A few people have been asking me about what I am reading, or what I recommend. Here’s some thoughts and ideas on books you might like (and books I really did like!) I’ve put the Kobo eBook links* for each book at the end of my little blurb (in case you are not in Australia and have trouble tracking them down!)
1. The Strays by Emily Bitto
Emily Bitto is a cute-face, a foodie and a really great writer. This book is wonderful. If you’d like to experience Melbourne as a small girl thrown into a rambling, bohemian artist’s colony, this is the book for you. I loved everything about this. The coming of age, the eccentric characters, the garden, the chaise longue, the hot tea, the secrets. I felt like I was experiencing a special time and place, a little bit John and Sunday Reed, a little bit Cloudstreet on acid and a little bit Famous Five. So good. eBook on Kobo here.
2. This House Of Grief by Helen Garner
Helen Garner steels herself as she sits in on the trials of then-accused murderer Robert Farquharson, notepad in hand, trying to come to grips with what happened to the Farquharson/Gambinos and how it affected the family, their friends and the community. It’s such a terrible story, I understand that many people would not consider reading it. My feelings about the book are that it’s so very well written and it really did open my eyes to the fact that for some people, loving someone doesn’t mean you’ll keep them safe from harm. Hard to understand, I know.
I honestly feel that this book is respectful of everyone involved or impacted by this crime and that it’s important for this story to be told. When terrible things happen, I think turning away is a really bad idea. Much better to try and understand why, in the hope that we can prevent further tragedies. Garner documents the intricacies of this tragedy so masterfully and, at times, very sorrowfully. Unputdownable, in my opinion. eBook on Kobo here.
3. Past The Shallows by Favel Parrett
Argh. This book was so sad, but the story was so beautifully told, I wanted to read it again immediately. Set in Tasmania, near Bruny Island (close to where I grew up), it took me straight back to my childhood and I could see and feel the landscape as things unfolded. Joe, Miles and Harry live with their dad, a seething, boozy fisherman of few words. Life unfolds through the eyes of the boys and it’s full of special little details (sharks teeth, Milo, open fires, show bags, cosy shacks, bread and jam) that’ll probably transport you back to simpler times too. A speedy, beautiful read. eBook on Kobo here.
Have you read any great Australian books lately? What do you recommend? Or maybe you’ve read one or more of these? Do tell!
x Pip
* They are not affiliate links, just links to help you out.
My favourite Australian author is the late Barbara Hanrahan her stories are detailed and intricate. They remind me of an Australian style fairy tale as they are always quite dark. She was an artists as well, designing many of her own book covers. I think Dove is my favourite book of hers, I love looking for her books secondhand as they are mostly out of print.
Without noticing, I read 4 books by Australian authors this year!!
My favorite was The Light Between Oceans. It’s set in Australia in the 1900 and ohmygod, so good. The movie comes out next year so read it before that!
I also liked Burial Rites, about the last woman executed in Iceland.
I don’t have any new Australian books to add to the list but the best Australian books that I’ve read in a long time -and these have gone on my favourite books of my all time list- are the books by Kate Morton with The Secret Garden being my absolute favourite.
About half of every book takes place in Austalia and her stories are always so masterfully plotted out as well as so beautifuly written.
i’ve recently read Golden Boys by Sonya Hartnett. I love her writing and this was no exception. She just captures the trials of growing up so beautifully. One of my friends has also been extolling The House of Grief. I’ll have to get my hands on it. Thanks for the suggestions, Pip!
Hi,
I recently read ‘Lost and Found’ by Brooke Davis – which is set in Western Australia and is a quirky tale about three lonely people (a little girl and two cranky older people) who embark on a road tour. It has funny moments and poignant moments.
-Racquel
I am going to look that one up right now, Racquel! Thanks for the tip! x