Introducing my review of South African writer Karen Jennings' debut novel, Finding Soutbek, I noted that I don't normally accept review copies from non-Australian publishers but that I will, very occasionally, make an exception if the writer or subject matter interests me. Upturned earth, Jenning's fifth book, is set in a nineteenth century mining town. Given … Continue reading Karen Jennings, Upturned earth (#BookReview)
Women writers
Thea Astley, An item from the late news (#BookReview)
Set in the satirically named town of Allbut, whose nearest large town is the equally satirically named Mainchance, Thea Astley's An item from the late news is framed by the story of a man who comes to the town, fearful of "the atom bomb", and wanting to live a quiet - sheltered, you might say … Continue reading Thea Astley, An item from the late news (#BookReview)
Bill curates: Thea Astley, Drylands
Bill curates is an occasional series where I delve into Sue's vast archive, stretching back to May 2009, and choose a post for us to revisit. I selected Drylands because a) this is ANZLL Thea Astley Week; and b) I have just reviewed it myself. Sue apologizes that she relied on "not well-formed" notes, but … Continue reading Bill curates: Thea Astley, Drylands
Desley Deacon, Judith Anderson: Australian star, First Lady of the American stage (#BookReview)
When historian Desley Deacon offered me her biography of Dame Judith Anderson for review, I was a little reticent because my review copies were getting out of hand. Little did I know then what was in store for me, and just how much more behind I would become. However, finally, its turn came, and here … Continue reading Desley Deacon, Judith Anderson: Australian star, First Lady of the American stage (#BookReview)
Bill curates: Favourite writers: 3, Thea Astley
Bill curates is an occasional series where I delve into Sue's vast archive, stretching back to May 2009, and choose a post for us to revisit. Lisa's ANZLL Thea Astley Week runs from 17 - 25 August so I thought it would be timely to skip ahead a bit as we make our way through … Continue reading Bill curates: Favourite writers: 3, Thea Astley
Bill curates: Jane Austen and the information highway
Bill curates is an occasional series where I delve into Sue's vast archive, stretching back to May 2009, and choose a post for us to revisit. Jane Austen comes up over and over in Sue's posts, and as I'm as fascinated by her as Sue is, that suits me fine. Here though we are not … Continue reading Bill curates: Jane Austen and the information highway
Emily Paull, Well-behaved women (#BookReview)
Well-behaved women is a debut collection of short stories by Western Australian writer Emily Paull. It is one of those collections that has a unique title, and what a perfect - and teasing - title it is for a collection of stories focused on women. It has, you won't be surprised to hear, the usual … Continue reading Emily Paull, Well-behaved women (#BookReview)
Bill curates: Elizabeth Jolley’s My father’s moon
Bill curates is an occasional series where I delve into Sue's vast archive, stretching back to May 2009, and choose a post for us to revisit. Elizabeth Jolley is one of the greats and I am sorry that I have only read her in fits and starts. I have had, unread, Brian Dibble's biography of … Continue reading Bill curates: Elizabeth Jolley’s My father’s moon
Helen Garner, Yellow notebook: Diaries, Volume 1, 1978-1987 (#BookReview)
The opening session of last November's inaugural Broadside Festival featured Helen Garner in conversation with Sarah Krasnostein about her recently published Yellow notebook, the first volume of her edited diaries. It was an excellent, intelligent conversation. Garner came across as the forthright writer she is, one who fearlessly exposes difficult and unpleasant things, alongside joys and triumphs. … Continue reading Helen Garner, Yellow notebook: Diaries, Volume 1, 1978-1987 (#BookReview)
Anne Tyler, Redhead by the side of the road (#BookReview)
In the last couple of months of my Mum's life I bought her a few novels that I thought would give her pleasure. Although we didn't know, then, how dire her health was, I did know that she was tired and needed good but not overly demanding or depressing reads. So, for Easter, I gave … Continue reading Anne Tyler, Redhead by the side of the road (#BookReview)
Whispering Gums 