Australian writers have been capturing attention - here and overseas - in the last few months. I've been noting these stories as they've popped up, and kept planning to post on them, but somehow, time just slipped by and more stories kept coming. Consequently, most Aussie readers here will know most of these news items … Continue reading Monday musings on Australian literature: Writers in the news (1)
Richard Flanagan
Richard Flanagan, Question 7 (#BookReview)
Question 7 is the fifth book by Richard Flanagan that my reading group has done, making him our most read author. That surprised me a little, but he has produced an impressive body of work that is hard to ignore - and, clearly, we haven't. We always start our meetings with sharing our first impressions. … Continue reading Richard Flanagan, Question 7 (#BookReview)
Sydney Writers Festival 2021, Live and Local (Session 2)
My second Sydney Writers Festival's Live and Local event for 2021 was an hour after the first one. This left me time to fill in. It was disappointing that the National Library's Bookplate Cafe was closed by then, which I think has happened in previous years. It would have been nice to sit down with … Continue reading Sydney Writers Festival 2021, Live and Local (Session 2)
Richard Flanagan, First person (#BookReview)
Richard Flanagan's latest novel First person, which I did with my reading group, is a challenge to read. By this I don't mean it's "hard" to read but that it requires careful attention to pin down. On the surface, its subject is straightforward. It's the story of struggling as-yet-unpublished writer, Kif Kehlmann, who accepts the job … Continue reading Richard Flanagan, First person (#BookReview)
Richard Flanagan, the Booker Prize, and Books
Lisa at ANZLitlovers has posted on Richard Flanagan's (exciting-to-us) Booker Prize win for The narrow road to the deep north, and has provided links to reviews by several bloggers. So, I thought I'd do something different. In my review and follow-up post, I discussed the role of poetry in the novel. Reviewer (and novelist) Romy Ash suggests … Continue reading Richard Flanagan, the Booker Prize, and Books
Delicious descriptions: Richard Flanagan on Poetry
In my review of Richard Flanagan's The narrow road to the deep north I talked a little about the importance of poetry to some of the main characters. I can't resist sharing just a little more on this topic. This is Dorrigo thinking, at the end of his life, though he doesn't know just how … Continue reading Delicious descriptions: Richard Flanagan on Poetry
Richard Flanagan: The narrow road to the deep north (Review)
I love generosity of spirit, the ability to rise above terrible things to see the humanity that lies beneath. Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize shortlisted The narrow road to the deep north is, without being sentimental or glossing over the horror, a generous book - and this is why I expect it will be one of … Continue reading Richard Flanagan: The narrow road to the deep north (Review)
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Patyegarang
This year is Bangarra Dance Theatre's 25th anniversary. For those of you who don't know, Bangarra Dance Theatre is an Indigenous Australian contemporary dance company that was established - obviously - in 1989. Its artistic director since 1991 has been Stephen Page. His brother, David Page, does the music. These are two very talented brothers … Continue reading Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Patyegarang
Whispering Gums 