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
Author: Whispering Gums
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
Six degrees of separation, FROM The correspondent TO …
This month's SixDegrees occurs the weekend we here in Australia celebrate (or, commemorate, depending your point-of-view) Easter. Yes, I know that we are not the only country to do this, but I also know that not all countries make it a four-day weekend as we do. So, I just thought I'd share this little bit … Continue reading Six degrees of separation, FROM The correspondent TO …
Monday musings on Australian literature: Blake Poetry Prize
Coincidentally, I reviewed a book of poetry by Paris Rosemont just as the longlist for the current Blake Poetry Prize was announced, and it includes a poem by her. The timing seemed right to give this prize some air. I have mentioned it before - but only in passing in my 2024 Poetry Month post … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Blake Poetry Prize
Paris Rosemont, Barefoot poetess (#BookReview)
Fierce, raw, honest are all clichés used to describe strong, powerful writing, but when it comes to Paris Rosemont's poetry collection, Barefoot poetess, they are hard to go past. However, I prefer to avoid review clichés, so let's start again ... Paris Rosemont's second poetry collection, Barefoot poetess, turned out to be quite the page-turner … Continue reading Paris Rosemont, Barefoot poetess (#BookReview)
