Literature
Fiction reviews: The Mountains Sing and two other titles
A poetic family saga tells the modern history of Vietnam.
- by Cameron Woodhead
Latest
Books
Non-fiction reviews: Zadie Smith's Intimations and three other titles
In a series of short essays the novelist assesses how the pandemic has affected our lives.
- by Fiona Capp
Books
Richard Fidler and the magical lure of Prague
The broadcaster has followed up books about the Ottoman Empire and Iceland with an intriguing history of the Czech capital.
- by Jason Steger
Fire
Forgotten wall of fire that stunned a community
Tom Doig's book gives voice to the people affected by the Hazelwood fire.
- by Kurt Johnson
Books
Alone again, naturally ... or not
The lockdowns imposed because of the global pandemic have given people a new experience of solitude. David Vincent's book looks at its history.
Books
No sex, please. I may be a vampire but this is Twilight
Stephenie Meyer's latest offering in the Twilight series retells the story from the point of the view of Edward the vampire.
- by Juliette Hughes
Review
Gods, monsters and H.P. Lovecraft’s uncanny legacy
The weird, trippy and troubling themes of pulp fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft found their way into film and TV long before the new Lovecraft Country.
- by Alexis Soloski
Melbourne Writers Festival
Reading and writing your way out of pandemic lockdown
The Melbourne Writers Festival is running online workshops designed to get children to flex their imaginations.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Life in Lockdown
Trapped at home, my inner child rebel discovered a source of strength
As Melburnians were scolded for hoarding toilet paper and pasta, I hoarded books like I was breaking some kind of law. It was a primal need, and I went all in.
- by Natasha Sholl
Books
Writing NSW faces existential crisis after funding cut
The body faces an uncertain future after the state government rejected its application for ongoing financial support.
- by Jason Steger
Arts
New crime-writing award aims to feed reader appetite
"I feel like we are riding a really big wave that is only going to get bigger," says publisher Jane Palfreyman.
- by Melanie Kembrey