Book lists

Monday musings on Australian literature: Favourite fiction 2024

/ Whispering Gums / 29 Comments

Around this time of December, I have, for a few years now, shared favourite Aussie reads of the year from various sources. The specific sources have varied a little from time to time. Last year, a significant source - The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age - became unavailable to me as it is now paywalled, and … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Favourite fiction 2024

Monday musings on Australian literature: Aussie Booker Prize listees

/ Whispering Gums / 23 Comments

In terms of the Booker Prize, it's been a long time between drinks for Aussie writers. By this I mean that Charlotte Wood's shortlisting for the 2024 prize with Stone Yard devotional, breaks the longest drought Australian writers have had in terms of being listed for the prize since its commencement in 1969. It has … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Aussie Booker Prize listees

2024 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award shortlist

/ Whispering Gums / 6 Comments

Recently, I posted on the shortlist for the Barbara Jefferis Award, which has a very specific goal concerning the depiction of women and girls in a positive way or in a way that empowers the status of women and girls in society. Today, I'm sharing another shortlist for another award with a specific focus. The … Continue reading 2024 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award shortlist

Monday musings on Australian literature: Best Australian books, 21st century (to date)

/ Whispering Gums / 31 Comments

I do think it's jumping the gun, rather, to be listing best books of a century when that century is barely a quarter through! However, it seems that critics and reviewers around the world are giving it a go, including the esteemed New York Times, so who am I to quibble? Certainly Readings Bookshop and … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Best Australian books, 21st century (to date)

Monday musings on Australian literature: Et toi, France!

/ Whispering Gums / 29 Comments

With a certain event happening in Paris, and other parts of France at the moment, I thought it would be fun to briefly explore, some literary connections between Australia and France. I say "some" because there's no way I could know, let alone list, all the ways in which our countries have connected over the … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Et toi, France!

Stella Prize 2024 Shortlist announced

/ Whispering Gums / 21 Comments

For what it's worth, given I've not read any of them, here is the Stella Prize shortlist. The announcement I received via email this morning describes it as comprising: a diverse mix, featuring novels, memoir and an essay collection. Three of these works are by debut authors, showcasing fresh voices in Australian literature.  To summarise … Continue reading Stella Prize 2024 Shortlist announced

Monday musings on Australian literature: Trove treasures (11), A short list of masterpieces of fiction

/ Whispering Gums / 51 Comments

Today's post is not especially Australian, but it was published in Australian newspapers as a recommended list of "masterpieces" or classics for Australians to read. It is in that sense that I am posting it in my Monday Musings series! The list was published in 1910, with the heading "Best novels: A short list of … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Trove treasures (11), A short list of masterpieces of fiction