At age 18, Bariz Shah ended up in an Auckland prison.

As an Afghan migrant deeply affected by 9/11, Bariz spiralled from schoolyard fights into crime and drugs - until prison made him rethink his life.

Years later, in Christchurch, Bariz had turned everything around when a terrorist walked into a local mosque and took the lives of 51 people in his community.

Driven by a new purpose, Bariz and his wife Saba raised money to establish 51 small businesses in honour of those lives they lost.

Bariz's memoir Beyond Hope is a powerful story about finding self-belief, making positive change and not letting bad decisions define you.

Featherston Booktownis bringing Bariz to Greytown as part of the 2024 Festival of Christmas and his story is very fitting to this year's Festival theme of 'Fire & Ice!'.

He'll join Ron Mark at The Offering on Friday July 5th, from 6 - 7pm to share his story.

We are offering a special ticket and book combo: Save $10 on the book by purchasing it in advance.

Ticket only: $26.00
Ticket and a copy of 'Beyond Hope' : $55.90 - pick up from Mrs Blackwell's Village Bookshop (no fee) or select the courier option that applies to you. Ticket & Book offer valid until 30th of June.