Clare Bowditch on the reality of writing a book, rock and roll and parenting
The Australian singer who from early childhood had “a good feeling” in her bones about music, offers a message of hope.
Books
PM’s award proves Kostakis really is something
A former scholarship kid from an exclusive all-boy private school has won a Prime Minister’s Literary Award for a story that celebrates his Greek ancestry.
What kind of mother abandons her kids?
Few things seem more unnatural than a mother abandoning her child. It’s enough to send a shiver down your spine. But are we judging women more harshly than men?
Author who came in from the cold
Mick Herron, the author of the Slow Horses series, is the unlikeliest star in publishing. Even he couldn’t have made this up.
I’m bold with bananas — and dinner guests won’t come back
I sometimes feel pity for accused murderers and perverts when the media details what police found in their homes during a raid. Go through mine and you’d probably be able to convict me of anything.
Come Writers & Critics
A stellar debut, a late-in-life romance, a no-nonsense cookbook and plenty more in this week’s wrap of news from the book world.
Charles Blackman: the love letters
The love story between Charles Blackman and his wife, Barbara, revealed in a trove of letters
Beached in Australia
A new book charts the journey of a young immigrant, struggling to be part of the crowd on Cronulla Beach, to a confident woman holding her own in the waters off Manly.
Zapped by the fame game
Moon Unit Zappa opens up on life with her famous father, Frank Zappa.
What women really want — sexual fantasies revealed
For many women, the sex they have in their heads may be more stimulating than the physical nuts and bolts of any coupling, no matter how hot.
Golden route from India: exploring the ancient world
British historian William Dalrymple maps the vast arc that encompassed the Greek and Roman empires, much of Central Asia and eastwards as far as China, Korea and Japan.
Two giants talk books, method and life
Contemporary Australian novelist Rodney Hall, 88, sat down with historian Geoffrey Blainey, 94, to talk about writing. Turns out they’d met before.
What to read this week
New and notable books, as recommended by The Australian.
Rewriting history books: King Henry V, we hardly knew you
Shakespeare described King Henry V as a lightweight, but the real King was tougher, says Dan Jones.
Enigmatic artist’s journey from the sensual to spiritual
Mystery surrounds the transformation of Mervyn Napier Waller from painter of seductive nudes to leading religious artist.
A tale of two ‘love stories’
In the so-called Violated Letter, Dickens wrote that he and wife Catherine were ‘wonderfully unsuited to each other’ and that she had neglected their children.
The key to silencing a perpetually analytic mind? Video game therapy
I sometimes feel calmer after gaming than sleeping, writes philosopher Damon Young. It’s a numbed, contented vacancy — a holiday from consciousness.
The unbelievable story of the original superfood: milk
Milk’s future is murky, dairy unable to hide from humankind’s stampeding desire for artificial things. Will eggheads manage to make udders redundant?
How Australia got it so wrong on the voice
From the moment the results of the voice referendum started coming in, politicians, advocates and commentators have been trying to rewrite history. The truth? Ultimately, the political right chose not to play ball.
Bookstore turns page with daring display
A new Vernon Ah Kee mural celebrates Brisbane writers as it wraps around independent bookstore Avid Reader.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/books/page/7