Although it is quite a traditional memoir, style-wise, Jocelyn Moorhouse's Unconditional love: A memoir of filmmaking and motherhood is particularly interesting for a couple of reasons. Firstly, she's an artist who had a happy childhood. Who knew that could happen? Secondly, while most memoirs focus on one aspect of the writer's life - such as … Continue reading Jocelyn Moorhouse, Unconditional love: A memoir of filmmaking and motherhood (#BookReview)
Month: August 2019
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 3: In our backyard
Suddenly it was my last session! How quickly the two days went. The reason I chose In Our Backyard is obvious. It was described as "Get up close and personal with four of Canberra’s literary gems", and was moderated by ABC journalist, Emma Alberici. It was a warm-hearted session, characterised by a sense of respect … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 3: In our backyard
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 2: PM’s Pick (Brian Castro with Genevieve Jacobs)
PM's Pick, featuring the multi-award-winning Brian Castro, was another must-attend session. The night before, while dining at Muse, I checked to see whether they had any Castro in their classy little bookshop. They did, including a second-hand copy of his fourth novel, After China. I snapped it up, and as I did, bookseller Dan reminded … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 2: PM’s Pick (Brian Castro with Genevieve Jacobs)
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 1: Identity (Tara June Winch with Yvette Henry Holt)
Today was the day I was able to devote to fiction writers. There were still clashes, but there was never any doubt that I would attend this Tara June Winch session, even though it meant missing a panel featuring Charlotte Wood, Brian Castro, and Simon Winchester. Why were these scheduled opposite each other?! The Festival-goers … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 2, Session 1: Identity (Tara June Winch with Yvette Henry Holt)
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 4: Bruce Beresford and Ladies in black
It's a curious thing, isn't it? When I write my book reviews, I spend very little time on the content, focusing mostly on themes, style and context, but when I write up festivals and other literary events I find it hard to be succinct about the content. Perhaps this is because I can always go … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 4: Bruce Beresford and Ladies in black
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 3: Simon Winchester in conversation with Richard Fidler
And then it was time to hop into the car, and drive over the lake for the sold-out session (as indeed was my first session of the day), Simon Winchester in conversation with Richard Fidler. There was no time for lunch! Why did I choose this session? Why not? It's Simon Winchester! This session was … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 3: Simon Winchester in conversation with Richard Fidler
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 2: Defining moments – True Crime Panel
The reason for my second choice for the day - a panel discussion on true crime - may not seem quite so obvious as my first, so I'll explain. I don't read a lot of crime, but I do watch it, and I have a slightly more than passing interest in true crime. I loved … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 2: Defining moments – True Crime Panel
Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 1: Capital culture
It's Canberra Writers Festival time again. The theme continues to be Power, Politics, Passion, reflecting Canberra's specific role in Australian culture and history. I understand this. It enables the Festival organisers to carve out a particular place for itself in the crowded festival scene, but the fiction readers among us hunger for more fiction (and, for … Continue reading Canberra Writers Festival 2019, Day 1, Session 1: Capital culture
Sir Walter Scott, Waverley, Vol. 1 (#BookReview)
I admit it, I'm defeated - not because I'm not enjoying it, but because it needs more attention than my distracted brain can give it right now. Consequently, I am posting on just the first volume of Sir Walter Scott's first novel, Waverley. I read it for my Jane Austen meeting last weekend. We did … Continue reading Sir Walter Scott, Waverley, Vol. 1 (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: National Biography Award, 2019
It's been five years since I posted on the National Biography Award. Given that, and the fact that some changes have been made since last year, I figured it was worth reminding you (and me) of it. First, a recap: The National Biography Award was endowed in 1996 by Geoffrey Cains, and supported for many … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: National Biography Award, 2019
Whispering Gums 