“I took the people, stories and books I loved, and added magic.” (The History of Mischief) I am awestruck at The History of Mischief, Rebecca Higgie’s debut novel for young people (Fremantle Press). It has an engaging storyline and overarching narrative and a rich backstorybrimming with fascinating, often unexpected, historical information. The skill, complexity and magic […]
Read More The History of Mischief by Rebecca Higgie“She thinks she can be in two worlds and not have to choose.” (Benevolence) Benevolence is a searing, unforgettable work for adults and mature young adults by Julie Janson, a Burruberongal woman of the Darug Aboriginal Nation and award-winning playwright. It is published by Magabala Books. Although not easy to read because of the unconscionable […]
Read More Benevolence by Julie JansonThe Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams The poppies burgeoning from a small wooden suitcase on the cover of Pip Williams’ The Dictionary of Lost Words (Affirm Press) beguile the reader into this well-told story of words, Oxford, history and the changing role of women. Esme’s mother Lily has died and she is being […]
Read More The Dictionary of Lost Words“There was a giant who stood on the shore of the sea. She looked out across the water because that is what she had promised to do long, long ago.” The Giant and the Sea by Trent Jamieson, illustrated by Rovina Cai (Lothian Children’s Books) is a significant multifaceted work. It is likely to become […]
Read More The Giant and the Sea by Trent Jamieson, illustrated by Rovina CaiEnfolded in the Wings of a Great Darkness by Peter Boyle (Vagabond Press) recently won the Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry in the 2020 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. Poetry judges’ comments (from the NSWPLA website) Enfolded in the wings of a great darkness is an extraordinary book-length poem by poet and translator Peter Boyle. The work […]
Read More Enfolded in the Wings of a Great Darkness by Peter BoyleAs a change from talking about books, I’ve interviewed Grant Lawn, chef-owner of Bush Restaurant, Redfern Sydney (he does mention a couple of books though). Thanks for speaking with PaperbarkWords, Grant. How did your restaurant, Bush, start? Cooking for family and then pop-ups for the homeless, mainly cheeseburgers. What is your ethos and aesthetic for […]
Read More Bush Restaurant Redfern SydneyPoppy Nwosu has created a memorable character, Lottie, in her new YA novel Taking Down Evelyn Tait (Wakefield Press). Lottie is very funny and always in trouble. Her friendships and relationships are painted superbly and, told with humour, help contribute to her changing insights. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Poppy. Thank you so much […]
Read More Taking Down Evelyn Tait by Poppy Nwosu“You could travel to places you could never have imagined, see worlds on the edge of the multiverse. You could watch blue suns rise over mountains of red glass, see flowers the size of houses, hear the crunch of the ground as dragons hatch from hidden caverns …” (The Strangeworlds Travel Agency) Thank you for […]
Read More The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski“You see the world in a different way, Erin, and I think people might be interested in hearing about it.” (Please Don’t Hug Me) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Kay. Thank you for having me, Joy. Your title, Please Don’t Hug Me (Text Publishing) is eye-catching and memorable. Why have you chosen it? I […]
Read More Please Don’t Hug Me by Kay KerrInsight into life in China is particularly relevant in these times. Yan Lianke is one of China’s most notable contemporary writers. Amongst his awards, he has been twice shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize. His literary memoir, Three Brothers: Memories of My Family is translated by Carlos Rojas and published by Text Publishing. Yan […]
Read More Three Brothers: Memories of My Family by Yan Lianke
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