Culture
Books
A poetic journey through an Inferno-like world of slavery
Jesmyn Ward’s latest novel echoes Western classics and African legends.
- by Owen Richardson
Latest
The Strip is a compelling walk on the dark side
Iain Ryan’s hard-boiled novel about police corruption and murder is dotted with flashes of bleak humour and humanity.
- by Sue Turnbull
The surprising history of women, love and the law
Alecia Simmonds examines how the breach of promise charge used to offer some protection to women in the past.
- by Helen Elliott
Exclusive
Literature
Appetite for cookbooks remains hearty, but overall book sales dip
The book market slipped back in volume and value last year as cost-of-living pressures continued to bite.
- by Jason Steger
Fake dreadlocks and Caribbean crooks: It’s time to rewrite the story
The weight of slavery and clueless cultural tropes can no longer hold us down.
- by Maxine Beneba Clarke
How Naomi Osaka became the most unique champion in tennis
She may be a former world number one and four-time grand slam winner, but motivation may be a challenge for Naomi Osaka.
- by Alan Attwood
Queen Camilla’s new podcast has launched. Is it worth listening?
The first episode of The Queen’s Reading Room features the newly knighted crime writer Ian Rankin and a cameo from the royal herself.
- by Jason Steger
Footy, Music, and Royals: Welcome to the disarming humour of Vincent Namatjira
In this book, the artist tells his story through words and images, while critics and other artists assess his work
- by Chloe Wolifson
Literary slow-food: Anne Michaels’ antidote to a fast-paced world
The Canadian novelist examines how large-scale world events intertwine with personal lives and relationships.
- by Leah Kaminsky
The legendary Australian author ahead of his time on AI
The writer realised early on what damage technology could do to the welfare of writers.
- by Matthew Lamb
Good fortune and good people: how a mother survived the Holocaust
Rachelle Unreich’s account of her mother’s life is a remarkable story of good people and good luck.
- by Michael McGirr