Today we bring you the live recording from the Melbourne launch of Hailstones Fell Without Rain, the debut novel by Natalia Figueroa Barroso. Set between Western Sydney and Uruguay, this semi autobiographical story follows three generations of women: Graciela, Chula and Rita, as they grapple with migration, memory, political trauma and the intimate work of family. Natalia’s voice blends raw truth, English, Spanish and Spanglish to show us how identity, resilience and love can both fracture and heal. Here is the launch night with readings, conversations and moments that stayed with all of us.