Nature marks time’s passage
In Jon McGregor’s striking new novel human nature and the natural world exist on the same plane.
Books
Exploring Winton’s fiction
Tim Winton’s novels have spoken ‘intimately to many Australians and about Australia to the world’ for nearly 40 years.
If at first you don’t secede
In American War, Omar El Akkad constructs a plausible chronicle of the annihilation of the US.
Material girls go it alone
Lesley Truffle’s fictions can be seen as elaborate folk or fairytales.
Fiery blast at ‘snowflakes’
Why are people who describe themselves as ‘libertarian Marxists’ so obsessed with the issue of freedom of speech?
Doing it for himself
Blockbuster American author James Patterson has taken an unconventional approach to the blurb for his latest book.
Henry Lawson’s dark side
Lionised by a public who adored his bush writings, Henry Lawson had a dark side revealed most frequently to his wife.
Novel approach to Camus
Two vignettes in this biography of Albert Camus show he took his responsibility as a writer very seriously indeed.
Sad truths behind satire
One can’t understand the true power of Jonathan Swift’s work without appreciating the circumstances of its creation.
Troubled birth of a disaster
China’s one-child policy has created a society that is ‘unbalanced, unhappy and possibly unsustainable’.
Before and after
Two new books bring passion and pain to the voluntary euthanasia debate.
Into the darkness
Helen Garner’s quest to understand a man who murdered his three kids exacted a personal toll. Was it worth it?
Tale soars with derring-do
The Fabulous Flying Mrs Miller tells the story of a little-known and fascinating adventurer.
Reacquaintance with Russia
Tony Kevin’s time in Soviet-era Russia informs his insightful comparisons with the modern nation.
Clues in Sartre’s thinking
Gary Cox is all wit and clarity, even if he tends to reflect back the Sartre that Sartre himself wanted us to see.
Missing pieces in the puzzle
Lucy Durneen’s Wild Gestures is a stunning collection of stories, so full of insight.
To be perfectly Frank
Can writing still be a way of life? Novelist Frank Moorhouse has addressed the issue.
Anatomy of a secret conflict
The Vietnam War has long overshadowed the conflict in Laos but a new book seeks to redress the balance.
Fairer play in every field
Australia’s sportswomen have reached a turning point but sport is still often seen as sacred blokes’ business.
City of the 60s in focus
Bruce Beresford fell in love with Madeleine St John’s novel The Women in Black as soon as he read it.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/books/page/197