Stephen Romei

Stephen Romei writes on books and films. He was formerly literary editor at The Australian and The Weekend Australian.

Alternative prime minister Bill Shorten emerges from an in-depth profile as a man with the job ahead of him.

There’s some sweet synchronicity in Paddy Manning’s book on Malcolm Turnbull, unlike David Marr’s luck on Bill Shorten.

A PAIR OF RAGGED CLAWS: STEPHEN ROMEI

Certainly, Ghost Fleet can claim to be useful in highlighting US complacency over its technological vulnerabilities.

Frank Sinatra’s wife Barbara recalls their life together and imagines how the singer would have enjoyed his centenary.

Barbara Sinatra

Margaret Atwood’s dry wit pervades The Heart Goes Last, though at times it is pressed into an uncomfortable parody.

Rebecca Giggs

In a blazing read, Sydney writer Charlotte Wood explores the frightening elements of contemporary gender relations.

Portia Lindsay

Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton have taken their ever-popular treehouse to hilarious new levels.

Sicario can be enjoyed as an action movie but a large part of its brilliance lies in defying the genre’s expectations.

Snowtown director Justin Kurzel found Shakespeare’s Scottish play was the perfect choice for his follow-up film.

Michael Bodey

Tom Keneally’s biographer, Stephany Evans Steggall, considers the prolific author’s development of his female characters.

Stephany Evans Steggall