Culture
Books
I may never eat fish again after reading this new book
James Bradley’s epic non-fiction book Deep Water explores the world’s oceans and our interconnectedness with them. And it may change your thinking about many things.
- by Kylie Northover
Latest
Long before ghosting, there were ghosts - at least that’s what the stories said
This year’s Melbourne Writers Festival unleashes the spirits of characters past and stories still to be told … here’s a taste of what’s to come.
A gripping and twisty psychological thriller set at a divorce ranch for women
Our reviewers cast their eyes over the eight books you’re about to see everywhere.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Michael Ondaatje’s ‘little fragments’ that lead to prize-winning work
The award-winning novelist says he’s writing only poetry at the moment and his new collection has an ‘elegiac tone’.
- by JP O'Malley
Opinion
WordPlay
‘Omnishambles’ caught our attention but its origin might surprise you
Justice Lee’s Lehrmann judgment – and, perhaps, his TV diet – issued a new word into the public’s consciousness.
- by David Astle
This gripping Australian exposé should come with a horror warning on the cover
Anne Manne reveals the depravity and cruelty within the Newcastle Anglican diocese.
- by Barney Zwartz
Opinion
Melbourne Writers Festival
Why won’t Melbourne Writers Festival allow live questions any more?
In an unusual move, the Melbourne Writers Festival won’t allow the audience to stand up and ask questions at its sessions – and some festivalgoers are breathing a sigh of relief.
- by Jane Sullivan
Book of the Year: the 12 titles that have made The Age shortlist
Fiction judges said they had chosen novels that were both fresh and wise. “Their stories and characters stayed with us, long after the pages were closed”
- by Jason Steger
His mum and dad were treated differently. He wanted to understand why
Ziggy Ramo’s raw hip-hop made a lot of Australians uncomfortable. He expects his book to do the same.
- by Michael Dwyer
Can men ever escape toxic masculinity? That’s what this book asks
Myfanwy Jones’ Cool Waters is a smooth read, thanks to its finely polished prose and a seamless structure.
- by Jo Case
This mesmerising work of non-fiction that will inspire awe and make you weep
James Bradley explores humanity’s past, present and possible futures through the lens of the world’s oceans in his new book Deep Water: The World in the Ocean.
- by Bianca Nogrady