Australian literature

Monday musings on Australian literature: Young Writers Awards

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Yesterday's post on young writer Ben Smith Noble's prize-winning short story, "The sands of time" inspired today's post. I've written about several prizes over the years - the big ones, and the more targeted ones - but not prizes for Young Writers. It's a tricky topic to write about. There's the definition of "young" and … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Young Writers Awards

Carmel Bird, The dead aviatrix: Eight short stories (#BookReview)

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Carmel Bird, whose latest short story collection, The dead aviatrix: Eight short stories, I'm reviewing here, has to be the consummate writer. She can turn her hand to fiction and nonfiction, to short and long form writing, to formal and more informal voices, and to both serious and witty or satiric tones. She's also an … Continue reading Carmel Bird, The dead aviatrix: Eight short stories (#BookReview)

Monday musings on Australian literature: Aurealis Awards for Speculative Fiction

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Those of you who know my lack of interest in science fiction might be surprised to see a post dedicated to the genre here. However, I do like to be more representative in my Monday Musings series. If that means sometimes moving into areas that are out of my comfort zone, then so be it. … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Aurealis Awards for Speculative Fiction

Diana Blackwood, Chaconne (#BookReview)

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Does a book set in the early 1980s qualify as historical fiction? Does a book about a twenty-something woman's romantic adventures, and search for direction, qualify as coming-of-age? The answer is probably yes to both. Certainly, it is within these parameters that it's appropriate to discuss Diana Blackwood's debut novel Chaconne. Chaconne, as you can … Continue reading Diana Blackwood, Chaconne (#BookReview)

Monday musings on Australian literature: Australia’s most successful writer, ever

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The obvious question to ask when someone makes a "best ever" claim is by what criteria? The easiest way to justify "best" is with numbers. And so it is here, as it's with numbers that Australian publisher Allen & Unwin's blog, Things Made From Letters, suggests that Morris West is "Australia's most successful writer, ever." … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Australia’s most successful writer, ever

Monday musings on Australian literature: Jane Austen and the Stolen Generations

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Yes, you read right, this very brief Monday Musings post is about what Jane Austen might have said - did say in her way - about the Stolen Generations. What makes great literature great is its timelessness. By this I mean the fact that what is said in, say 1815, is still relevant in, say, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Jane Austen and the Stolen Generations

Lynette Washington, Plane Tree Drive (#BookReview)

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Lynette Washington's debut collection of short stories, Plane Tree Drive, reminded me a little of Rebekah Clarkson's Barking dogs (my review). Both are collections of stories revolving around a location, and in both the location is in the Adelaide region. There are differences though. Clarkson's book is a little grittier with an overall theme of … Continue reading Lynette Washington, Plane Tree Drive (#BookReview)