Culture
Books
The great Australian war stories that didn’t actually happen
In his new book, Mark Dapin demonstrates that the truth and war are uncomfortable partners.
- by Edmund Goldrick
Latest
Why do women fall for violent men in jail? This novel has an idea
Tasha Coryell’s main character is a young woman who writes increasingly intimate letters to a man facing charges of murdering several women.
- by Jessie Tu
Why adapting is the key to survival in the face of climate change
Clive Hamilton and George Wilkenfeld have written a necessary book for a world subject to the ravages of climate change.
- by Kurt Johnson
This beautiful memoir beats with a radically open heart
Ailsa Piper’s salts her sorrow with spiritual longing in this subtle book about living with grief.
- by Michael McGirr
And you thought the Taylor Swift tour was bonkers...
A new book celebrating 60 years since the Beatles toured Australia is the deepest dive into the Fab Four you could imagine.
- by Michael Dwyer
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
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