I first came across William Dawes, the inspiration for Kate Grenville's The lieutenant, in Inga Clendinnen's award-winning history, Dancing with strangers (2003). But this is not the only book that Grenville's novel brought to mind, as it also reminded me of Kim Scott's That deadman dance. (Intriguing that both these books use a dance motif, … Continue reading Kate Grenville, The lieutenant (Review)
Month: November 2012
Josephy Furphy and the Australian scrub
Last weekend I ran across Joseph Furphy, whom I've mentioned before in my blog, in the strangest of places - on a tapestry in the Melbourne Museum. It's not strange of course to find Furphy, one of Australia's pioneer novelists, in the museum, but I was surprised to find him quoted on a tapestry. Except, … Continue reading Josephy Furphy and the Australian scrub
Monday musings on Australian literature: Guest post from Nigel of Under the counter or a flutter in the dovecot
This is embarrassing but I really can't remember how and when I first met Nigel. Actually let me rephrase that: I do remember when I met him in person because I've only met him once (at a literary event earlier this year), but who stumbled across whose blog first I have no idea. I'm glad … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Guest post from Nigel of Under the counter or a flutter in the dovecot
What did Jane Austen look for in a novel?
There are those who don't get Jane Austen. Some think her novels are silly romances while others think that she writes stories about the well-to-do who, they feel, aren't relevant or worthy subjects. Nothing, really, could be further from the truth. Her novels may be romantic but they are more than simple romances. Jane Austen … Continue reading What did Jane Austen look for in a novel?
Whispering Gums 