Am I the last to hear about Michelle Kerns list of twenty most annoying book review clichés, published in examiner.com in March last year? I think it flickered across my radar briefly a little while ago but it was brought vividly to my attention last week when Ramona Koval (presenter of Radio National's The Book … Continue reading Book Review Bingo, or Words to Avoid in Book Reviews
Stephen Crane, When man falls, a crowd gathers
This week's Library of America offering is a sketch/article by Stephen Crane. Now, while I suppose most Americans have read what I believe to be Crane's most famous work, The red badge of courage, I'm afraid I haven't - and so, when this opportunity to read something by him arose, I was more than happy … Continue reading Stephen Crane, When man falls, a crowd gathers
NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, 2010
The literary awards season is well and truly here downunder ... and last night, just before the opening of this year's Sydney Writers Festival, the NSW Premier's Literary Awards for 2010 were announced. The full list of winners can be found here, so I'll just name the critical ones, from my point of view (with links … Continue reading NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, 2010
Shaun Tan, Eric
When I bought Eric on a whim the other day (as you do!), I didn't realise that it had been excerpted from Shaun Tan's Tales from outer suburbia which I haven't yet read, but have given to others. That's okay though, because it means that I've finally read a little of Shaun Tan, something I've wanted to … Continue reading Shaun Tan, Eric
Musica Viva: The Harp Consort do Carolan’s Harp
Can you pronounce this? Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhallaín? Perhaps you'd prefer the English transliteration: Turlough O'Carolan. O'Carolan was a blind Irish harper* who lived from 1670 to 1738, and, according to Wikipedia, is believed by some to be Ireland's national composer. He was also the composer and subject of this week's Musica Viva concert. Carolan's music, the program … Continue reading Musica Viva: The Harp Consort do Carolan’s Harp
Alex Miller, Lovesong
Lovesong is my first Alex Miller novel, which is a bit embarrassing, really, given that he has won the Miles Franklin Award twice. John was the quiet type ... Except when he was telling me his story. Even then there was something quiet and private in the way he spoke about himself and Sabiha; as … Continue reading Alex Miller, Lovesong
We unfold – or do we?
It's been a while since I reviewed something other than books and writing here, but tonight Mr Gums and I went to the Sydney Dance Company's performance of We unfold, and so it's time I thought for another performing arts review. The choreographer - and artistic director of the company - Rafaela Bonachela describes his … Continue reading We unfold – or do we?
Thea Astley, The multiple effects of rain shadow (Review)
There are two main reasons why I like - actually love - to read Thea Astley. One is her language, her wonderful way with words that may, at times, be over-the-top but that is never clichéd. The other is her passion for the underdog, and thus for social justice in a world where it is … Continue reading Thea Astley, The multiple effects of rain shadow (Review)
The limits of Google
I'm sure you've all had them, those searches that bring people to your blog by accident. Well, let me rephrase that: as far as Google is concerned it makes good sense, but you know the poor searcher at the other end of the keyboard would not agree. I just have to share with you one … Continue reading The limits of Google
James Thurber, The lady on the bookcase
If you like to think of yourself as a critic, read this. It is last week's offering from the Library of America, and is an essay by James Thurber titled "The lady on the bookcase"; it was first published in The New York Times Magazine in 1945 under the title "Thurber as seen by Thurber". … Continue reading James Thurber, The lady on the bookcase
Whispering Gums 