I've been pretty remiss in my blog regarding New Zealand literature. I have read and enjoyed several New Zealand novelists, such as Keri Hulme, Janet Frame and Fiona Kidman, but the only New Zealand writer I've reviewed here to date has been Lloyd Jones. And so I was both intrigued and pleased when Spinifex Press … Continue reading Beryl Fletcher, Juno and Hannah (Review)
Author: Whispering Gums
Kathy Marks, Channelling Mannalargenna (Review)
A few weeks ago I wrote a Monday Musings about the Walkley Awards, noting some of the winners that particularly interested me. They included two awards for essays in the Griffith Review, one by Melissa Lucashenko, whose essay "Sinking below sight" I subsequently reviewed, and the other by Kathy Marks whose essay, "Channelling Mannalargenna" is … Continue reading Kathy Marks, Channelling Mannalargenna (Review)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Top Aussie book sales in 2013
This is, I suppose, another end of year round-up post - but one about bookselling in Australia, which is something I don't usually write much about. However, since many of us love lists, I thought I'd share with you Australia's top selling books for 2103: Jeff Kinney: Hard luck: Diary of a wimpy kid (UK, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Top Aussie book sales in 2013
Author interview with “word hustler” Catherine McNamara
I haven't made a practice of doing author interviews on my blog. In fact, the only other interview I've presented was one the now defunct magazine Wet Ink did with Nigel Featherstone. However, when Catherine McNamara asked whether I'd be happy to host her as part of her blog tour, I was more than happy … Continue reading Author interview with “word hustler” Catherine McNamara
Catherine McNamara, Pelt and other stories (Review)
It seems fitting that my first review of the year be for a book of short stories by one of this blog's regular commenters, Catherine McNamara. I have reviewed McNamara before, her first published novel, The divorced lady's companion to living in Italy. McNamara describes that book as commercial fiction. It is, to describe it … Continue reading Catherine McNamara, Pelt and other stories (Review)
Notable reads and highlights from 2013
Last year I wrote two highlights posts - a general one on blogging and reading, and a specific one targeting books. This year, I think I'll revert to one post and combine the two. (I'll provide links to my posts where relevant - not to promote myself, but to make it easy for those of … Continue reading Notable reads and highlights from 2013
Monday musings on Australian literature: Australian Women Writers’ Challenge 2013
As last year, I'm devoting my last Monday Musings for 2013 to the Australian Women Writers Challenge. This challenge, instigated by Elizabeth Lhuede in response to growing concern in Australian literary circles about lack of recognition for women writers, was so successful in 2012 that Elizabeth, with the help of a team of volunteers, decided to continue … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Australian Women Writers’ Challenge 2013
Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2013, Final, or the Winner is announced
One of the best things about blogging is the conversation it can engender. I was consequently pleased then when my last post on the Meanjin Tournament got some conversation going about the tournament itself - some thoughtful, respectful conversation. So, before I report on the final round, I thought I'd discuss this a little ... This … Continue reading Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2013, Final, or the Winner is announced
Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2013, Round 2
Round two of this year's Meanjin Tournament of Books has now been played - as of a couple of days before Christmas. Here are the winners Round 2 Match 1: Tim Winton's Breath defeated Kim Scott's That deadman dance Well, I must say I'm surprised. Much as I love both these books - both of which … Continue reading Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2013, Round 2
Monday musings on Australian literature: Translated fiction, Australian-style
Having just read and reviewed Linda Jaivin's Quarterly essay, Lost in translation: In praise of a plural world, I thought I'd research the state of translated fiction in Australia. Jaivin doesn't spend a lot of time of this particular issue, but in her concluding plea she says: Publishers need to consider how to prise open … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Translated fiction, Australian-style
Whispering Gums 