I love its densely woven grammar, its ingrained humour, its uncompromising politics, and its undimmed outrage at human folly, stupidity and greed (Kerryn Goldsworthy on Thea Astley's writing) and Great story, great characters ... Stylistically, however, this book is like a very handsome, strong and fit woman with too much makeup on ... This kind … Continue reading Favourite writers: 3, Thea Astley
Australian writers
Price Warung, Tales of the early days
Okay, I admit it, I have convict ancestors (plural even!). Consequently, I was particularly interested to read Price Warung's 1894 collection of short stories, Tales of the early days, when I discovered it was part of the Australian Classics Library recently published by the Sydney University Press. My convicts include John Warby who, with another labourer, … Continue reading Price Warung, Tales of the early days
Marion on Marion (Halligan)
A few days ago I posted a review of Marion Halligan's latest book, Valley of Grace, and mentioned that Halligan had attended my bookgroup meeting at which we discussed the book. I didn't, however, share in that post all of the things that Halligan told us - and I won't in this post either. Some … Continue reading Marion on Marion (Halligan)
Marion Halligan, Valley of grace
Delicious but sly are the first words that come to mind when I think about Marion Halligan's latest novel, Valley of Grace. Take this for example: You know, people think flowers are pretty. Sentimental. Frivolous even. But the fact is, everything begins in the garden. Humans. Society. Civilisation. Evil. Things bud, bloom, weather, age, die. … Continue reading Marion Halligan, Valley of grace
William Lane, The workingman’s paradise
Wealth and Poverty both seem to degrade most of us. (p. 249) So says Bohemian Connie Stratton to the hero Ned Hawkins in William Lane's 1892 novel, The workingman's paradise. William Lane, an English-born journalist, union supporter and socialist, wrote under a number of pseudonyms including John Miller, the name he used for this novel … Continue reading William Lane, The workingman’s paradise
Craig Silvey, Jasper Jones (Review)
What is is about coming-of-age novels? Why do we like to read them long after we've (hopefully) come of age ourselves? Is it because we like to compare our own experience with that of others? Whatever the reason, it is clear that we do like to read them because they sure keep being written and … Continue reading Craig Silvey, Jasper Jones (Review)
Kendall’s favourite son
...is the Australian poet, Henry Kendall. Except, he's not REALLY a son - he was not born there, and he only lived there for 6 years, from 1875 to 1881, when he was New South Wales' first Forest Inspector. But, you know the story, when you are on a good thing...! And, anyhow, as a … Continue reading Kendall’s favourite son
A.B. (Banjo, to most of us) Paterson
Within the next few weeks I will be reviewing the Australian Classic Library's re-release of Paterson's The man from Snowy River and other verses, so this post is just a teaser. It was inspired by a column in The ABC Weekly (of 22 February 1941). Paterson died on 5 February 1941 - and less than three … Continue reading A.B. (Banjo, to most of us) Paterson
Poet’s advice to Australian writers, 1940
In 1940, Ernest G Moll's poetry collection, Cut from mulga, was chosen by the Commonwealth Literary Committee as the book of the year. In that same year, in a talk on the ABC, he exhorted Australian writers to stop being apologetic about being Australian. So, who was Ernest G Moll? He was born in Victoria … Continue reading Poet’s advice to Australian writers, 1940
Florence James and journalism, 1940
Florence James, with Dymphna Cusack, wrote one of Australia's most successful novels set in World War 2, Come In Spinner. She was also a literary agent and journalist - and wrote regularly for The ABC Weekly which I referred to in a post a few days ago. In the 23 March 1940 issue was her article … Continue reading Florence James and journalism, 1940
Whispering Gums 