Neglected as a child, Rosie Waterland finds solace in her mother's chicken soup as an adult.

Rebe Taylor's book is the latest entry in the history wars; her aim is to unearth proof of the antiquity of Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

The veteran ABC broadcaster Mark Colvin has signed off for good. His was a massive intellect and a rare talent.

Australian author takes out the world's richest literary prize for young writers for her short story collection.

An original May Gibbs painting will find a new home at the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature in Canberra

This Pulitzer prize-winning writer says he was scrupulous about the historical detail in his novel about slaves escaping the southern states.

The reading influences on Krissy Kneen range from Ray Bradbury to Anais Nin.

Literary news and events.

If Gay Talese's journalism is like fiction, it is vast, multi-character, reader-seducing 19th-century fiction that it most resembles.

If Bill Haye's Insomniac City were just a book about a love affair between two literary men - himself and Oliver Sacks - 30 years apart in age it would be riches enough, but it is so much more.

Dawn O'Porter's book is a frank exploration of female friendships.

This is not a dramatic story, but it is a rounded portrait of someone who made a dramatic difference to many people.

Craig Wilcox traces the evolution of national icons such as the slouch hat and, in cricket, the baggy green.

The truth about Sydney's original inhabitants.

Ernest Hemingway was political but went his own way rather than simply following the ideologies of the day.

How Kate DiCamillo became a bestseller after 473 rejection letters.

The dark art of the spin doctor is at the heart of the veteran journalist Michael McGuire's debut novel.

Every once in a while a book comes along with a premise so inspired that it seems strange no one had thought of writing it before.

Patty Yumi Cottrell creates a vivid portrait of a wonderfully layered and conflicted character.

No one does sex comedy quite like Kathy Lette and her latest book is a winning blend of tenderness and hilarity.

The Black Dog Institute founder deploys his profound knowledge of mental illness in a novel about a doctor whose life is derailed by bipolar disorder.

When Richard Ford was 16, his father died in his arms. It was a tragedy that would define his life - and set him free.

The actress who found fame as the lead in the movie Precious has her sarcasm on rueful display in her memoir.

Literary news and events.