Culture
Books
A black parable and fine nature writing: Eight books to read next
Our reviewers consider the merits of recently released fiction and non-fiction.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Latest
Emotional grenades in a novel about mothers, daughters and identity
Jessie Tu’s follow up to her award-winning first novel is driven by three emotionally charged characters.
- by Frances Atkinson
Social media has made us more psychopathic, says author Jon Ronson
The journalist, author and screenwriter says he “got drunk” on the power of his psychopath-spotting skills after writing his 2011 bestselling novel he Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry,
- by Lenny Ann Low
Keanu Reeves had a vision. Then things got really weird
The Hollywood nice guy was on set as John Wick when he saw the beginnings of his first novel. Author China Mieville couldn’t resist.
- by Kylie Northover
Joni Mitchell’s life has been over-examined. But this is not your typical biography
Ann Powers was uneasy about taking on the life of one of the great figures from American music. The biographer’s work is a dazzling and discerning appraisal of the singer.
- by Nathan Smith
Opinion
WordPlay
You might not know it, but you’re probably a ‘citizen scientist’
The term might be controversial, but the practice has become vital to most research fields.
- by David Astle
Striking debut novel with echoes of David Foster Wallace
Reading Ask Me Again is like a long catch-up phone call with an old friend.
- by Eddie Hampson
The Victorian madame whose name lives on in popular culture
Madame Brussels made her reputation running a brothel in Melbourne. Today, she has a laneway and cocktail named in her honour.
- by Simon Caterson
Love historical crime fiction? This sensual novel will grip you
Jane Sullivan’s Murder in Punch Lane is elegantly structured and moves deftly between fact and fiction.
- by Carmel Bird
Perth indie bookshop takes novel approach to moving this weekend
Keep your eyes peeled when driving along Beaufort Street this weekend; you might see an unusual sight.
- by Emma Young
Sorry, Bumble, it’s not you. I’d just rather read a steamy book
Reality is making celibates of us all and romance novels are having a renaissance.
- by Genevieve Novak