I recently wrote about the National Folk Festival in relation to Australian stories and history, but I can't resist also writing a little post about "the man" because he was, it seemed, everywhere. I'm exaggerating of course but he - Leonard Cohen, of course - did seem to keep popping up. There were performers who … Continue reading Every folkie knows … Leonard Cohen
Delicious descriptions from Down Under: Elizabeth Jolley on gums
Just a little one today from Elizabeth Jolley's somewhat quirky memoir, Diary of a weekend farmer: For some reason the great trees have been left standing and the bush, the blackboys and the wild flowers have not been cleared on our 5 acres. The wandoo trees very beautiful also jarrah and something called Black Butt? … Continue reading Delicious descriptions from Down Under: Elizabeth Jolley on gums
Monday musings on Australian literature: Travel writers on Australia
Don't panic, I told myself, the universe with still continue if I miss one week's Monday musings. You see, after having been in Japan for over two weeks now, my thoughts have strayed rather far from Australian literature. But then, necessity being the mother of invention, an idea came to me. While I've been travelling, … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Travel writers on Australia
Helen Garner, Postcards from Surfers
Helen Garner is a fiercely honest writer - and a prolific one too. She has written novels, short stories, essays and non-fiction books. All are generally well-acclaimed, though not always without controversy (as I mentioned in my recent Monday musings). Certainly, I haven't always agreed with her ... but I do admire her honesty and … Continue reading Helen Garner, Postcards from Surfers
On the literary (and linguistic) road in Japan: 2, Kanazawa and Kyoto
Isabella Bird (Unbeaten tracks in Japan, 1880) doesn't appear to have visited Kyoto or Kanazawa, which is a shame as I would have enjoyed reading her comments. However, I thought I'd quote from her anyhow, from Letter I. It covers her arrival in Yokohama harbour on May 21 which is close in time of year … Continue reading On the literary (and linguistic) road in Japan: 2, Kanazawa and Kyoto
Monday musings on Australian literature: Helen Garner on writing about self
I have mentioned Helen Garner several times in this blog, and the word I tend to use about her is "honest". Her fiction is very much about "self". And in her non-fiction that I've read - Joe Cinque's consolation and The first stone - her "self" is an integral part. She is not what you'd … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Helen Garner on writing about self
Delicious descriptions from Down Under: Alan Gould on the Monaro (and thereabouts)
Monaro country after the 2003 fires While I love reading to escape to other places and times, other cultures and ways of being, I also enjoy reading about the familiar, about places I know and experiences I've had. Alan Gould, whose The lakewoman I reviewed recently, is a local writer. The lakewoman, in fact, is … Continue reading Delicious descriptions from Down Under: Alan Gould on the Monaro (and thereabouts)
On the literary (and linguistic) road in Japan: 1, Central Honshu
Given this is primarily a litblog, I like my travel posts to have some literary or, at least, linguistic interest. And so in this first post about our current trip to Japan, literary and linguistic observations and thoughts will be my focus. Linguistic challenges Japanese language has a pitch-accent system which can provide particular challenges for … Continue reading On the literary (and linguistic) road in Japan: 1, Central Honshu
Monday musings on Australian literature: Guest authors at the Sydney Writers’ Festival
Regular readers of Monday musings will remember that a recent post in the series was inspired by the Qantas flight magazine, The Australian way. Well, I've been in the air again ... this time for a longer trip, as Mr Gums and I have again left daughter and dog in charge at home, and are … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Guest authors at the Sydney Writers’ Festival
Jay Griffiths, A love letter from a stray moon
I have always wanted wings. To fly where I belong, to become who I am, to speak my truths winged and moon-swayed. I'm not sure I can do justice to this poetic, passionate novella by Jay Griffiths. Titled A love letter from a stray moon, it's a first person outpouring in the voice of Mexican … Continue reading Jay Griffiths, A love letter from a stray moon
