The topic for my local Jane Austen group's March meeting was "Jane Austen in the trenches" which, I realise, sounds a bit anachronistic, given she died in 1817, nearly a century before the trenches we're talking about. But, you see, Jane's fame didn't start in 1995 with Colin Firth and that wet shirt. No, her … Continue reading Rudyard Kipling, The Janeites (#Commentary)
Us Mob Writing, Too deadly (#BookReview)
Too deadly is an anthology of writings by the Canberra-based writing group Us Mob Writing. Comprising Australian First Nations writers, this group was formed in the late 1990s and is, apparently, one of our capital's longest running writers' groups. I saw advertising for the book's launch back in late 2017, but was unable to attend. I … Continue reading Us Mob Writing, Too deadly (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Multicultural NSW Award
Synchronicity strikes again, this time concerning the idea of multiculturalism. In the last week or so, it has popped up several times - in Lisa's post on the NSW Premier's Literary Awards shortlist, in the conversation I attended last Thursday featuring historian Michelle Arrow on her book The Seventies, and then in the Festival Muse … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Multicultural NSW Award
Festival Muse 2019: Alice Pung in conversation with Sam Vincent
Festival Muse, a literary festival run by one of our favourite places in town, Muse, now seems to be a fixture on the Canberra Day long weekend calendar. For the last two years Mr Gums and I have attended the Opening event, which this year was titled Moments of Wonder. As Opening Night was also International Women's Day, … Continue reading Festival Muse 2019: Alice Pung in conversation with Sam Vincent
Michelle Arrow in conversation with Frank Bongiorno
A few days ago, Mr Gums and I attended another ANU/The Canberra Times Meet the Author event, this one featuring Australian historian Michelle Arrow in conversation with Australian historian Frank Bongiorno. It was an especially interesting pairing because Arrow's book, which she is currently touring, is titled The seventies: The personal, the political and the … Continue reading Michelle Arrow in conversation with Frank Bongiorno
Stella Prize 2019 Shortlist announced
As you probably know, the Stella Prize is the award I particularly like to follow, though I don't always post on the Longlist and the Shortlist as I am this year. The Longlist was announced on 7 February (my post), and the shortlist was announced, today, International Women's Day, as has, appropriately, become tradition. Here … Continue reading Stella Prize 2019 Shortlist announced
Maria Edgeworth, Leonora (#BookReview)
My Jane Austen group decided to start the year by discussing one of Austen's precursors, not to mention favourite writers, Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849). Edgeworth was born eight years before Austen and lived much longer than Austen's not quite 42 years - lucky her! She was also prolific, so we had plenty to choose from. According … Continue reading Maria Edgeworth, Leonora (#BookReview)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Eight writers to look out for (2017)
Back in December 2017 The Guardian Australia ran an article titled "Eight new Australian writers you should read (according to those who know)". As the title implies, it lists eight emerging Australia writers to look out for. It's a serendipitous list compiled by their asking "industry insiders – publishers, editors, festival directors – for their pick of … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Eight writers to look out for (2017)
Six degrees of separation, FROM The arsonist TO …
Our ever-creative meme-leader Kate has chosen well for this month's Six Degrees of Separation meme (which, as you probably know by now, you can find more about if you click on her blog name: booksaremyfavouriteandbest). I said she's chosen well - even though it's a book I haven't read - because it's been longlisted for this … Continue reading Six degrees of separation, FROM The arsonist TO …
Anita Heiss (ed.), Growing up Aboriginal in Australia (#BookReview)
As many others have said, including my reading group, Anita Heiss's anthology, Growing up Aboriginal in Australia, should be required reading for all Australians. At the very least, it should be in every Australian secondary and tertiary educational institution. Why? Because it contributes to the truth-telling that is critical to real reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous … Continue reading Anita Heiss (ed.), Growing up Aboriginal in Australia (#BookReview)
Whispering Gums 