In a recent Monday Musings, I referred to the fact that the Griffyn Ensemble's last concert for 2015 would be about the New Australia Movement's Utopia experiment in Paraguay. That concert took place this last weekend, and what a concert it was. The Griffyns - yes, I'm a fan - just keep getting better. Well, actually, they've … Continue reading The Griffyns experiment with Utopia
Monday musings on Australian literature: Aussie writers on writing
As I was writing my review of Carmel Bird's Fair game yesterday, I was reminded that in addition to novels, short stories, and essays, she has also written a book on writing, titled Dear writer. I've dipped into it, but not being a professional writer - and having no plans myself to write a book … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Aussie writers on writing
Carmel Bird, Fair game: A Tasmanian memoir (Review)
As I started reading this next fl smalls offering, an essay this time, I was reminded of one of my favourite Australian writers, Elizabeth von Arnim. Von Arnim was a novelist, but she also wrote several pieces of non-fiction, including her delightful non-autobiography, All the dogs of my life. The similarity stems from the fact that both writers play … Continue reading Carmel Bird, Fair game: A Tasmanian memoir (Review)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Utopia, Paraguay and Australian writers
Utopia, Paraguay, Australia? I'm referring, of course, as many Australians will know, to the Utopian colony, New Australia or Colonia Nueva Australia, which was established in Paraguay in 1893 by the New Australia Movement, with the support of the Paraguayan government. This movement was founded by William Lane, whose novel The workingman's paradise I reviewed quite … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Utopia, Paraguay and Australian writers
Paul McDermott, Fragments of the hole (Review)
"Paul McDermott DAAS" by Canley. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. If you're an Australian, you are sure to know who Paul McDermott is. If you are not Australian, you may not, and this book in fact would not enlighten you, because nowhere on the book is it made clear that "this" Paul McDermott … Continue reading Paul McDermott, Fragments of the hole (Review)
Monday musings on Australian literature: Novels set in Sydney
Oh, it's fun driving on Pennant Hills Road! (With apologies to Sydney-lovers) My life has been rather topsy-turvy in recent weeks. My aunt died on 30 October, as regular readers here know, which has necessitated two five-day trips to Sydney, not to mention other related work in between. Consequently, I haven't had much time for reading or, even, for thinking … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Novels set in Sydney
Paul Hetherington and Jen Webb, Watching the world (Review)
I hope it's not condescending to suggest, at this time of year, that a book would make a good Christmas present? I know some publishers, and fair enough too, choose around now to release certain types of books deemed to be good gift material. That, however, is not the case with this book, Watching the world, … Continue reading Paul Hetherington and Jen Webb, Watching the world (Review)
Monday musings on Australian literature: More on small books
Why is it that when we humans see change, we tend to prognosticate doom? I'm thinking how it was argued that TV would be the end of radio, and videos the end of cinema. It hasn't happened has it? These older industries may have had to rearranged themselves a little but they have survived. Then … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: More on small books
Caroline de Costa, Double madness (Review)
I'm not a crime reader as most of you know, and in fact most of the crime novels I've read here have been review copies sent to me. Caroline de Costa's Double madness is one of these. I accepted it for a couple of reasons. It's a debut novel by a doctor, indeed a professor … Continue reading Caroline de Costa, Double madness (Review)
And so another great Musica Viva year ends
Musica Viva has done it again: it has produced another year of splendiferous, inspiring concerts. Mr Gums and I have been subscribing to Musica Viva (or its predecessor here in Canberra, the Canberra Chamber Music Society*) for nearly four decades - albeit with a gap in the middle for child-rearing and overseas posting. We love … Continue reading And so another great Musica Viva year ends
Whispering Gums 