Literature
Alexis Wright makes history with Miles Franklin, Stella wins in same year
Wright’s novel Praiseworthy was hailed by judges as “an astonishing feat of storytelling”.
- by Jason Steger
Latest
Australia breaks eight-year Booker Prize drought
Charlotte Wood has been long-listed for Stone Yard Devotional, the first book by an Australian on the prestigious list in eight years.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Sick of winter? Survive the chilly nights with these eight books
Whether your favourite genre is romance, crime or history, there’s a new release to match your reading interests.
How Kari Gislason fell into the clutches of the Pirate - and survived
As an 18-year-old the writer had an adventure in Corfu that has coloured the rest of his life.
- by Susan Johnson
Three museums for book lovers to visit
Among the literary museums in the UK is one where the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes lived in the books by Arthur Conan Doyle.
- by Jane Sullivan
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
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
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
Exclusive
Investigations
Emails reveal State Library discussed political, religious views of writers
New documents reveal a former federal Labor MP and board member discussed the views of a writer whose workshop was later cancelled.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
In crime fiction, where there’s Smoke there’s always fire
Former journo Michael Brissenden has written a cracking novel set in the aftermath of a Californian wildfire.
- by Sue Turnbull