This should be my last post on Mr Haskell's survey of the arts in Australia, and it focuses on Radio and the Movies. First though, in his section on literature, he talked about Australian readers and bookselling. He wrote that the average Australian "is a great reader; more books are bought per head of population in … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Arnold Haskell on the arts (3)
ABC Radio
Monday musings on Australian literature: ABC RN presenters name their best reads of 2016
Now, here's my conundrum. We (at least I think I can speak for a general "we") want Australians to read widely, because it's important for us to understand cultures that are different to our own. But, given how small the Australian market is, we also want people to read Australian literature (and see, for that matter, Australian films … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: ABC RN presenters name their best reads of 2016
Monday musings on Australian literature: RN presenters’ pick reads of the year
I was going to write my Case for post this week, but I think now that I'll leave it to January. Life is a bit too busy right now to put proper thought into presenting my case (though I've pretty much decided which book it will be!) So, instead, since various media outlets are starting … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: RN presenters’ pick reads of the year
Michael Sala and truthful fictions
Michael Sala doesn't actually use the term "truthful fictions". That was a character in Jessica Anderson's Tirra Lirra by the river. But he could have. Yesterday I heard Sala interviewed on ABC Radio National's Life Matters about his debut novel The last thread, which I reviewed last week. Presenter Natasha Mitchell commenced by mentioning the transitions, secrets and … Continue reading Michael Sala and truthful fictions
Why I love Radio National
One of the best things about retirement for me is being able to listen to Radio National in the morning. For you overseas readers, Radio National is the national radio station of our national broadcaster, the ABC, Aunty, or, if you want to be formal, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Here is the usual morning line-up: … Continue reading Why I love Radio National
Were you an Argonaut?
Before the sun and the night and the blue sea, I vow to stand faithfully by all that is brave and beautiful; to seek adventure, and having discovered aught of wonder, or delight; of merriment or loveliness, to share it freely with my comrades, the Band of Happy Rowers. (from The ABC Weekly, 28 Dec … Continue reading Were you an Argonaut?
Whispering Gums 