I became aware of Courtney Collins' The burial when it was longlisted for the Stella Prize. It has since been shortlisted for the Stella, shortlisted for the new writing award in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, and longlisted for the Dobbie Literary Award for new writing. It had previously been shortlisted for the 2009 Australian/Vogel … Continue reading Courtney Collins, The burial (Review)
Australian writers
Helen Trinca, Madeleine: A life of Madeleine St John (Review)
Madeleine (Courtesy: Text Publishing) I wanted to read Helen Trinca's biography Madeleine for several reasons. First, of course, being a reader, I'm interested in biographies and autobiographies of writers. Secondly, Madeleine St John belongs to that group of Australians, half a generation or so older than I am, that has made quite a mark on … Continue reading Helen Trinca, Madeleine: A life of Madeleine St John (Review)
Irma Gold (ed), The invisible thread (Review)
I even get nervous when I open a book, you know, for the first time. It's the same thing, isn't it. You never know what you'll find, do you? Each person, each book, is like a new world ... (from Mark Henshaw's Out of the line of fire, in The invisible thread) At last, you … Continue reading Irma Gold (ed), The invisible thread (Review)
Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Final, or the Winner is announced
Sorry folks, but I have been slack. Meanjin took a little while to post the final round but I've taken even longer to report back to you. February was not a good reading and blogging month for me as my Past Whisperings link shows. I am, however, back now and ready to post the winner … Continue reading Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Final, or the Winner is announced
Graeme Simsion, The Rosie project (Review)
While I go to films fairly regularly, I rarely think of adapting books to film when I am reading. However, I was only a few pages into Graeme Simsion's The Rosie project when it occurred to me that it was perfect film material. The feeling got stronger - and then around a third of the … Continue reading Graeme Simsion, The Rosie project (Review)
Anita Heiss, Paris dreaming (Review)
Late last year I wrote a post about the inaugural Canberra Readers' Festival. One of the speakers was indigenous Australian author, academic and activist, Anita Heiss. I wrote then that I bought one of her books. It was her fourth (I think) chick lit novel, Paris dreaming. This might surprise regular readers here, as chick … Continue reading Anita Heiss, Paris dreaming (Review)
Thea Astley, The monstrous accent on youth (Review)
I was going to start this post with that well-known quote by Sophocles - or was it Plato - complaining about the young people of today, but a little bit of research turned up the fact that that quote is somewhat spurious. It was probably inspired by Plato's Republic in which he presents a dialogue … Continue reading Thea Astley, The monstrous accent on youth (Review)
Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Semi-finals
And so Meanjin's Tournament of Books rolls on - during a hot Australian summer that has been characterised by terrible fires and floods. "I love a sunburnt country" but this is ridiculous. Anyhow, the tournament's semi-finals have been played and the best short stories (sorta) have won. Here they are: Semi-final 1: Thea Astley's 'Hunting … Continue reading Meanjin’s Tournament of Books 2012 (2013), Semi-finals
Frank Moorhouse, Cold light (Review)
As I reached around the two-thirds point in Frank Moorhouse's Cold light, the third tome in his Edith trilogy, I wanted to cry out "Enough already"! It's not that I wasn't enjoying (most of) it, and it's not that it's a bad book, but it does go on - and on. It's a book, I … Continue reading Frank Moorhouse, Cold light (Review)
Suzanne Edgar, The love procession (Review)
Amongst the madness of last year's silly season was a little oasis, namely the launch of local poet Suzanne Edgar's latest collection, The love procession. It was an oasis not only because the launch was for a book of poetry, but also because it took place in the peace of a garden. Poetry and gardens … Continue reading Suzanne Edgar, The love procession (Review)
Whispering Gums 