My recent review of Herz Bergner's Between sky and sea reminded me of a rather ignored Australian literary award, the ALS Gold Medal, that I'd come across a few years ago but have let slip beneath my radar. It is time, methinks, to bring it to the fore. It was initially awarded by the Australian … Continue reading ALS Gold Medal (and 2009 award shortlist)
Herz Bergner, Between sky and sea
Book cover (Courtesy: Text Publishing) Do you read introductions to novels? And, if you do, do you read them before or after you read the novel itself? I read them, but always afterwards because I like to come to novels as objectively as I can. And so, this is what I did with Herz Bergner's … Continue reading Herz Bergner, Between sky and sea
Shirley Jackson, Charles
Before I start this review, I have a technical question. Does anyone know why advice to bloggers about maximising your site always say not to use something like "here" for a hyperlink but, rather, to add the link to the actual name of what is being linked to? In other words, to make the link … Continue reading Shirley Jackson, Charles
Who’s watching you read (and other readerly things)?
Recently I reviewed Andrea Goldsmith's Reunion. It was a less than stellar review, but the book did contain some fun observations about readers and reading. So, I thought I'd share a few with you. The first one is: With books a clearly signed shortcut to the soul, you would have to be either very stupid … Continue reading Who’s watching you read (and other readerly things)?
Gums have blossoms too
Red flowering gum blossom, "Wild fire" I thought it was time to show that Gums can have gorgeous flowers as well as interesting bark. Not all gums have dramatic flowers. The one in my garden doesn't, for example - as is clear from its name: Eucalyptus pauciflora! But some gums, like this hybrid of the … Continue reading Gums have blossoms too
Animal Kingdom (Movie)
If you thought No Country for Old Men was grim, take a look at the new Australian movie Animal Kingdom which won the World Cinema Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. While No Country for Old Men was chilling in its portrayal of – there’s no other way to say it – evil, Animal … Continue reading Animal Kingdom (Movie)
Edward Field, WWII (Poem)
Well, Library of America has surprised again. This week it is a poem (6 pages). I wasn't expecting that, but as I like to delve into poetry every now and then I was rather pleased. The poem, "WWII" by Edward Field, was first published in 1967 in a collection titled Poets of World War II. … Continue reading Edward Field, WWII (Poem)
Charles Dickens, On travel
In the 3rd essay in Hesperus Press's lovely little volume On travel, which comprises a selection of Dickens' travel essays, Dickens (1812-1870) makes a reference to Laurence Sterne's character Yorick. In one of those lovely bits of reading synchronicity, Hungry Like the Wolf posted last week on Laurence Sterne's A sentimental journey through France and Italy which features … Continue reading Charles Dickens, On travel
Nathanael West, Business deal
This week's Library of America offering was (or "is" since it's still this week, but "was" cos I've read it - all this tense stuff can be so bothering!) Nathanael West's Business deal. It's short, and I'd just finished my novel for bookgroup, so I decided to read it. I don't know much about Nathanael … Continue reading Nathanael West, Business deal
Andrea Goldsmith, Reunion
Reunion bookcover (Courtesy: HarperCollins Australia) I wanted to love Andrea Goldsmith's Reunion. And I expected to, as I remember enjoying the last book of hers that I read. But, somehow, I found it a bit of chore to read, though it did pick up towards the end. I think I understand why it was not listed … Continue reading Andrea Goldsmith, Reunion
Whispering Gums 