Culture
Books
A darkly funny debut novel and the inner life of teenage girls
Our reviewers cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction releases.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Latest
Ten great books we’re excited to read in July
From a highly anticipated poetry collection to a mind-bending debut, here are the books we’re looking forward to this month.
- by Melanie Kembrey
First timers and indie publishers dominate Miles Franklin shortlist
This year’s shortlist is a celebration of innovation and diversity in Australian fiction.
- by Nick Galvin
For years, Michael Robotham was advised not to set novels in Australia
The celebrated crime writer’s new novel, Storm Child, is the fourth in a series featuring forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven.
- by Susan Turnbull
Bestselling author’s sweet novel explores the human need for love
A safe escape from the world, Alexander McCall Smith’s new novel, like all his works, is grounded in an optimistic world view.
- by Kerryn Goldsworthy
An Australian mystery – the pie with no source
A pastry named after Ned Kelly is just one of the local linguistic enigmas investigated this week.
- by David Astle
Editing secrets of literature’s greatest authors
From Jane Austen’s abandoned novel to the first line of John le Carre’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, manuscripts give us fascinating insight into the creative process.
- by Simon Caterson
This novel is a fable of language, silence and connection to the land
Lia Hills’ moody new novel is an intricate tale of the land and the people in it.
- by Helen Elliott
Tale of a difficult childhood is part memoir, part redemption story
Poet Kevin Hart’s memoir traces his childhood as a “backward boy” in a poor part of London to his life in Australia.
- by Geoff Page
The birthday cakes of your childhood will feature in a Rare Book Week display
This year’s Melbourne Rare Book Week features everything from vintage Women’s Weekly cookbooks to Virginia Woolf first editions.
- by Jane Sullivan
Opinion
Literature
Australia’s last reader was on my tram, travelling to another world
Surrounded by commuters captured by their phones, this young woman was juggling empires.
- by Anson Cameron