I discovered Elizabeth von Arnim (nee Mary Annette Beauchamp, 1866-1941) back in the 1990s when Virago republished her first novel, Elizabeth and her German garden. Published in 1898, this novel, writes Gabrielle Carey, was an immediate hit, turning her, almost overnight, into one of England's favourite authors. It was certainly a revelation to me. I … Continue reading Gabrielle Carey, Only happiness here: In search of Elizabeth von Arnim (#BookReview)
Literary awards
Stella Prize 2022 Longlist announced
Apologies to those of you who look forward to my Monday Musings post, but I've gazumped this week's edition, because the Stella Prize longlist was announced this evening, and I do like to report on that. I attended the online streamed announcement. As I say every year, I don't do well at having read the … Continue reading Stella Prize 2022 Longlist announced
Julie Koh, Portable curiosities: Stories (#BookReview)
I've decided to try reading more audiobooks this year, despite not being a big fan of this mode of consuming books. I'm a textual person. I like to see the print on the page, how it is set out. I like to see the words. I like to see how the names are spelt. Given … Continue reading Julie Koh, Portable curiosities: Stories (#BookReview)
Christine Balint, Water music (#BookReview)
Christine Balint's Water music was a joint winner of the 2021 Viva La Novella Prize with Helen Meany's Every day is Gertie Day (my review), but they are very different books. Meany's is contemporary, perhaps even near-future, and tackles some up-to-the-minute issues regarding fact, truth and authenticity, while Balint's is historical fiction, a coming-of-age story, … Continue reading Christine Balint, Water music (#BookReview)
Helen Meany, Every day is Gertie Day (#BookReview)
Helen Meany's Every day is Gertie Day is the third Viva La Novella winner that I've read and posted about on my blog, the other two being Julie Proudfoot's The neighbour (my review) and Mirandi Riwoe's The fish girl (my review). All are memorable reads, and do this award proud - and no, I am … Continue reading Helen Meany, Every day is Gertie Day (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 6: Novellas
Yes, I know, novellas aren't really a genre, but when I started this sub-series I couldn't find one word to cover all the types of literary works I thought I might end up covering, so we are all going to have to live with "genres". OK? Many of you will know why I've chosen novellas … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 6: Novellas
Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 5: Crime
When I decided to write this sub-series, the genre that nearly stopped me before I started was crime, because I knew I'd have to do it! CRIME is so-o-o big that it's hard to know where to start ... so, I'm just going to dive in, share a select number of ideas, and let the … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Supporting genres, 5: Crime
Sofie Laguna, Infinite splendours (#BookReview)
Those of you who know the subject matter of Sofie Laguna's latest novel, Infinite splendours, will not be surprised to hear that it drew a mixed reaction from my reading group, particularly coming on the heels of recent reads like Nardi Simpson's Song of the crocodile (my review) and Douglas Stuart's Shuggie Bain (my review). … Continue reading Sofie Laguna, Infinite splendours (#BookReview)
Stella … 10 years
While the Stella Prize isn't quite 10 years old, next year will see the awarding of the 10th prize. With that landmark in its sights, the Stella people decided to tweak the prize criteria, and have added single-author poetry collections to the forms eligible for the prize. An excellent move. Around the same time, they … Continue reading Stella … 10 years
Monday musings on Australian literature: 2021 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award shortlist
Once again I am using my Monday Musings post to make an awards announcement, though I prefer not to. However, I am breaking my rule-of-thumb so soon again for a few reasons: I spent too much time on yesterday's Living under Covid-19 post leaving less time for today's post; I have a zoom Tai Chi … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: 2021 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award shortlist
Whispering Gums 