My heart, along with that of many others in Canberra and beyond, is breaking this weekend, because on Friday evening we heard the news we had been dreading, that Michael Sollis had died - that morning. Just weeks off his 41st birthday, Michael was a musical performer and conductor, composer and arranger, artistic director, musicologist, … Continue reading Vale Michael Sollis (1985-2026)
Six degrees of separation, FROM Wild dark shore TO …
And so we enter - here Downunder - the last month of autumn which makes, I guess, this week's starting book somewhat prescient with its hints of the darkness to come. Not that Australia experiences the darkness of some, but still... However, I am jumping ahead, because before I tell you about the book I … Continue reading Six degrees of separation, FROM Wild dark shore TO …
Monday musings on Australian literature: Vale David Malouf (1934-2026)
Last week, one of our grand old men of Australian letters, David Malouf, died. He has been such a presence in our literary landscape since the mid-1970s, that, despite all that has been written and said over the last few days, it would feel disrespectful to let the occasion of his death pass. And, anyhow, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Vale David Malouf (1934-2026)
Tasma Walton, I am Nannertgarrook
As we got ready for our recent Melbourne trip, I was thinking about the then upcoming announcement of the Stella Prize shortlist, so I packed the two longlisted books I already had. But then, en route, we listened to the Secrets of the Green Room interview with Tasma Walton about her longlisted novel, I am … Continue reading Tasma Walton, I am Nannertgarrook
Ann Patchett, Tom Lake (#BookReview)
I have not read Ann Patchett for a long time. In fact, I've only read one novel, Bel Canto, way before blogging, and one nonfiction piece, “The bookshop strikes back” (my review). So, when I saw all the love her latest novel, Tom Lake, was getting in 2023's end-of-year lists (including Kate's annual compilation), I … Continue reading Ann Patchett, Tom Lake (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: 1961 in fiction (2)
I said in last week's Monday Musing, which was dedicated Karen’s (Kaggsy’s Bookish Rambling) and Simon’s (Stuck in a Book) 1961 "Year Club", that I might write a second post this week. I know the week finished yesterday, 19 April, but I couldn't resist posting on a topic that popped up frequently during my research, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: 1961 in fiction (2)
Langston Hughes, Feet live their own life (#Review, #1961 Club)
Today's post for the Year Club is one of those rare occasions when I am not posting on an Australian short story. The simple reason is that I could not find one in my anthologies, and I am keen to read from my physical TBR. Happily, I found one in Great short stories by African-American … Continue reading Langston Hughes, Feet live their own life (#Review, #1961 Club)
Monday musings on Australian literature: 1961 in fiction
Once again it's Karen's (Kaggsy's Bookish Rambling) and Simon's (Stuck in a Book) "Year Club" week. This time, it is 1961, and it runs from 13th to 19th April. Once again, I am devoting my Monday Musings to the week. I have already written about 1960s for the 1962 Club. It was an exciting decade, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: 1961 in fiction
Stella Prize 2026 Shortlist announced
Past performance, they say, is no indicator of future performance, but when it comes to me, past performance is often a very good indicator. What I mean is that once again I have not done well at having read the Stella Prize shortlist at the time of its announcement. In recent years, the most I've … Continue reading Stella Prize 2026 Shortlist announced
Monday musings on Australian literature: Tech noir
The genres - or, perhaps I mean sub-genres - keep coming. Recently, I've started hearing about something called tech noir. I've heard for some time of rural (or outback or drought) noir, and have read some in that genre because I love books with a strong sense of place. I am also interested in technology … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Tech noir
Whispering Gums 