jpg)

[Get Tickets](https://events.humanitix.com/host/bmiballarat)

[y:](https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-standing-outside-a-bar-6126105/)

Our library stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. *Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.*

### Recent News

![Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod logo](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/sq-promo-events-rsss-300x300.webp)

##### [The Royal South Street Society | CountPro Showcase 2026](https://ballaratmi.org.au/the-royal-south-street-society-countpro-sohwcase-2026/)

CountPro Showcase 2026 Featuring outstanding performances from the 2026 RSSS...

[Read More](https://ballaratmi.org.au/the-royal-south-street-society-countpro-sohwcase-2026/)

03/10/2026

![Monica McInerney author photo with When Sullivan Met Lola book cover](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/libary-bow-monica-mcinerney-when-sullivan-met-lola-240x300.jpg)

##### [Rosemary’s Book of the Week | When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney](https://ballaratmi.org.au/rosemarys-book-of-the-week-when-sullivan-met-lola-by-monica-mcinerney/)

When Sullivan Met Lola Monica McInerney Don’t miss Monica who...

[Read More](https://ballaratmi.org.au/rosemarys-book-of-the-week-when-sullivan-met-lola-by-monica-mcinerney/)

28/09/2026

![Melbourne Fringe Festival logo over dim stage](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/sq-promo-events-melbourne-fringe-logo-300x300.webp)

##### [Fringe Encore Ballarat](https://ballaratmi.org.au/fringe-encore-ballarat/)

Fringe Encore Ballarat Fringe Encore: Ballarat Every great show deserves...

[Read More](https://ballaratmi.org.au/fringe-encore-ballarat/)

22/09/2026

![Michael Robotham Tell Me Something True book cover BMI Library](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/libary-bow-michael-robotham-tell-me-something-true-240x300.jpg)

##### [Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Tell Me Something True by Michael Robotham](https://ballaratmi.org.au/rosemarys-book-of-the-week-tell-me-something-true-by-michael-robotham/)

Tell Me Something True Michael Robotham Don’t miss Michael who...

[Read More](https://ballaratmi.org.au/rosemarys-book-of-the-week-tell-me-something-true-by-michael-robotham/)

21/09/2026