'If their [Australian writers'] work is so interesting,' comes the query, 'why isn't it known here [London]?' This query was put to Australian novelist and literary figure, Vance Palmer, in 1935! When I read it, I couldn't help thinking plus ça change. A few months ago I wrote on Hilary McPhee's concern about the continued low profile … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: The future of Australian literature
Author: Whispering Gums
Toni Jordan, Fall girl
It's just as well I'm not one of those readers who likes to draw conclusions about writers' lives from their writing, because if I were I'd be seriously concerned about Toni Jordan. You see, her latest novel, Fall girl, is about a con-artist, a very experienced one in fact. And Jordan writes so convincingly you'd … Continue reading Toni Jordan, Fall girl
Edith Wharton, A journey
I am a fan of Edith Wharton and have read around seven of her novels, some of which are part of my personal canon. However, I have only read a couple of her short stories, and she wrote quite a few of those too. In fact, she was a prolific writer. And so, when last week's … Continue reading Edith Wharton, A journey
Monday musings on Australian literature: Guest post by Lisa from ANZLitLovers
When I started this Monday musings series, I said that I'd have the occasional guest post. The first one, I decided then, had to be Lisa at ANZLitLovers. Not only did she give me a lot of encouragement when I started blogging (thanks Lisa!) but she is one of our most committed bloggers on Australian literature. … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Guest post by Lisa from ANZLitLovers
To tour or not to tour: the art of being a tourist
As readers here know, Mr Gums and I have just returned from a week in Hong Kong. I did say that my Macau post would be the post to represent that trip - after all, this is primarily a book blog - but have decided that one more won't push the friendship too much. My … Continue reading To tour or not to tour: the art of being a tourist
Gretchen Shirm, Having cried wolf
I have come to the conclusion that short stories are the best holiday reading for me. After a day's sightseeing followed by reading up on sights for the next day, I usually find I have little time left for my reading. Novels are hard to read under such circumstances, but short stories? Well, they are … Continue reading Gretchen Shirm, Having cried wolf
Monday musings on Australian literature: Some Australian travel writing
At luggage carousels one can question travelling (Donald Horne, The intelligent tourist) Having just returned from our trip to Hong Kong, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post about some Australian travel writing. Hmm ... good idea, but where to start? The first problem is that while I usually enjoy travel literature … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Some Australian travel writing
Feng shui and fortune in Macau
Feng Shui, as most westerners probably know by now, is an important consideration in Chinese life. The correct placement of objects is critical to the well-being of those who live or come within the orbit of that object (which could be a bed in a bedroom, the house itself or, as in the case I raise today, … Continue reading Feng shui and fortune in Macau
Monday musings on Australian literature: My literary home, more or less
Once again Mr Gums and I have left daughter and dog at home in order to hit the road - well, in this case, the skies as by the time this is published we will be in Hong Kong. My posting and commenting will consequently somewhat sporadic for the next week...and so I decided to … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: My literary home, more or less
On polishing Jane Austen’s halo
My American friend Peggy who, several years ago, very generously sent me the Pride and Prejudice Game, has now sent me a link to a short interview - with a transcript - conducted on NPR (National Public Radio) with Dr Kathryn Sutherland. Sutherland is the academic who has been researching Austen's manuscripts for the last three … Continue reading On polishing Jane Austen’s halo
Whispering Gums 