I reviewed Owls Do Cry by Janet Frame (released with a new foreword by Margaret Drabble in the Text Classics series) for Readings Monthly, with the book still ringing in my head (hence the style of the review). When I read Frame I am reminded, too, that a writer might deliberately eschew grammar rules, in aid of rhythm or … Continue reading Review: Owls Do Cry by Janet Frame in Readings Monthly
New Zealand literature
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
The Luminaries Eleanor Catton Little, Brown 9780316074315 Winner of the 2013 Man Booker Prize I’ve woken up around 4am the past couple of nights thinking about this book. My thoughts on it aren't final but this is a space where conversations happen, and I need to talk. The Luminaries is an engaging page-turner, a mystery … Continue reading The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
Review of Janet Frame’s In the Memorial Room for The Australian
Janet Frame is one of my all-time favourite authors. Her writing is surprising, absurd, knowing, funny, sad, dark, moving, imaginative and honest. She was an incredibly hard-working writer, often having to work in uncomfortable or strange conditions (while overcoming much personal tragedy). I've read quite a few of her novels; plus her short fiction, her … Continue reading Review of Janet Frame’s In the Memorial Room for The Australian
That noticing thing: Emily Perkins on The Forrests
Bloomsbury, May 2012 9781408809235 (buy paperback, ebook) I recently posted my review of New Zealand author Emily Perkins' latest novel The Forrests (read it here), one of my favourite books of the year so far. I was also asked to conduct a Q&A with Emily Perkins for Bookseller+Publisher's April/May 2012 issue. It's re-published here with their permission. I hope you enjoy … Continue reading That noticing thing: Emily Perkins on The Forrests
Ink, dust & darkness: Magpie Hall by Rachael King
Vintage (New Zealand, 2010/Kindle) 9781869792886 Rosemary, a vintage-dress-wearing tattooed taxidermist, decides to spend some time in her family’s run-down old manor Magpie Hall – to work on her gothic literature thesis and simultaneously escape an affair with her supervisor. But there are plenty of distractions at Magpie Hall: memories of her recently deceased grandfather, her … Continue reading Ink, dust & darkness: Magpie Hall by Rachael King
Mo Zhi Hong's The Year of the Shanghai Shark
Penguin New Zealand 2008 9780143008934 The Year of the Shanghai Sharkcharts a series of encounters, tales and incidents in one year of a boy’s life in Dalian, China. His immediate existence is determined by his Uncle, who possesses many big books and conducts dubious business, his best friends Po Fan and Xiao Wang, plus basketball, fast food … Continue reading Mo Zhi Hong's The Year of the Shanghai Shark
Queensland Poetry Festival special: Hinemoana Baker
The Queensland Poetry Festival runs from 21 to 23 August. Graham Nunn has helped me to select three poets to feature on LiteraryMinded in the weeks leading up to the festival. Hinemoana Baker is number two. Revisit number one, A.F. Harrold, if you like. Enjoy! Arts Queensland Poet in Residence 2009 Hinemoana Baker's writings have … Continue reading Queensland Poetry Festival special: Hinemoana Baker
Such sensual books I've read lately – Rachael King's The Sound of Butterflies
Picador, 2008, 9780330449175 (Aus, US) In 1904, Sophie awaits her husband at the train station in Richmond. He is returning from the heart of the Brazilian jungle, seeking a mysterious, rumoured species of butterfly. When he arrives at the station Thomas is a shadow - scarred with insect bites, thin, and not speaking at all. The narrative of … Continue reading Such sensual books I've read lately – Rachael King's The Sound of Butterflies
