Last Monday I wrote my Monday Musings post on graphic novels, in which I defined the term and noted that it was sometimes applied so widely as to include graphic nonfiction. I understand this from a practical point of view. After all, in public libraries and bookshops the goal is to organise books in such … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Graphic nonfiction
Monday musings
Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 10: Graphic novels
Back in 2020 I commenced a "supporting genres" Monday Musings subseries, although some of the posts have been more form- than genre-based. Today's is one of those, and has been inspired, as many of you will have guessed, by a graphic novel winning this year's Stella Prize. And, as most of you will also know, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 10: Graphic novels
Monday musings on Australian literature: Trove treasures (17), Women readers (1)
(Courtesy OCAL, via clker.com) Another post in my Monday Musings subseries called Trove Treasures, in which I share stories or comments, serious or funny, that I come across during my Trove travels. Today's story popped up as I was looking for articles on women readers in general, and I couldn't resist sharing it as a … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Trove treasures (17), Women readers (1)
Monday musings on Australian literature: National Poet Laureate for Australia
Australian poets have had a reputation for being a cantankerous lot, though whether this is still true I don't know. However, what is true is that the announcement by the Australian Government in 2023 that it would appoint a National Poet Laureate was not met by poets (or the literati) with universal acclaim. And why … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: National Poet Laureate for Australia
Monday musings on Australian literature: Vale David Malouf (1934-2026)
Last week, one of our grand old men of Australian letters, David Malouf, died. He has been such a presence in our literary landscape since the mid-1970s, that, despite all that has been written and said over the last few days, it would feel disrespectful to let the occasion of his death pass. And, anyhow, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Vale David Malouf (1934-2026)
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)
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
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
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
Monday musings on Australian literature: Melbourne, a City of Literature?
A year ago I finally wrote a post on the UNESCO Cities of Literature, focusing on Melbourne's designation as UNESCO's second such city in 2008, and Hobart's addition as Australia's second city in 2023. The full list is available online at the Cities of Literature website. As I wrote in that post, the criteria against … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Melbourne, a City of Literature?
Whispering Gums 