Review
The Beach Boys tell their own story of triumph and tragedy
It’s not all good vibrations, as our reviewers reveal in this week’s pick of fiction and non-fiction releases.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Latest
Only the lonely can make the distance in David Nicholls’ new romcom
This novel, by the author of One Day, is a celebration of the rare connection that can lift people out of seemingly intractable loneliness.
- by Daniel Herborn
The top 12 books you should read in May
This month brings lyrics from Kazuo Ishiguro, a Miles Franklin winner’s latest novel, the return of Miranda July, a surprise sequel from Colm Toibin and spacey stories from Ceridwen Dovey.
- by Jason Steger
His book was rejected 13 times, now it’s a hit TV show
Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel The Sympathizer won him a Pulitzer Prize and employs cinematic tropes, but that doesn’t stop him being a fierce critic of the Hollywood machine.
- by Kurt Johnson
This twisty Western mystery will beguile you
Tana French’s The Hunter brings back the Chicago detective who has taken refuge in the west of Ireland.
- by Sue Turnbull
Dramatic novel asks pertinent questions about mental health treatment
Anne Buist’s experience as a perinatal psychiatrist informs the novel she has written with Graeme Simsion.
- by Jessie Tu
This classy detective novel marries weighty concerns with playful delight
Steven Carroll’s latest novel represents a shift in genre after his prize-winning books about T.S. Eliot.
- by James Bradley
A scathing portrait of London, a society steeped in corruption
Andrew O’Hagan’s latest novel is a sprawling bit of social realism that exposes the inner workings of a society.
- by James Ley
This twisty psychological thriller is 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
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
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