Free AUGust 2013

Morag fraser on alexis Wright / father’S day gift guide

Event Highlights

moRris gleitzman

national bookshop day partY! maria takolander

Books music film events AUGUST new releases

peter goldsworthy $29.99 p12

alexis wright $29.95 p6

cassandra golds $17.99 p10 ky winter group) winter c ky RUst and bone $39.95 p17 Cover illustration by jane reiseger (the ja (the reiseger jane by illustration Cover sweet David Hunt uncovers the strange and absurd of Australia’s history in Girt jean $19.95 p18

more inside... Warehouse Sale Loads of books, CDs, DVDs and stationery items Hurry! Only while stocks last!

Saturday 17 & 314-318 Drummond St Carlton Sunday 18 August 9am-5pm (between Faraday and Elgin Sts)

CARLTON 309 Lygon St 9347 6633 HAWTHORN 701 Glenferrie Rd 9819 1917 MALVERN 185 Glenferrie Rd 9509 1952 ST KILDA 112 Acland St 9525 3852 READINGS AT THE STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA 328 Swanston St 8664 7540 READINGS AT THE BRAIN CENTRE 30 Royal Parade, Parkville 9347 1749 See shop opening hours, browse and buy online at www.readings.com.au 2 Readings MONTHLY august 2013

This month’s news

READINGS WAREHOUSE SALE GRIFFITH REVIEW 10TH Bargain hunters! Our annual Readings ANNIVERSARY COMPETITION Mark’s warehouse sale is on again from Saturday Griffith REVIEW recently released its 10th 17 to Sunday 18 August, between 9am and Say Anniversary Edition, Griffith REVIEW 41: Now 5pm each day. Tons of books, CDs, DVDs and We Are Ten (Text, PB, $27.99). Customers who stationery will be available at fabulous prices, purchase a copy of this edition at any Readings so come along to the Readings Warehouse shop can enter by attaching their receipt to the News and views from Readings’ at Ground floor, 314–318 Drummond Street, competition entry forms provided, along with a managing director, Mark Rubbo Carlton (tucked between Faraday and Elgin proposed slogan, of 10 words or less, that can streets) to browse our stock, while it lasts. be used to promote Griffith REVIEW. The current Like me you’ve probably done a number of surveys, wondering what they were for and what happened slogan is: ‘Personal, political, (un)predictable. to the information gleaned from them. Well, we recently sent out our own survey to the 39 000 people Australia’s best conversation.’ The winner will NATIONAL BOOKSHOP DAY subscribed to our enews and Readings Monthly and we had an overwhelming 10% response rate – receive a complete set of all 40 editions of the the company that was helping us prepare this survey said that a good response was usually 2–3%. We Saturday 10 August is National Bookshop Griffith REVIEW backlist. Competition closes 4 also surveyed a sample of the wider Melbourne population so that we could compare a general book Day and this year the Australian Booksellers October 2013 and the winner will be announced on shopper to the Readings customer. The reason for the survey was that the book industry, like many Association is calling for people to vote for 11 October 2013 online at griffithreview.com. their favourite bookshop in Australia (if you media industries, is under a lot of pressure: to be honest, we haven’t been immune – our sales have love Readings, we’d be delighted if you voted been significantly down over the last two years. So, we wanted to uncover what your attitudes were to for one of our stores). The voting period runs BILL’S ITALIAN FOOD a range of things, including how you read and bought your books, whether you liked what we did, and until 5 August and everyone who participates what we could do to improve. will go into the draw to win $500 worth of COMPETITION Australian Book Vouchers. The winning With more than 100 original recipes that We also asked you some personality questions – some people found these intrusive, but others bookshop will be announced on National rejoice in fresh, seasonal produce, Bill’s found them revelatory! From that, we discovered that only 5% of Readings customers are ‘traditional’ Bookshop Day. See our events calendar Italian Food (HarperCollins, HB, was $50, (conservative), compared with 16% of the general population. 80% of you are over 35 and 24% are on page three to find information on the special price $44.95) is a delightful, delicious between 56 and 65. Most of you work (full-time or part-time), with 34% of you employed in culture, the festivities we have planned for the day. adventure. Purchase the book from any arts and academia. 82% of you read books several times a week compared with 37% in the general Readings shop and go in the draw to win population. 74% of you also like to venture out to eat and drink every week, compared with just 47% INDIGENOUS LITERACY DAY an ultimate Italian Prize Pack, including an of the general population. You like to read reviews and browse: 71% of you said that you come into espresso coffee machine, Bill’s own brand the shop with no specific product in mind. You’re tech savvy, with 92% of you buying books online Help us celebrate the seventh Indigenous of ground coffee, a pack of biscotti and two versus 60% of the general population, and most of you do this for convenience. Though, only 6% of Literacy Day on Wednesday 4 September. cups. Instore customers will need to complete you are committed ebook readers, which is significantly less than the 28% of you who prefer to download Readings will donate 5% of our takings from an entry form and attach a receipt as proof of your music. You support Australian writers, with 69% of you buying Australian fiction compared to 24% of sales on this day to the Indigenous Literacy purchase. Competition closes 30 September the general population. In music you like classical, jazz, alternative and folk. A significant number are now Foundation (ILF), which works to raise literacy 2013. Only the winner will be notified. buying LPs – 7.71% compared with 2.4% of the general population. You’re also much more likely to buy levels and improve the opportunities of books as gifts. You’re not all as loyal as you used to be: in a 2005 survey, 73% said they bought more than Indigenous Australians living in remote and half their books at Readings compared with only 46% now. In spite of this, when you do visit Readings, you isolated regions. To read more on ILF, please WIN 100 BEST ALBUMS OF like the unique and specialised product range. 98% said you were satisfied with the experience you’d had visit indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au. in store, and that Readings is a comfortable and enjoyable place to shop. 90% of you said we add to ALL TIME Melbourne’s literary and cultural identity and 70% see us as an active community participant. Buy a copy of Toby Creswell and Craig PENGUIN BLACK CLASSICS Mathieson’s highly debatable argument for At the end of the survey, people could make a comment; 3756 did and, of those, 3700 were very With 700 titles in the Penguin Black Classics The 100 Best Albums of All Time (Hardie positive. So it seems that, by and large, you love us – but you shop around, mostly online and range, now is the perfect time to start building Grant, HB, was $49.95, special price overseas. The opportunity for us now is to see how we can further add value to your in store and your own collection. Throughout August, you $39.95), from any Readings shop or online at online shopping experience, so thank you to those of you who took the time to complete our survey. can buy any four Penguin Black Classics for readings.com.au and go in the draw to win all the price of three at any Readings shop. If you 100 albums on CD (valued at $2000). Instore pick up a copy of Henry James’ What Maisie customers will need to complete an entry form Knew (while stocks last) as part of this deal and attach a receipt as proof of purchase, you’ll also receive a 2-for-1 pass to the new and all online customers will be automatically film adaptation, a contemporary re-imagining entered into the draw. Competition closes 31 of the classic novel, to be released 22 August. August 2013. Only the winner will be notified.

Readings Monthly is a free independent monthly newspaper published by Readings Books, Music & Film. Editorial enquiries: Belle Place at [email protected] Advertising enquiries: Ingrid Josephine at [email protected] or call 03 9341 7739. Thank you to Readings staff members and contributors for your reviews.

Readings donates 10% of its profits each year to The Readings Foundation. Visit readings.com.au/the-readings-foundation Oslo Davis www.oslodavis.com

CINEMA NOVA RECOMMENDS Visit the Cinema Nova Bar THE ROCKET Kim Mordaunt's inspiring SALINGER Laos-set family adventure An unprecedented look inside the world of JD Salinger, 380 LYGON ST CARLTON ★★★★★ www.cinemanova.com.au the reclusive author of Catcher In The Rye “An ambitious thriller assisted The Upcoming UK “An ambitious thriller assisted “An extraordinary movie” Join our e-news for updates on the Met Opera, A film by Shane Salerno by excellent performances” EmpireAUGUST 29 National Theatre and other stage spectaculars. by excellent performances” EmpireSEPTEMBER 6 Readings MONTHLY AUGUST 2013 3

August Events For more information and updates, please visit the events page at www.readings.com.au. Please note bookings do not necessarily guarantee a seat and some events may be standing room only.

Morris Bob The Dax St Kilda Village 6 Gleitzman 9 Graham 15 Centre Poetry 23-30 StripFest

We are honoured to have beloved children’s Much-loved Australian author and illustrator Collection Launch The St Kilda Village StripFest is a week-long author Morris Gleitzman at our Readings Bob Graham will be visiting our Hawthorn shop The Poetry Collection is gathering individual festival that’s determined to shake the winter Hawthorn shop, where he will discuss his to sign copies of Silver Buttons (Walker, HB, poems, chapbooks, collections and anthologies chill from your bones with burlesque, live work, answer questions and, of course, sign a $27.95) along with other favourites. of poetry that address mental health issues or music performances, poetry readings, new art bunch of books! installations, comedy, cake and more. Free, but please book on 9819 1917. trauma. Poets Mal McKimmie, Sandy Jeffs and Gold coin donation. Please book on 9819 1917. Geoff Prince will launch the collection. Free, no booking required. Please visit Friday 9 August, 4.30pm Free, but please book on 9035 6258 or at stkildavillagestripfest.com for the Tuesday 6 August, 4.30pm Readings Hawthorn [email protected]. complete program. Readings Hawthorn 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, 3122. u nch 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, 3122. Friday 23 to Friday 30 August

la Thursday 15 August, 6–8pm u nch Acland Street, St Kilda, 3182.

la Dax Centre Auditorium, Melbourne Brain u nch National Centre, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3010. Kim Carr in u nch la 7 conversation 10 Bookshop Day la with Shaun This annual event celebrates bookshops around Steve Bisley in Andy Casey Australia. Come say hullo and bring the kids along 15 conversation 26 Griffiths to meet our special guests, Where’s Wally and Yes, it is that Andy Griffiths! Meet the man In A Letter to Generation Next: Why Labor Spot the Dog. There will be photo opportunities, with Richard himself, and maybe a rubber chicken or two, (MUP, PB, $24.99) Senator Kim Carr lays out giveaways, balloons, cuddles and a special hoo-ha Sowada at our Carlton shop, where he will be signing a heartfelt argument about why politics is at our Carlton shop. important in our daily lives and demands our Steve Bisley’s Stillways (HarperCollins, PB, books including his most recent release, The involvement. He chats with Shaun Casey. Free, but please book on 9819 1917. $27.99) is a classic memoir of an Australian 39-Storey Treehouse (PanMac, PB, $12.99). childhood in the ’60s. Bisley will be in A regular favourite at schools and literary Saturday 10 August, 11am Gold coin donation. Please book on 9819 1917. conversation with Richard Sowada, ACMI’s festivals, Andy is as hilarious in person as on Readings Carlton head of film programs. the page. Wednesday 7 August, 6.30pm 309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. Readings Hawthorn Gold coin donation. Please book on 9347 6633. Free, but please book on 9819 1917. Saturday 10 August, 12.30pm 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, 3122.

u nch Readings St Kilda Thursday 15 August, 6.30pm Monday 26 August, 4.30pm

la 112 Acland St, St Kilda, 3182. Readings Carlton Readings Carlton Barbara Saturday 10 August, 2pm 309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. 309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. u nch u nch Readings Malvern

8 Arrowsmith la la 185 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern, 3144. Young Maria Billie B Brown Saturday 10 August, 3.30pm Come along for a unique opportunity to hear 21 27 is in town! Readings Hawthorn Takolander in Barbara Arrowsmith Young speak about her 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, 3122. conversation The creators of Billie B Brown are coming to remarkable journey, from her struggle to u nch visit our Hawthorn shop. The author/illustrator overcome severe learning disabilities – which la with Craig were later documented in the bestselling Amy Sherborne team of Sally Rippin and Aki Art promise to book The Woman Who Changed Her Brain answer your pressing questions, read from 12 Brown In The Double (And Other Stories) (Text, (HarperCollins, PB, $29.99) – to her founding their latest book and demonstrate how to PB, 29.99), Maria Takolander explores the draw your own Billie. of the Arrowsmith School. Join us for the launch of Amy Brown’s The unnerving and unforgettable with stories that Odour of Sanctity (VUP, PB, $35). This epic $5 per person (redeemable against a purchase range from the dark past of the Soviet era to a $10 per child. Entry includes the workshop poem tells the astonishing stories of six on the night). Please book on 9347 1749 or at terrifying vision of the near future. She will be and a copy of their favourite Billie B Brown candidates for sainthood. the Readings Brain Centre Shop. in conversation with author Craig Sherborne. book. Please book on 9819 1917 or at the Free, no booking required. Readings Hawthorn shop. Gold coin donation. Please book on 9347 6633. Thursday 8 August, 7pm–8.15pm Dax Centre Auditorium, Melbourne Brain Monday 12 August, 6.30pm Tuesday 27 August, 4.30–5.30pm Wednesday 21 August, 6.30pm Readings Hawthorn

Centre, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3010. u nch Readings Carlton u nch Readings Carlton 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, 3122. la

309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. u nch

la 309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. u nch la Telling la Tim Brown Brothers 8 Stories 14 Spangler Thomas 22 Pavitte 29 Winter Poetry Sophie Cunningham will launch Telling Lawyer and commentator Timothy Spangler Festival Stories: Australian Life and Literature is a contributor to Forbes, where he blogs on Featuring 20 iconic portraits and 20 000 dots, 1935–2012 (Monash University Publishing, the politics of Wall Street regulation and the Melbourne artist Thomas Pavitte’s The 1000 For our final evening of winter poetry, we’re PB, $34.95). Edited by Paul Genoni and Tanya regulation of Wall Street politics. His most Dot-to-Dot Book (Ilex Press, PB, $19.95) will hosting poets of the eastern seaboard: Anne Dalziell, this collection of essays explores the recent book is One Step Ahead: Private Equity amaze and delight you, whatever your age. Elvey (Vic), Lachlan Brown (NSW) and Sarah interaction between literary culture and the and Hedge Funds After the Global Financial Join us to celebrate the Australian release of Day (Tas). Come enjoy their readings over a public sphere in Australia. Crisis. this extraordinary book. warming glass of wine.

Free, no booking required. Gold coin donation. Please book on 9819 1917. Free, no booking required. Free, no booking required.

Thursday 8 August, 6.30pm Wednesday 14 August, 6.30pm Thursday 22 August, 6.30pm Thursday 29 August, 6.30pm Readings Carlton Readings Hawthorn Readings Carlton Readings Carlton u nch u nch 309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. 309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. 309 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053. la

701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, 3122. u nch la u nch la la

GOLD COIN DONATIONS: We’re now asking people who attend our events to please make a small gold coin donation, when possible, to The Readings Foundation. There will be a tin for donations at each event. All contributions over $2 are tax deductible. Thank you for your support. 4 Readings MONTHLY August 2013

New Australian Writing Feature

Alexis Wright won the Miles Franklin Literary Award in 2007 for her surreal and sweeping Carpentaria. Here she talks with Morag Fraser about her new novel, The Swan Book, that takes flight from similar dystopic territory, this time guided by the omnipresence of swans.

have seen swans all my life. I have watched them in many different ‘The Swan countries myself. Some of them have Book marks big wings like the Trumpeter Swan of ‘INorth America, and when the dust smudges a further the fresh breath of these guardian angels, they navigate through the never-ending dust storms development of by correcting their bearings and flying higher in the sky, from where they glide like Whistling Wright’s gift for Swans whistling softly to each other, then beating their wings harder they fly away. I know poetic intensity because I am the storyteller of the swans.’ and vernacular Bella Donna from The Swan Book no fear of verve ...’ Alexis Wright hasn’t seen swans all her life. There are no swans in her Gulf of Carpentaria country. There are brolgas. She knows them intimately. But swans are new territory. It is characteristic of Wright to tackle new territory. She is a writer whose mind is ever flying on the loose even as her instincts stay close to country, to the land she knows in her bones (‘I do take notice – I’m a bush girl really’), the ground she can render with such breathtaking Morag Fraser interviews Alexis Wright about her beauty and lyric precision (‘Even if it is coming new novel, The Swan Book. fast, I still go over it and over it until it sounds exactly right’). She is a disconcertingly varied in part by the policy meanness, the cutting writer – factual, satirical, political, fanciful, poetic. of Indigenous programs and the stifling of In Grog War, she diagnosed the alcohol disease hope during the Howard years, and the lack affecting many Aboriginal communities with the of meaningful dialogue in the Labor years that straight talk and clear eye of an investigative followed. But her novel, we agree, is not a tract, journalist. In Carpentaria, the novel that won rather an exploratory fictional world, more at her the Miles Franklin, she soared, taking her home with uncertainty than political rhetoric. readers into another dimension, an Indigenous The uncertain eyes of the book world where myth and reality merge. belong to Oblivia, a young girl rendered The Swan Book marks a further mute by brutality (a rape she remembers in development of Wright’s gift for poetic intensity nightmares). She is lost, coiled in the heart of and vernacular verve (she injects Waanyi a tree, given up by her shamed parents, but language into her narrative, and admires Patrick found by Aunty Bella Donna of the Champions, Chamoiseau’s play with Creole in Texaco). The a refugee, European flotsam, washed up on novel chronicles a broken world, a dystopia, a the Northern shore but determined to survive, ‘slice of humanity living the life of the overcome’, and have Oblivia survive alongside her. It but it does so with the wing-beating thrust, the is Bella Donna who will teach her reluctant relentlessly propulsive energy of the swans that adoptee to ‘navigate through the never-ending are the novel’s heart. Wright’s characters might dust storms’. Bella Donna is a life force. It is be miserable, ‘standing on the mountain top she who will be correcting their bearings and ready to die’, but they are – the whole novel is – insisting that they fly ‘higher in the sky’. ‘bizarrely joyous’. And subtly, splendidly defiant. ‘She was a lovely character to write photograph by vincent long This is its epigraph: about – and she brought the swans,’ Alexis says, smiling as though remembering an A wild black swan in a cage exotic friend, someone pre-existing. That is down Commodore you see left dumped in And finally, the swans: eloquent Puts all of heaven in a rage the way she describes all her characters. the bush’; Oblivia, who will be the promised creatures, embodying myth, pathos, stimulating Robert Adamson, ‘After William Blake’ They ‘arrive’ like unexpected guests – bearing bride of Warren Finch, the first Aboriginal art and poetry in every language. They had gifts. Often her answer to my questions about president of Australia; Oblivia who will follow no story in Alexis Wright’s Waanyi culture. But The Swan Book is set in the north their origins is simply ‘I don’t know’. She the swans. (Wright’s novels, with their breadth they fascinated her, so she went hunting. She of a land that is recognisably Australian but knows that she did want, in The Swan Book, and cavalcade of characters, are as resistant to found them in poetry, on the Liffey in Dublin, also universal in its apocalyptic dislocation. ‘to explore the way we treat people, people summary as Dickens’.) in America, in Wagner, in Russian ballet and It straddles future and present, reality and who are different, people who are in need, Uncertainty is creative principle for in the Department of Zoology at the University dreamscape, with the insouciance one has who don’t have a home’. Bella Donna, Alexis Alexis Wright. Her character Oblivia is so beset of Melbourne. Now, in The Swan Book, she come to expect from Wright (no surprise explains, is part of that ‘movement of refugees, by the world that ‘she is not sure about a lot has wound a story around them. And such that she is also an admirer of Sátántangó, people being turned away – by the whole of the things that are happening around her’. a story: swans in their creatureliness, every the visionary novel by Hungarian modernist world’. But Bella Donna is no cipher. Like all It is that tentativeness that Wright renders so feather distinct, every muscle comprehended, László Krasznahorkai). It is a land of refugees, Wright’s characters, she is rambunctiously effectively: ‘That is what I was trying to do, providing coordinates from the natural world for of fringe dwellers, of desiccating weather alive, quirky, inexplicable. As is her Falstaffian create that uncertainty about what’s happening, humans in their pride and in their vulnerability. changes, a lawless (yet law-haunted) friend the Harbour Master, and her silent, about what is real and what is not real.’ In landscape where ruthlessness dictates social recalcitrant ward, Oblivia, whose extraordinary Wright’s created world the distinction is often Morag Fraser is the former editor of Eureka policy and people turn in on themselves and on soliloquies open and close the book. Oblivia, a distraction, an irrelevance. Reading her, you Street and judge of the Miles Franklin one another. Wright says she was galvanised whose ‘brain is as stuffed as some broken- have to stretch your mind. Literary Award. FATHER’S DAY GIFTS FOR EVERY DAD

the READER the DISCERNING GENTLEMAN EVERNOTE THE CUCKOO’S RUDD V. ABBOTT O-CHECK LEATHER SMART NOTEBOOK BUSINESS CARD BY MOLESKINE CALLING QUARTERLY $39.95 ROBERT GALBRAITH ESSAY CASE Fill this book with ideas and $30 $24.95 DAVID MARR $29.95 sketches, then let the Evernote Little, Brown. PB $24.99 Lightweight, functional and simple, this business or credit mobile app bring them to your A brilliant debut (of Black Inc. PB. card case is made from soft leather that ages with charm. computer, phone and tablet with sorts) mystery in a Kevin Rudd and Tony Excellent for travel, meetings and daily movements. a simple snapshot. classic vein. When a Abbott have resumed troubled model falls battle for leadership to her death, private of the nation. Here, in ROALD DAHL MUGS investigator Cormoran one volume, are their MOUSTACHE TOTE BAG Strike, a war veteran, definitive portraits by $17.95 each There’s six of these $29.95 is called in to look into Australia’s fantabulous English bone Made from natural cotton, this the case. pre-eminent biographer and investigative journalist. china mugs with quotes tote is perfect for carrying all and iconic characters your books, of course. ACCEPT THE 50 PEOPLE WHO from Roald Dahl’s most CHALLENGE STUFFED UP popular books. LEIGH MATTHEWS AUSTRALIA $45 $36.95 GUY RUNDLE Random House. HB. $26.95 A true football legend, Hardie Grant. PB. this is a long awaited Our Great Southern autobiography told Land started out just the with Leigh’s customary that – Great. Now, YOUNG AT HEART steel, wry humour after several centuries and no-holds-barred of white settlement, honesty. ‘development’ and MY DAD’S THE MY DAD STILL ‘progress’, has greatness been chipped away at, and who is responsible? COOLEST BOX SET THINKS HE’S ROSIE SMITH FUNNY $19.99 KATRINA GERMEIN ARTHUR PHILLIP: Coming Soon in September Beautifully illustrated with $24.95 SAILOR, delightful animals, My My dad says, I’ve MERCENARY, 2 SEPTEMBER Dad’s the Coolest captures the fun-loving bond between told you fifty million GOVERNOR, SPY father and child. This is a mini hardback edition with a times, don’t exaggerate. This book brings Dad back by A History of Silence Lloyd Jones MICHAEL PEMBROKE drink cooler for dad! popular demand with more hilarious material. And yes, The Counselor Cormac McCarthy Dad STILL thinks he’s funny. $45 $39.95 Changing Gears Greg Foyster Hardie Grant. PB. Boom Malcolm Knox An expansive tale Hanns and Rudolf Thomas Harding of history, war and intrigue, uncovering 12 SEPTEMBER the most unusual and An Appetite for Wonder Richard Dawkins remarkable life of 23 SEPTEMBER the MUSIC MAN Australia’s first governor. Bleeding Edge Thomas Pynchon WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE SOUND THE ALARM JOHN FOGERTY BOOKER T. JONES $19.95 $24.95 Wrote A Song For the This album marks Booker’s Everyone marks CHEF return to Stax, a label legendary rocker revered for the gritty soul Fogerty’s ninth studio sound he helped create in solo album since disbanding Creedence Clearwater the early ’60s, and features Revival. One of the album’s highlights – Fogerty’s THE AGE GOOD FOOD collaborations with some of the finest talents in modern immortal swamp rock smash hit ‘Born On The Bayou’ – GUIDE 2014 soul and R&B. was recorded with Kid Rock. ROSLYN GRUNDY & JANNE APELGREN $24.99 A&U. PB. Co-edited by two of Melbourne’s most HOUSE OF CARDS: respected food writers, the Guide the FILM BUFF SEASON 1 returns to showcase the best places $49.95 to eat in Melbourne and throughout Francis Underwood regional Victoria. (Kevin Spacey) is a DJANGO UNCHAINED political mastermind COOKED: A NATURAL $39.95 in this wickedly HISTORY OF Written and directed by suspenseful one-hour TRANSFORMATION Quentin Tarantino, Jamie drama series that MICHAEL POLLAN Foxx stars as Django, a slave slithers behind the BILL’S ITALIAN FOOD $29.99 who teams up with bounty curtain of power, BILL GRANGER hunter Dr. King Schultz sex, ambition, love, greed and corruption in modern Penguin. PB. Washington DC. $50 $44.95 A clarion-call for the values of proper (Christoph Waltz) to seek HarperCollins. HB. cooking, Michael Pollan takes us on out the South’s most wanted criminals. Concentrating on simple, flavoursome dishes a journey through the fundamentals MORE GIFT IDEAS THROUGHOUT, these recipes embody Bill’s casual cooking and of cooking, uncovering the inner his spirit of generosity and sharing – approaches mysteries of everything from tiny JUST LOOK FOR THIS CHAP. that perfectly reflect the Italian lifestyle. specks of yeast to a whole hog roast. 6 Readings MONTHLY August 2013

From New Fiction the traverses a landscape now ravaged and set Books adrift by climate change. The story is set in a future dystopia Desk book that’s not wholly unfamiliar; these are ‘anti- halcyon times’. We meet Aunty Bella Donna of the of Champions, an old gypsy woman, who early on pulls a young Oblivia from the hollow of a tree. The —Martin Shaw, pair return to Bella Donna’s rusted hulk, marooned the Readings Books Division Manager in a swamp in an Indigenous compound, surveyed month by white officials of the Army, and captained by the capricious half-caste, the Harbour Master, a healing guru of sorts. Oblivia exists here, on the It’s August, which of course means Melbourne Writers Festival time, and the maiden festival of new My Brilliant Friend vast littered lake, until the arrival of Warren Finch, director Lisa Dempster. After some puzzling years seemingly chasing the extra-literary, I’m hoping they will Elena Ferrante Australia’s first Indigenous Prime Minister, who has be placing books and their authors front and centre this time around – for connecting them to readers is Text. PB. $29.99 come to take her as his wife: Oblivia, unknowingly, to my mind a festival’s sole raison-d’etre. That Laurent Binet is one of the internationals coming is a terrific was promised to him by family law. early sign: his HHhH was one of my favourite novels of 2012. Review: I was recommended Elena Ferrante Outside this, it’s difficult to map the by a friend, along with cautionary advice that plot of The Swan Book: characters you thought New releases in August are a diverse bunch, but no less exciting for that. The major Australian fiction Ferrante was ‘close to the bone’, a phrase were departed reappear, darting to and from release is Miles Franklin winner Alexis Wright’s follow up to Carpentaria, The Swan Book, which is set in a somewhat akin to James Wood’s description of the narrative with a startling assuredness that dystopic future Australia, ravaged by climate change. New Readings newsletter editor Belle Place reviews her writing as ‘intensely, violently personal’. you wonder if you should have pre-empted it in this issue, and it’s clear that if the reader is prepared to give themselves over to what can be at times I started with The Days of Abandonment, their return. The border that marks myth from a demanding prose style, the rewards are very deep indeed. As Belle writes: ‘for those that hold tight, the perhaps Ferrante’s most popular book in reality moves constantly. Nothing is certain. majesty of Wright's storytelling, like the wisest of old tales, is the type that should be returned to again English, narrated by a woman whose husband The fragility of Oblivia’s mind is and again.’ unexpectedly leaves her. While this particular plot rendered exquisitely in the ever-shifting is familiar, Ferrante’s version is unlike any other landscapes she inhabits, from the deserts Two fascinating novels in translation are also appearing. From Italy, Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend had I’ve read. Her prose is stunning and polished, yet plagued by a sea of rabbits, to flooded lawless our reviewer transfixed: one of the freshest takes on female friendship she had ever read. Text is bringing retains a raw, stripped-back feel. To be so closely cities. There are beautifully constructed out several more hitherto untranslated books by this author in the coming year. Meanwhile German writer invested in a character who is openly distraught passages where Wright positions the land like a Eugen Ruge has written an epic take on what it meant to live in East Germany both before and after was both distressing and irresistible. living creature, volatile and moving with as much reunification in In Times of Fading Light, using his own family history as a basis. Ferrante’s latest novel to be translated fierce energy as the operatic cast of characters. to English is My Brilliant Friend, a work more Among many, we meet the three A couple of American novels must also be mentioned – an epic Southern tale in the tradition of Cormac accessible than The Days of Abandonment, genies that mind Warren Smith, Rigoletto the McCarthy and more recently Philipp Meyer – Kent Wascom’s The Blood of Heaven; and the contemporary but no less powerful for it. Billed as a three-part talking monkey, and the Mechanic who looms in master of Southern Gothic, Daniel Woodrell (of Winter’s Bone fame), brings us The Maid’s Version. bildungsroman and set in a poor, violent Neapolitan the apartment tower where Oblivia is abandoned neighbourhood during the 1950s, the novel after wedding Warren Smith. Their appearances, In non-fiction, booksellers around the country have been very taken with their advance reading copies of explores the friendship between Elena and Lina. while at times chaotic in their coming and going, Girt – a take on Australian history which is both informative and hilarious. Antony Loewenstein’s Profits of Opening with Lina’s planned disappearance, at age are perfectly cast, in the way they each present Doom is necessarily a more sombre read, but no less important for that – his thesis of a world increasingly 66, in an attempt ‘to eliminate the entire life that she a glinting assessment of Oblivia’s situation, and operating under the principles of ‘vulture capitalism’ has special relevance to our own country’s refugee had left behind’, Elena decides she will write down the plight of this new world more broadly. Their detention practices. their story. It is through her eyes that we see the two dialogue, too, is joyous and darkly-comic. Bella lives unfold. The girls are poor and studious, but Donna and the Harbour Master, particularly, Finally a selection of assorted literary highlights: Peter Goldsworthy’s entrancing memoir of childhood, early on it becomes clear that while Lina is the share sage stories and bicker delightfully. His Stupid Boyhood; Australian Love Poems, an exquisitely produced selection from new Melbourne more vivacious, the more brilliant, she is also the Wright’s prose is at times tricky to publisher Inkerman & Blunt; and the re-launch of Penguin’s famous green-spined crime fiction titles, now ‘bad one’, scary and dangerous, while Elena is master; it requires a slow reading. There is nothing brought under the ‘Popular Penguin’ banner at just $9.95. the good girl. straightforward to be found here, and no clean One of the aspects I loved most about resolution or singular climactic destination. Some Tommy is an intense boy, with an My Brilliant Friend was Ferrante’s biting portrayal readers will perhaps be left stranded: though the brooding small-town world of coastal itinerant, heartbroken father who leaves him of a friendship (Elena and Lina are the most for those that hold tight, the majesty of Wright’s Western Australia, this much-loved collection alone at home for long stretches. Recently his brilliant example of ‘frenemies’). The two girls storytelling, like the wisest of old tales, is the type reveals turnings of all kinds – changes of feelings for Sarah have deepened into love, are competitive, caring, jealous, needy; small that should be returned to again and again. heart, nasty surprises, slow awakenings, slights can cause true suffering, while careless and he raises the alarm when he can’t locate sudden detours. Struggling against the gestures of affection – great happiness. Such Belle Place is editor of the Readings Monthly her. He finds an ally in the local policeman, terrible weight of their past, Winton’s moments ring with familiarity, but, as with The Sergeant Henson, and together they begin to characters challenge the lives they’ve made Days of Abandonment, Ferrante represents this the vale girl search for the girl no one else seems to care for themselves. commonality in a way I’d never encountered Nelika McDonald about. While this is not necessarily ‘crime before. Her novel is clean, pared back and, as Macmillan. PB. $29.99 my friend had warned me, so close to the bone fiction’, there was enough suspense to keep Review: Nelika McDonald’s you can feel your teeth grinding. The result is me reading late into the night. The small-town International debut novel is about a missing shockingly good. secrets and entanglements are revealed slowly girl from a small town in NSW, and cleverly, and many characters are not who Fiction Bronte Coates is the online and Readings set in the late ’80s. The author they seem. My only criticism was some one- Monthly assistant has chosen her era and setting dimensional characterisation, but this did not The Blood of Heaven well; the fictional town of detract from the plot, or the superb pace of the Kent Wascom Banville feels claustrophobic novel. If you enjoyed by Craig Jasper Jones Grove. PB. Was $29.99 and hostile to the two teenage misfits who tell Silvey, I would recommend this title. Special price $24.95 Australian much of the story. Sarah Vale, the missing girl, is known as ‘the prostitute’s daughter’. Her friend Annie Condon is from Readings Hawthorn Review: Four months and the instigator of the search for her is Tommy before the Civil War in Fiction Johns, ‘the boy with the dead mother’. Tommy The Turning (Film Tie-in) 1861, Angel Woolsack pisses explains: ‘everyone in Banville had a little tag like blood off a rooftop in New the Swan book Tim Winton that at the end of their name … the thing that the Orleans, roaring at a mob of Alexis Wright Picador. PB. $19.99 other residents considered most noteworthy.’ secessionists celebrating the Giramondo. PB. $29.95 From an early age Sarah has been In the 1980s Tim Winton withdrawal of Louisiana from Review: Alexis Wright’s helping her alcoholic mother, counting her made his mark with tough, the Union states. Not bad for a preacher of new novel, the first since earnings in the mornings and hiding cash so they spare stories about youth and Baptist stock, hell-bound by his Bible, guns and 2007’s Miles Franklin-winning can eat and pay bills. The kids at school taunt promise, of early parenthood past. And so begins his ‘gospel’, recounting the Carpentaria, is a return to Sarah, and after being assaulted on the way to and the challenges of loyalty. brutal opening years of the nineteenth century, familiar stomping ground, and school she truants and retreats to her favourite Twenty years later, he when righteousness and vengeance would bring revolves around the mute swimming hole at the creek. It’s from here that returned to the form with The independence, and men were once brothers Oblivia Ethylene as she she disappears, leaving her belongings behind. Turning, now a major motion picture. Set in – not by blood but love, and war. Readings MONTHLY August 2013 7

In 1803 Napoleon sold Louisiana to The Maid’s Version McAdam’s novel is not just a literary judge born in 1868. An instant celebrity, the Americans after wrestling it back from the Jeremiah is chased by paparazzi, vilified by the Daniel Woodrell animal fable; it is a confident and edgy work, Spanish. Lines were drawn and the southern which expertly navigates shifts in voice and religious right, and overwhelmed by the strange Sceptre. PB. $26.99 states were riddled with gunpowder and explores an abiding and intriguing subject. new society he encounters, not to mention the political shootouts. Upon this stage Kent Review: Smack beneath the scientist he’s falling in love with. Nicole Mansour is from Readings St Kilda Wascom paints us The Blood of Heaven, buckle of Bible-Belt Missouri, the telling the story of the Kemper brothers, town of Arbor is populated by Tampa The Gallery of real men in a novel awash with historical folk ‘God has done for, and Vanished Husbands figures narrated through the fictive lens of done up good’. Alma DeGreer Alissa Nutting Angel Woolsack. This is the stuff legends Dunahew, the maid, recounts to Faber. PB. $27.99 Natasha Solomons are made of. Emerging from a purgatorial her grandson past events that Sceptre. PB. $29.99 Celeste Price is an eighth-grade childhood, chewing hot coals and baited to still afflict the town, centering on the unsolved English teacher in suburban From the author of the charming hell by his father, Angel has the gift of the 1929 dance hall explosion that blew 42 souls sky Tampa with a rich, square- bestseller Mr Rosenblum’s List Word. Knowing faith is cursed, he embraces high. The disaster ‘spared no class or faith, cut jawed husband, a red Corvette comes the story of a woman it, disowns his past and joins the Kemper into every neighbourhood and congregation, and a secret: a singular sexual who breaks free from her strict brothers in their quest to rid the continent of spread sadness with an indifferent aim’. obsession with 14-year-old upbringing to join the world of monarchy and Europe. Depending on what Twenty-eight unidentified victims, including Alma’s boys. It is a craving she art and artists in ’60s London. side of history you are on, these filibusters sister Ruby – the town good-time girl and secret pursues with sociopathic meticulousness and When Juliet’s husband will be sure-fire heroes or villains. Thankfully, squeeze of Alma’s blue-blood boss – are buried in within weeks of her first term at a new school, disappears, then, as far as her conservative in this tale of nation-making, blindness of a mass grave topped by an angel statue that has Celeste has lured the charmingly modest Jewish community is concerned, so does she. faith and the disease of slavery, Wascom latterly started to dance. Jack Patrick into her web. With crackling, Initially she tries to adhere to their strict rules, but leaves it for us to decide. As bleak as it sounds, Woodrell’s stampeding, rampantly sexualised prose, Tampa when she impulsively spends her savings on a Sheens of Cormac McCarthy are ‘crime noir’ is a joy to read simply for the beauty is a grand, satirical, serio-comic examination of portrait of herself for her thirtieth birthday, she certainly wet on his sleeve. Readers of of his sentences and his deft characterisation, desire and a scorching literary debut. finds herself breaking away from tradition. other recent shots at the cowboy gothic, particularly in the vignettes detailing the lost lives such as The Son by Philipp Meyer and The of the dead and the drink-, love- and lust-afflicted The Mannequin Makers Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt, will revel folk of the Ozarks. Set on the same plateau as The Curiosity Craig Cliff in the epic violence and poetics. Relish this Woodrell’s most renowned book, Winter’s Bone Stephen Kiernan Vintage. PB. $32.95 rich tapestry of American independence; (try the DVD and CD too, if you like your tales of John Murray. PB. $29.99 its fierceness rings like a blast of biblical hillbilly meth and family ties told with a killer folk Erastus Carthage has Rocked by the sudden death of proportions. soundtrack), it’s not quite Southern Gothic but developed a technique to bring his wife and inspired by a might as well be. The language is as lyrical as it travelling vaudeville company, Luke May is a freelance reviewer frozen simple-celled animals is brutal, like a novella-length King James Version back to life and when his Arctic Colton Kemp decides to raise in Midwestern twang, and is peppered with such research vessel discovers a his children to be living In Times of Fading Light gleeful alliteration that I get the feeling Woodrell body encased in an iceberg, he mannequins. What follows is a Eugen Ruge had fun writing it. seizes the chance to apply his tale of art and deception that Faber. PB. $29.99 If you like where the pared-back writing process to a human. The man who awakens ranges from small-town New Zealand to the of Ron Rash and Cormac McCarthy have taken from death is Jeremiah Rice, a Massachusetts graving docks of the River Clyde, from an Since the fall of Review: William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor, but the Berlin Wall, and collapse of could do with a little more brocade, The Maid’s the GDR, there have been Version is one for you. many novels documenting life in the former Eastern Bloc. A Jason Cotter is a freelance reviewer recent book to emerge from the rubble is Eugen Ruge’s In A Beautiful Truth WHAT I LOVED Times of Fading Light. Casting pivotal Colin McAdam moments in twentieth-century Soviet history as Granta. PB. $27.99 a backdrop, Ruge narrows in on the upheavals WHAT I LOVED of one family over the course of four Review: The blurred line Siri Hustvedt generations. between humans and animals is Hodder & Stoughton. PB. $22.99 What’s most remarkable about this a familiar one, both in science Review: What I Loved is Siri Hustvedt’s third novel, published a historical fiction is the way it foregrounds the and in literature. In his latest decade ago now, and set in New York, opening in 1975. It follows Leo personal over the political. Borrowing from novel, Colin McAdam has vividly Hertzberg, an art historian teaching at Columbia, who forms a life-long his own family history, Ruge brings to life the woven these worlds together with friendship with artist Bill Wechsler, after purchasing a piece of his work humdrum existences of those Berliners trying humour and tenderness. long before he was established. The book follows both men as well as to eke out a living behind the Iron Curtain. It is 1972, and while they live happily their wives, Erica and Violet, who are both academics, and their sons, Despite the repressive conditions, and that married in rural Vermont, Walt and Judy Ribke Mark and Matthew, who were born at around the same time. The two families each live in the one character is sent to a Gulag, the novel long for a child. But when Judy is left infertile after same apartment block on Greene Street in SoHo. is never bleak. It is strangely humorous at an operation, Walt becomes driven by his desire times – Ruge’s characters sooner bicker to ward off his wife’s deepening sadness. A chance Being Siri Hustvedt, the author has lined her novel with a near encyclopedic meandering over whose turn it is to cook than commit reading of a magazine article, and the era’s leniency through art history, psychology, psychopathy and hysteria, and the nature of identity and espionage. It’s a fascinating perspective on a regarding ownership of exotics, leads him to adopt memory. The sharpness of Hustvedt’s mind, combined with her clean prose, is compelling time and place commonly depicted through a a baby male chimpanzee, named Looee. and utterly engrossing. The research is thorough and learned, for example: Violet is writing different gaze. Running parallel to the unlikely story of her dissertation on hysteria, and much of this material is taken from the writing and research With its strong emphasis on the Ribke clan, McAdam paints a portrait of the of Hustvedt’s sister, Asti, who wrote on the subject for her PhD thesis. This sort of stuff patriarchal lineage and family drama, this novel Girdish Institute, a primate research centre based doesn’t make for light reading, but Hustvedt’s novel is the type, perhaps like Milan Kundera’s, has an old-fashioned feel to it (a sentiment also in Florida, where Dr David Kennedy closely that delights by teaching you things you didn’t know, and is often startling in the acuteness of encouraged by the inclusion of a ‘character monitors the lives of his captive chimpanzees. So its observations. list’ on the contents page). Stylistically, though, begins a curious and often profound study of the it’s very modern. Reading it requires patience: basic nature that humans and animals share. Between this, we wobble with these characters over 25 years of love and friendship. The book, in its time switches frequently, as does the narrator’s While the chapters describing the latter parts, is teeming with suspense, and a foreboding ripples out across each of their lives. The story point of view. As a result, this book should be Ribkes’ lives and the meaning Looee brings becomes both disturbing and sad, and this nexus is where Hustvedt has created a sublime tension. appreciated not for its sum but for its very well- to them are rich and warm, their world is On the first page of the second part, we learn of something terrible that afflicts each of the characters (I rounded parts. cleverly juxtaposed with that of the chimps at won’t spoil it here); the revelation smacked me in the guts, and for days I felt physically bruised by the Anthea Bell must be acknowledged the field institute. McAdam’s research into the event. Again, another shift, when Mark befriends a conceptual artist, Teddy Files. From here, the novel for her translation: her beautiful turn of phrase inner mind of the primate is impressive, as charges and I found these shifts in pace masterful. guides the reader through Ruge’s grey housing are the passages he tells almost completely estates of Germany to the snowy fields of from the apes’ perspectives. The novel can I loved this novel, also, for its depiction of New York. It was a city that I hadn’t visited at the Russia to the sun-drenched shores of Mexico. be uneven at times, beginning with energy time I read Hustvedt’s book, but she seemed to have rendered, with familiar warmth, all my It’s incredible to think Bell is producing such but slowing somewhat towards the middle, expectations of what it might be like to live in that city at that time. That the characters in What I fine work well into her seventies. In Times of with some characters making appearances Loved exist in an art-world milieu beyond my experience didn’t matter to me at all. Each of these Fading Light was awarded the German Book only briefly before being withdrawn from the characters, the two wives perhaps just a little more, were ensnared in my heart for some while Prize in 2011, and in translation, it will hopefully central plot. What remains a constant, though, after I’d finished reading. earn Bell the wider recognition she’s long is the delicate movement between humans and deserved. animals, their empathy towards each other, and the imaginative connection that binds them: be Belle Place is editor of the Readings Monthly Emily Laidlaw is a freelance reviewer it spouse, child, stranger or ape. 8 Readings MONTHLY August 2013

inhospitable rock in the Southern Ocean to Jimmy embraces life with a vengeance, Sydney’s northern beaches. Along the way we reuniting with a long-lost brother, learning to meet a Prussian strongman, a family of ship’s play the trumpet and watching his son pretend The Lolita Legacy carvers with a mysterious affliction, a to be Bulgarian. septuagenarian surf lifesaver and a talking figurehead named Vengeance. Estelle Tang on the inheritance of Lolita in Emily Maguire’s Taming the Beast, Amity Gaige’s Schroder, and now, Alissa Nutting’s Tampa Poetry The Siege Last month, Alissa Nutting’s debut novel, Tampa, made the Australian news: The Age reported Arturo Pérez-Reverte that some Australian bookshops had decided not to stock it for moral reasons. Given the types Australian W&N. PB. Was $30 of books that have challenged social standards in the past – Lolita, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, The Love Poems 2013 Special price $24.95 Story of O – I wasn’t surprised that the Texan author’s tale of a woman, Celeste Price, who seeks Mark Tredinnick (ed) a teaching career in order to seduce teenage boys has attracted similar disgust and criticism. Cadiz, 1811: Spain is Inkerman & Blunt. PB. $26.95 Nutting’s description of her book as a contemporary version of Vladimir Nabokov’s battling for independence Review: We’re not really Lolita piqued my interest. Lolita is a classic controversial novel, with a sympathetic monster and while America is doing the ones for grand romantic a troubling crime at its core. I’m always curious about the books I think of as Lolita’s children; same, but in the streets of the gestures, or so many a decade ago, Zoë Heller’s Notes on a Scandal and Emily Maguire’s Taming the Beast also most liberal city in Europe a Australians would have you imagined an affair between a teacher and a student. What would Nutting’s take on this be? different kind of war is at stake. think. The first publication out On the surface, there are clear similarities between Nutting’s novel and Nabokov’s. A serial killer is on the loose, of Inkerman & Blunt, Australian Both explore the internal workings of an adult who craves, and eventually orchestrates, sex flaying young women to death, and it is the Love Poems 2013, thoroughly with an adolescent. We get a direct line to the thoughts of these protagonists, a confronting job of policeman Rogelio Tizon to find the disproves this notion. Publisher Donna Ward experience when our natural instinct is to abhor their actions and empathise with their victims. murderer and avoid public scandal in a city (former editor of literary journal Indigo) has said Tampa is the racier novel. Once Celeste has picked her target – the shy, blond Jack already poised on the brink. He soon the collection aims to ‘bring Australians out of Patrick – she encourages him with explicit, post-pornographic conversation: ‘I love that you’re hard,’ discovers that Cadiz is a complex chessboard the closet on love, and on their love of poetry’. she says to him one day after class, fondling him through his cargo shorts. But Tampa lacks Lolita’s on which an unseen hand – a ruthless Edited by Mark Tredinnick, the subtlety and powerful characterisation, giving brazen Celeste the mic and Jack a convenient, bland assassin, artillery fire, the direction of the collection is accessible to newcomers and passivity. In Nabokov’s novel, even through the famously solipsistic haze of Humbert’s prattlings, the wind, the calculation of probabilities – is those already enamoured with verse. It spans personality of Lolita emerges bit by bit; she’s every part a being in her own right. moving the pieces. the stages and forms of love and is divided The idea of such literary succession had me thinking about other ‘offspring’; Lolita into several sections; like a relationship, has undoubtedly been an influence upon many later novels. A book that is, unexpectedly, as Dear Life reading this collection takes you on a journey. much Lolita’s spiritual successor as Nutting’s is Amity Gaige’s Schroder, even though there are Alice Munro All forms are represented: haiku no sensibility-curdling sexual relations here – just a father and a daughter. Chatto & Windus. PB. $19.95 (poignant pieces by Emilie Zoey Baker and The novel opens with a child’s wishful thinking: 14-year-old Erik Schroder sees a Paul Kelly), villanelle, prose poems, and free summer camp brochure that features all-American boys splashing around and adventuring. Many of these stories are verse. There are crushes, weddings, hook-ups Having only been in America for five years, having never fully achieved Americanness, Erik grounded in Munro’s home and fallings out. Some poems are mythical realises that at Camp Ossipee he could be someone other than a German transplant. First, territory – the small Canadian and religious in their desire, others are bold though, he needs to write an application. ‘What sort of statement were they looking for?’ towns around Lake Huron – and libidinous: ‘when my tugging oil-slick fist he wonders, ‘What sort of boy?’ He dreams himself a new identity – Eric Kennedy – and is but there are departures too. A / has you tumescent and butting at my lips; / accepted to camp. poet finds herself in alien when every nerve’s erect as a spinifex’ (Lisa Skip forward a couple of decades. He falls in love, gets married, has a child – and territory at her first literary Jacobson). has remained Eric Kennedy his whole life. But then it all unravels in a cruel reversal of what party and is rescued by a seasoned Bronwyn Lovell’s ‘Running into Your has gone before: his wife falls out of love, they separate, and gradually she wrests increasing newspaper columnist; a young soldier, Ex’ is instructive and ever so relatable, where custody of their child, Meadow, from him. returning to his fiancée from World War II, Alex Skovron’s ‘A Valediction’ is pure grace and At first, Eric Kennedy doesn’t seem at all like Humbert. He’s a loving husband steps off the train before his stop and onto the gratitude. and father, and he’s not a paedophile. But his love of language and fastidious usage recall farm of another woman; a girl who can’t sleep Many of the writers marvel at the Humbert’s glorious way with a sentence. (Another authorial wink: Meadow claims she wants imagines that she kills her beloved younger changes of language in the wake of new to be a lepidopterist, recalling Nabokov’s famous love for butterflies.) As Eric describes it, the sister. These indelible tales are about technology (you ‘less than three’ me?) or moment he awakens to fatherly love is this: departures and beginnings, accidents and how it hinders us: ‘all this technology at our dangers, outgoings and homecomings, both fingertips and still we can’t speak’ (Carolyn that day occurred when I came home from soccer and Meadow – eighteen months of imagined and real. Leach-Paholski). Love finds itself in music age, a whisper of a being – pointed to my sweaty face and said, ‘Daddy rains.’ (Chet Baker, The Go-Betweens and Colin The Glass Ocean Hay get mentions), in familiar imagery of Thereafter, he sees something of himself in his daughter, something he can admire Lori Baker flowers and birds – so many birds! – and and foster. He teaches her how to read by the time she is three years old. Virago. PB. $29.99 more surprising forms: emergencies, feet and When Eric files for divorce, the custody battle begins to sour. A parental assessment Jimmy Stewart. goes poorly – Meadow ends up atop a tree – and his ex-wife’s lawyer is superior to his. Eric In The Glass Ocean Lori In ‘Cartography’, Jordie Albiston asks fears his visitation rights will be cut off completely, and one weekend he takes off with Meadow, Baker has created a gemlike ‘what is a harbour but a heart’. The love pulses hoping to escape to Canada on his German passport. Victorian world, a place where through this book like ships at a wharf, in a It’s a wild decision that, to Gaige’s credit, is entirely credible. The Schroder layer of mistakes of the past reappear continuous cycle of loving and having loved. the palimpsest gradually begins to show; Erik is self-regarding and erratic, capable of enough and family is not to be self-deception to describe the incremental decisions that lead to abducting his daughter trusted. Flame-haired, six- Jessica Alice Smith is a freelance reviewer without laying the blame at his own feet. Eric/Erik is a magnetic character, arresting and foot-two in stocking feet, repellent in equal measure. newly orphaned Carlotta Dell’oro recounts Emily Maguire’s Taming the Beast forms a neat triangle with Tampa and Lolita, and is the lives of her parents, the solitary Anthology for me the most emotionally affecting of the three. This searing novel about a girl reconstituting glassmaker Leopoldo Dell’oro and the her life after an affair with her English teacher is a sparking livewire, full of rage, sex and beautiful, unreachable Clotilde Girard. In her unresolvable trauma. telling she discovers the circumstances of Granta 124: Travel Sarah Clark, a bookish, preternaturally bright student, is surprised to find herself her abandonment and the weight of her John Freeman (ed.) happy and insatiable when Mr Carr seduces her after class one afternoon. Sex seems a natural inheritance. Years later, a friend from the past Granta. PB. $27.99 approaches her, setting in motion the complement to her love for literature; after all, it’s what Shakespeare called ‘the beast with two In this issue, Granta presents Dell’oros’ inevitable disintegration. backs’. ‘Fucking,’ Sarah thinks, ‘was poetry unbound.’ But the teacher’s wife soon discovers a panoramic view of our their secret, and he’s spirited interstate, out of her reach. shared landscape and What follows in Sarah’s life is a whirl of sex, drugs and alcohol. While her friends are The Guts investigates our motivations getting engaged and pregnant, she works night shifts at a restaurant and brings men home Roddy Doyle for exploring it. Hari Kunzru to her flat indiscriminately. The only meaningful relationship she has is with her school friend Jonathan Cape. PB. Was $32.95 travels to Chernobyl, Detroit Jamie, who desires her as much he wants to protect her. Special price $27.95 and Japan to investigate the Years later, Mr Carr reappears, looking for her. Sarah is both thrilled and thrown to phenomenon of disaster tourism. Policeman- The man who invented The find the cause of her dysfunction back in her world. But what is most affecting about this novel turned-detective-turned-writer A Yi describes Commitments is back. Forty- is that there is no resolution. Humbert and Schroder write their testimonies from prison, but life as a provincial gumshoe in China. seven, with a loving wife, four Sarah Clark must live, ‘free’, with the consequences of her seducer’s actions. It’s in Sarah that I Physician Siddhartha Mukherjee visits a kids and bowel cancer, Jimmy felt I finally heard Lolita, muted by her captor’s self-justifying monologue, truly speak – and the government hospital in New Delhi, where he Rabbitte doesn’t think he’s account’s raw uncertainty is both disturbing and electrifying. meets Madha Sengupta, at the end of his life. dying but he might be. On his And Haruki Murakami revisits his walk to Kobe travels through Dublin, he By Estelle Tang in the aftermath of the 1995 earthquake. Here runs into two former members of The are eighteen collisions between people and Estelle Tang is a writer and editor. She is the co-founder of the food blog Flavour Palace, Commitments: Outspan, whose own illness is the places that have made them, shaped them and a bibliotherapist at The School of Life. probably terminal, and Imelda Quirk, still as and terrified them. gorgeous as ever. In this warm, funny novel, Readings MONTHLY August 2013 9

Meet the Bookseller New Crime Dead Write Annie Condon, Readings Hawthorn with Fiona Hardy

Death Angel The finale in an entertaining trilogy along the lines Linda Fairstein of Rake – i.e. with a sassy barrister you can’t help sighing about even when cheering him on. book Little, Brown. PB. $29.99 From my experience, Central the english girl of Park in the daytime is not the Daniel Silva hotbed of murder I’d expected HarperCollins. PB. $29.99 Why do you work in books? from the bloodthirsty books I the tend to read. In Death Angel, the Gabriel Allon is one of the more I have always loved books, and was history of the beloved park is appealing heroes of crime month desperate to go to school and learn to laid bare after a body washes literature: master art restorer, read. My parents were journalists and up near the Bethesda Fountain – and it may lead spy, assassin. (Who could The Never List I grew up in a house filled with books, newspapers and magazines. If I didn’t to the discovery of more than just the one twisted resist?) Here, he is searching Koethi Zan death. As the park, a sanctuary to thousands of for Madeline Hart, the English work in a bookshop, I would still spend Random House. PB. $29.95 New Yorkers and tourists, menaces as a hunting girl of the title, who has a lot of time (and money) in bookshops. ground for a psychopath, Assistant DA Alex disappeared from the island of Corsica. Her Review: Nineteen years ago, best friends Maybe it’s something to do with being born Cooper searches for the killer, starting with the kidnappers know exactly who they have in their Sarah and Jennifer were in a car accident that in the same year that Readings began?! clues found in the park’s buried past. hands, and Allon is the person to find them – killed Jennifer’s mother. The two girls, bound the world cannot find out about her affair with together, made a list of things to never do that Best book you’ve read lately? Harry Curry: Rats and Britain’s prime minister. A heart-stopping, would keep them safe. Sixteen years ago, the list I just read The Death of Bees by Lisa Mice world-travelling thriller by a writer who weaves was obeyed religiously, but it didn't save them O’Donnell, which won the Commonwealth suspense around his reader like a thread. from Jack Derber, or the chains in his cellar. Writers Prize. It’s about two sisters who are Stuart Littlemore Thirteen years ago, Sarah escaped. Jennifer did struggling to survive trauma and poverty. HarperCollins. PB. Was $29.99 Green Popular Penguins not. Now, Sarah has a new list. Don’t touch It’s tragic yet funny, and utterly real and Special price $24.95 Penguin. PB. $9.95 each people. Don’t go outside. Always be prepared, compelling. One of the sisters is a quirky for anything. But Jack’s parole hearing is coming Aspergers-ish type, and the older sister Barrister Harry Curry is a man The perennial orange Popular up and to stop him being released she is going to struggles to protect her younger sibling, who likes to keep moving. Penguins have lived up to their have to break some rules. hide a terrible secret and continue her Discontented with Sydney’s name in my own house, and in The Never List is tense and horrifying. regular teenage life. It’s an amazing debut politics, he’s skipped off to a homes across the rest of world Sarah and her fellow captives are physically novel. I put off reading the last 30 pages Victorian border town – which has too. Now there’s a new batch for scarred and each has an enormous emotional for two days because I didn’t want to part put a bit of distance between him the crime lovers among us: this burden that comes at you like a lunged knife. company with the characters. and the love of his life, Arabella collection of 50 crime-fiction There are parts where you’ll be as nervous and Engineer: a British-Australian junior counsel with a classics are bound in pleasing green covers you’ll frightened as the characters themselves, though Name a book that has changed rocketing career, and pregnant to one Harry Curry. want to line your shelves with! there are parts where you’ll be shaking your head the way you think. in frustration (they’re overtly cautious sometimes, All of Alice Munro’s books have shown but nonsensically brazen at others). me how the small details of life and NEW IN AUGUST from Despite the topic – kidnapping of this relationships matter. Munro is such a kind is not for the faint-hearted – it is, thankfully, TEXT PUBLISHING, Small Publisher of the Year beautiful writer, and her stories illuminate free of the extended torture-porn writers seem those moments that can change a life. I to think is always necessary, with only mere truly wish I could meet her. glimpses into the past to reveal what the girls suffered and what they carry to this day. What’s your favourite book and why? It It would have to be Olive Kitteridge by Alex Elizabeth Strout. It’s a perfect character Pierre Lemaitre study of a retired school teacher in a small coastal town in Maine. I admire the way Maclehose Press. PB. $19.99 Olive is shown through interlinked stories, Alex Prévost, heading home from and her strengths and flaws are given dinner in Paris one night, is seized equal weight. It’s also the kind of book that from the street and thrown in the demonstrates how life shapes us, and how ‘Elena Ferrante ‘Zac and Mia are 23 true accounts of back of a van. It does not get profound another person’s influence on us will blow you away.’ unforgettable—they put disaster and survival. better from there: she is put in a can be. I’m so looking forward to reading ALICE SEBOLD hooks into my heart that How far would you box too small to stand and too are still there.’ FIONA WOOD go to stay alive? Strout’s new book, Burgess Boys. narrow to sit, and then she is left. TEXTPUBLISHING.COM.AU The police, thanks to a witness, know she has been What book did you love as a kid? abducted; however, they don’t know who she is, or When I was young I loved Richard Scarry’s who’s done it. But Alex knows who did it, and she books, particularly The Best Storybook Ever. also knows why. Alex is a French thriller that has A wonderful new If I couldn’t sleep I’d hop out of bed and look Can you Commit the exploded in popularity and contains enough twists novel by The AuThor of through the illustrations. When I was older I to turn your head all the way around. perfeCt Crime? The commiTmenTs loved Enid Blyton’s boarding school series – the sensational debut thriller Roddy doyle Malory Towers and St Clare’s. THE Dark Heart of Florence What’s the strangest experience Michele Giuttari you’ve had in a bookshop? Little, Brown. PB. $29.99 One Saturday morning, bleary-eyed and caffeine-deprived, a customer pointed his Formerly a Florentine police chief, finger at me. ‘You look like someone,’ he Giuttari knows his crimes and has said. ‘I’ve got it! I know who it is!’ He told me the writing chops to make them I was a dead ringer for … Margie Abbott. enthralling. In his sixth book with After telling my husband this, he now takes Chief Superintendent Michele great pleasure, when seeing Margie on Ferrara, Florence relaxes at the TV, at shouting ‘Quick, look … It’s your news of a notorious serial killer’s doppelganger …’ death, but all too soon, a senator, and his butler, are killed. Ferrara thinks there is a There’s so much more at connection, but the corruption and vengeance /randomhouseau randomhouse.com.au within his city create their own wall against the truth. 10 Readings MONTHLY August 2013

New Young Adult Fiction See books for kids, junior and middle readers on page 15.

Corbenic, a block of flats owned by Deirdre’s book grandmother. Over the few short months that Gal is there, an undeniable love forms of between the two young souls. Deirdre’s grandmother is disgusted, banishing Gal and the forbidding the two from ever seeing each other again. It’s not until the night that Deirdre returns from her grandmother’s funeral that month Galahad dares to come back. But instead of leaving with Deirdre like Gal had planned, Pureheart the pair must search the decaying labyrinth Cassandra Golds of Corbenic to find a secret the building ormer lobbyist and political Penguin. PB. $17.99 has been hiding from them since their first Finsider Guy Pearse, media encounter. and politics commentator David Review: Award-winning author Cassandra Golds’ ability to turn a crumbling McKnight and environment Golds’ new novel, Pureheart, is a beautiful and old building into a captivating main character writer Bob Burton cut through multilayered book that had me contemplating its is astounding, leaving me to ponder the the spin to expose the underbelly meaning long after I finished reading. meanings and secrets our own homes of an industry whose power Deirdre and Galahad first meet when may hold. continues to soar while its they are five years old, when Gal comes to live expansion feeds catastrophic with Deirdre and her grandmother at Katherine Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn climate change.

The Sky So Heavy who she has barely spoken to in six years. And Claire Zorn with that, Brooke up and leaves her whole life for a boy who barely knows she exists. UQP. PB. $19.95 In New York, Brooke is beside herself Review: Certain books we with excitement to discover Scott is at the read as adolescents stay with same school as her, and as the pair strike up a us. For Claire Zorn, Louise friendship, Brooke wonders when the best time www.newsouthbooks.com.au Lawrence’s Children of the is to tell Scott that she moved for him. Dust planted the seed in her So Much Closer is heaps of fun. mind that would eventually Yes, I understand it’s slightly far-fetched, but become her debut novel about the characters are creative and memorable, a nuclear winter. For this reader, another and the city of New York provides the perfect haunting post-apocalyptic story, Robert C. bustling setting. Great for girls looking for Meet Celeste Price. O'Brien’s Z is for Zachariah, came to mind. something light and entertaining, ages 13 Other comparisons will be made but The Sky and up. KD A sexual predator with a shocking, So Heavy can hold its own; Zorn’s version of very particular, obsession. events seems even closer to home, literally Invisibility and figuratively. Andrea Cremer & David Levithan Set in the Blue Mountains of We dare you to read it, and then not talk to Penguin. PB. $16.99 everyone you know about it. Sydney, the story allows us to get to know Fin, his family and his high school crush, Cursed with invisibility, Stephen Lucy, before throwing the whole lot into chaos is used to being ignored, but when a nuclear threat becomes reality. Fin then he meets Elizabeth and is and his younger brother Max are abandoned, shocked to discover she can surrounded by radioactive snow. Food see him. For Elizabeth, supplies are diminishing and hunger is turning invisibility has always seemed neighbours into enemies. The action ramps like a dream way to stay safe, up further when Fin and Max are reunited but everything is different with Stephen. With with Lucy and join forces with an unlikely him, she wants to be seen. As Stephen and companion for a dangerous mission to the city. Elizabeth grow closer, an invisible world of Fin is a great character – bright and grudges and misfortunes, of spells and curses, responsible but not too perfect – and Zorn’s needs to be confronted if Stephen is to become tone is spot-on. The relationship between the visible. But entering this world could mean the brothers is a stand-out. Highly recommended difference between life and death. for teens.

Emily Gale is from Readings Carlton City of Bones: The Mortal Instruments So Much Closer Book 1 (Film Tie-In) Susane Colasanti Cassandra Clare Walker. PB. $19.95 Scholastic. PB. $16.99 This is the movie tie-in of book Review: Brooke has been in one in the bestselling series love with Scott Abrams for the The Mortal Instruments. Clary past two years. She’s never told Fray is seeing things: vampires TamPa, a satirical rendering of a him how she feels, but that’s all in Brooklyn and werewolves in going to change at the junior monstrously misplaced, unrelenting desire. Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn to picnic. Brooke’s plans are turned the Shadowhunters, a secret on their head though when, The most polarising book you’ll read this year. group of warriors, Clary encounters the dark during their brief conversation, Scott reveals he is side of New York City – and the dangers of moving to New York. Shattered, Brooke convinces forbidden love. The movie is scheduled for her mum that she needs to change schools and #discusstampa release in Australia on 22 August 2013. should move to New York to live with her dad, Readings MONTHLY August 2013 11

Killing Fairfax The Long Road to Changi Pamela Williams Peter Ewer HarperCollins. HB. Was $40 HarperCollins. PB. $35 New Non-Fiction Special price $34.95 In the 1930s, while war raged in See books for kids, junior and middle readers on page 15. Covering a decade and a half of Europe, Australians were privatised. It costs the government more money lost opportunity and assured by politicians that the Australian to keep an asylum seeker in detention than in the mismanagement, this story country was safe as long as the community, reports Loewenstein, and it is in the culminates in Fairfax’s Union Jack fluttered over Non-Fiction profit-making interest of the private companies catastrophic loss of the ‘Fortress Singapore’. The reality running the centres to hold people for as long as classified advertising market to was so different: Britain, Girt: The Unauthorised possible. Loewenstein also exposes the power of the internet, as the famous over-stretched and under threat, skimped on the the fossil fuel corporations and travels to James History of Australia ‘rivers of gold’ run dry. The twist in the tale is forces it needed to hold the base. When Price Point and PNG to examine the social and that the new companies dominating the online Japanese forces began flexing their muscles in David Hunt environmental consequences. He writes that advertising market were not just hungry internet the Pacific, a hasty defence plan was put in place Black Inc. PB. $29.99 ‘calling out the corporations that are causing start-ups: rather, the new leaders in the field and Australian troops, aircrews and sailors were global environmental damage is vital’. Review: Talented came under the direct influence of two dispatched to Singapore. The understanding was Loewenstein builds on ideas from comedy writer David Hunt traditional media tycoons, James Packer and that the Aussies would soon put the Japs in their Naomi Klein’s book The Shock Doctrine, which has created a remarkable work Lachlan Murdoch, both intent on expanding place. But it was so much wishful thinking. documents what she terms ‘disaster capitalism’. of pop history with Girt – a their own online businesses. This is the insiders’ Historian Peter Ewer constructs a riveting picture Klein investigates the extent to which, after war or well-researched, engaging and story of the deals, the power plays and the of a war which was lost before it began. natural disaster has ravaged a nation, government articulate lampooning of machinations behind the influential media deregulation and privatisation is imposed without Australia’s earliest colonial years. organisation’s decline. democratic participation. Loewenstein sees a new Taking an early cue from Tim Flannery’s Anthology brand of vulture capitalism, one that goes beyond controversial view of Indigenous Australians The Australian the exploitation of disaster to infringe on more and as being responsible for destroying the more aspects of society. Leadership Paradox continent’s ancient megafauna with fire, Hunt Now We Are Ten: But Loewenstein’s book is not all doom Geoff Aigner & Liz Skelton goes on to recount other lesser-known topics Griffith Review 41 and gloom: he talks to people on the ground, each A&U. PB. $29.99 from Australian history, such as the Makassar fighting against corporate power and predatory Julianne Schultz (ed.) Indonesian fisherman who traded goods with Australians bemoan the quality Text. PB. $27.99 capitalism. His aim is to demand accountability Arnhemlanders in the sixteenth century, and the of our leaders, so no wonder, and start a global debate. With a voice that is seventeenth-century Dutch explorers’ strange then, that even the most Review: This tenth reasoned and intelligent, he warns of ‘a future that habit of nailing plates to trees. passionate and talented among anniversary edition of the Griffith is being written without your consent’. The bulk of Girt is the story of us hesitate to take up this REVIEW steers clear of a

Australia’s first penal colony and the eclectic important role. The Australian self-congratulatory birthday and mass of pastoralists, priests, convicts, Kara Nicholson is from Readings Carlton Leadership Paradox offers a gets straight to the point: what prostitutes and military men who helped shape circuit breaker for this impasse, exposes the does the future hold for Australia its beginnings. Few historical figures escape Fairfax: The Rise inherent tensions in Australians’ historical and the world? A cross-section Hunt’s lampoonery: he describes Governor and Fall relationship with authority, and interrogates our of Australia’s writers and thinkers address the key questions that are keeping the nation up at night, Arthur Phillip’s greatest achievement before Colleen Ryan culture of mateship and egalitarianism. Working with hundreds of leaders from government, including the treatment of refugees, the war on settling New South Wales as having two first MUP. PB. $32.99 names, just as he portrays botanist Joseph business and community organisations, the drugs, increasing surveillance, the changing Banks as a ‘publicity slut’ who threw too many Review: A common view, authors show how it’s possible for leadership to nature of work, and LGBT rights. The quality of parties for his onboard groupies. established over the past few be inspiring, sustainable and effective in the collection puts paid to the idea that perhaps Hunt certainly does a fine job of years, is that the once proud bringing positive economic and social change. we’ve become a nation of whiners, hesitant to weaving together Australia’s narrative with and prevailing newspaper appreciate the good times. his own brand of absurdist humour; however, empire, Fairfax, is dying a slow Big Coal: Australia’s Brendan Gleeson’s piece on the effects of a long period of neoliberalism in his voracious appetite for Australian history is but sure death. Colleen Ryan, Dirtiest Habit tempered, at times, by his persistent need to crack who was a Fairfax journalist Australia is a stand-out. Gleeson's ominous jokes. As this is such a thoroughly researched for more than 35 years, does little to dispel Guy Pearse, David McKnight depiction of Melbourne's streets in an age book, I sometimes felt that the more fascinating this consensus. & Bob Burton of PSOs and relentless budget cuts is quite anecdotes from Australia’s historical backwaters Ryan’s new book has been labelled New South. PB. $34.99 chilling. It’s one of the only recent mainstream a ‘devastating expose’ of the continual failures pieces to draw attention to the serious danger were being derailed by Hunt’s love for a quip. Australia’s dirtiest habit is its of the various identities behind Fairfax to we face of losing the public system altogether. Despite this, there are some addiction to coal. But is our reverse its demise. Beginning with the media Melissa Lucashenko’s ‘Down and Out in absolutely hilarious passages in Girt that are dependence on it a road to empire’s founding as a family company, Ryan Brisbane and Logan’ is a useful companion also superbly written. It is a book that manages prosperity or a dead end? Are charts Fairfax’s rise to the top of the Australian piece to this, a personalised account of what to tease out the eccentric streak in the national we hooked for life? And who is newspaper hierarchy, to its progressive undoing unemployed life means in Australia today. Her character with informative and satirical flair. It profiting from our addiction? and dramatic fall. A host of familiar names interviewees are a defiant, and enlightening, might not be an authoritative history, but you are Former lobbyist and political feature, many of whom have attempted to stifle response to the erroneous claim that all guaranteed to be left learned and entertained. insider Guy Pearse, media and politics or appropriate the company, among them Kerry Australians have shared in the good times. commentator David McKnight and environment Steve Bidwell-Brown is from Readings Carlton Packer, Rupert Murdoch, Paul Keating and even The fiction piece from Ali Alizadeh is writer Bob Burton cut through the spin to expose members of the Fairfax family itself. the perfect choice for a collection focused on the underbelly of an industry whose power Ryan writes with the type of our political woes. Alizadeh’s writing is blatantly Profits of Doom: How continues to soar while its expansion feeds thoroughness and clarity you would expect anti-capitalist without the grating connotations vulture capitalism is catastrophic climate change. from one of Australia’s most decorated of the label: his work is engaging, terrifying, and swallowing the world journalists. She has three Walkley awards, almost cinematic in style. Antony Loewenstein including a Gold Walkley, as well as the A Letter to Generation Chris Dite is from Readings Carlton MUP. PB. $32.99 Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Next: Why Labor

Review: Australian journalist Award. Yet the strength of her latest work is her Kim Carr Antony Loewenstein has ability to craft a timeline of the Australian media MUP. PB. $24.99 travelled to Papua New Guinea, climate that has at times supported a thriving History Senator Kim Carr was the third Afghanistan, Haiti and around Fairfax and at other times dealt it ostensibly minister to resign after Kevin Australia to report on a growing fatal blows. Rudd declined to challenge 1913: The Year before trend of ‘vulture capitalism’ where Since its beginning, Fairfax has been Prime Minister Julia Gillard the Storm the political and economic central to a healthy Australian democracy. following former Arts Minister Florian Illies culture encourages ‘corporate vultures to swoop Despite incursions by key individuals seeking to Simon Crean’s call for a Profile. PB. $27.99 down upon the carcasses of weakened institutions use it for their own interests, like Packer or Gina leadership spill in March 2013. and industries’. Vulture capitalism produces Rinehart, Fairfax prides itself on an unwavering The stuffy conventions of the But he’s still a true believer. In A Letter to privatised and for-profit prisons, refugee detention journalistic integrity. To that end, it will perhaps nineteenth century are receding Generation Next: Why Labor he lays out his centres, militaries and disaster reconstruction always be an icon of the Australian media, yet into the past and 1913 heralds heartfelt argument about why politics is projects. The corporations that Ryan’s outlook is grim. This is an immensely a new age of unlimited important in our daily lives and demands our run these ventures lack transparency and telling work of non-fiction, in regards to both possibility: Kafka falls in love; involvement. A pragmatic idealist, Carr makes accountability, and many people are unaware of the Australian media environment and our Louis Armstrong learns to play the case for activism, and proposes that the power they wield. capricious corporate culture. the trumpet; a young for the current generation of social democrats, I was certainly unaware of the extent seamstress called Coco Chanel opens her first Dexter Gillman is a freelance writer the time has come to reinvigorate the to which Australia’s refugee detention centres are boutique. Yet everywhere there is the Australian Labor Party. 12 Readings MONTHLY August 2013

premonition of ruin. The number 13 is honesty he brings to each of his books are 1990s, only a handful of elite pianists had made omnipresent, and in London, Paris, Vienna, clearly a direct result of his stupid boyhood. recordings of the full set – but never had it Berlin, Trieste, artists take the omen and act as if been done by an Australian pianist, nor on an Gabrielle Williams is from Readings Malvern there were no tomorrow, while in Munich an Australian-built piano. The Beethoven Austrian postcard painter by the name of Adolf Obsession recounts the serendipitous series of Hitler sells his conventional cityscapes. Told with Thomas Quick events that led former TV cameraman, and Illies’s laconic irony, 1913 reveals a narrative Hannes Råstam Beethoven enthusiast, Brendan Ward to patched together from documentary traces and Canongate. PB. $27.99 propose this marathon task to Dutch-Australian biographical fragments to present an intimate pianist Gerard Willems and Tasmanian ‘I wonder what you’d think of me cultural portrait of a world that is about to piano-maker Wayne Stuart. Stuart’s if you found out that I’ve done change forever. controversial new piano, handmade from Huon something really serious …’ So Pine, sought to revolutionise piano engineering begin the confessions of Thomas in the face of an industry rusted on to the The Second World War Quick, Scandinavia’s most Steinway standard. Antony Beevor notorious serial killer. In 1992, Among the trials and tribulations of Phoenix. PB. Was $35 behind the barbed wire fence of a planning, funding, recording and releasing Special price $29.95 psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, Quick the most ambitious project ever realised in confessed to the murder of an 11-year-old boy who The Second World War Australian classical music, Ward skilfully had been missing for 12 years. Over the next nine began in August 1939 on weaves together history and storytelling. From years, Quick confessed to more than 30 unsolved the edge of Manchuria and murders. In the years that followed, a fearless the biographies of each protagonist to the ended there exactly six years investigative journalist called Hannes Råstam development of the Australian classical music later with the Soviet invasion became obsessed with Quick’s case. In the spring scene and the politics of piano manufacturing, of northern China. The war in of 2008, Råstam travelled to where Thomas Quick the Beethoven recordings are skilfully situated Europe appeared completely was serving a life sentence. He had one question within a broader cultural context. As producer, divorced from the war in the Pacific and China, for Sweden’s most abominable serial killer, but pianist and piano-maker each grapple with the and yet events on opposite sides of the world the answer turned out to be far more terrifying than technical and cultural weight of Beethoven’s had profound effects. Using scholarship and the man himself. masterpieces, we gain valuable insights into research, Antony Beevor assembles the whole the moods, inspirations and tortured life of the picture in a narrative that extends from the Holy See, Unholy Me! German composer. North Atlantic to the South Pacific, from the Ward’s description of the music snowbound steppe to the north African desert, Tim Fischer itself is also impressive, conveying the to the Burmese jungle, Gulag prisoners HarperCollins. PB. $33 richness, beauty and fiendish difficulty of drafted into punishment battalions, and Special price $27.95 the sonatas clearly and evocatively – it’s a to the unspeakable cruelties of the Sino- As the first resident Australian credit to Ward’s writing that familiarity with Japanese War. Ambassador to the Holy See, Beethoven and his sonatas isn’t necessary to Tim Fischer is in the unique enjoy the book. The Beethoven Obsession is position of being able to tell a compelling and rewarding read for lovers of Biography what it’s really like in the seat of music, history and great Australian success power in Rome. Here he reflects stories alike. His Stupid Boyhood on his time in the Vatican, the Alan Vaarwerk is a freelance reviewer Peter Goldsworthy protocols and the people, and also on the role that religion still has to play in the lives of future Hamish Hamilton. PB. $29.99 generations. Armed with the skills he learned as Review: Peter an activist politician – and with his trusty black humour Goldsworthy has laid Akubra – Tim learned to navigate this strange himself open for inspection – new world and has lived to tell the tale! like one of his cadavers from Comic Genius medical school – in this memoir. One Thousand Cuts: Matt Hoyle Starting with his first sexual Hachette. HB. Was $33 inclination, at age four, towards Life and Art in Central Special price $27.95 crank-handled cars (I recently heard a different Australia Granted extraordinary explanation of ‘cranking’ which I won’t even Rod Moss access, photographer Matt go into), Goldsworthy meanders through his UQP. PB. $59.95 Hoyle has captured his subjects childhood memories, closing the book at the Since making his home in Alice in portraits that are works of art in age of eighteen for the very sensible reason Springs 30 years ago, themselves – by turns zany and that: ‘The age at which I was obliged to take acclaimed Australian artist Rod deadpan, laugh-out-loud and adult responsibility for any crimes I might Moss has formed enduring contemplative. Accompanying them are first- commit makes a tidy end point for a memoir intimacies with the families of person reflections from each of the comedians on of childhood, and especially childishness. It Whitegate camp on the town’s life and laughter that always cut straight to the also makes for a legally safe end point, given eastern fringe. In One Thousand heart of comedy: it’s funny because it’s true. This the various sins and stupidities that can be Cuts, he continues the story he began in The tribute to the kings and queens of comedy draws confessed under the cover of diminished Hard Light of Day and through stories and together such legendary names as Steve Martin, responsibility.’ descriptions, paintings and photographs, he Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Eddie Murphy, Robin There are plenty of light-hearted uncovers the places where his own family and Williams and Ricky Gervais. sins and stupidities between the covers of art intersect with the lives of those in the this book. For me, the memoir really hits its Whitegate mob. Here are powerful moments of straps once Goldsworthy and his family arrive their shared everyday life, from the majesty of the in Darwin. Goldsworthy writes brilliantly and Personal land to the necessity of story, from the intensity with immediacy about his years spent breaking of kin to the rhythm of grief. into boatsheds; picking fights with, well, just Development about anyone; collecting butterflies, beetles, lizards; and perhaps boring the girls who spent any amount of personal time with the good- MUSIC Daring Greatly looking but slightly distracted Goldsworthy. His Brené Brown girlfriend Mouse gets special mention for her The Beethoven Pearson. PB. $22.99 particular ‘handling’ of the young Goldsworthy. Obsession Every day we experience the The early university years were highlights also. Brendan Ward uncertainty, risks and Goldsworthy’s loneliness and uncertainty as New South. PB. $29.99 emotional exposure that define he embarks on adult life are covered up by a what it means to be vulnerable, Che Guevara beret and bravado. I loved the Review: In the world of or to dare greatly. In Daring sweet clash of cultures where long-haired classical music, the 32 piano Greatly, researcher and hippy Goldsworthy marches at anti-war sonatas from the great thought leader Dr Brené Brown demonstrations during the day and goes composer Ludwig van challenges everything we think we know about drinking with his army buddies at night. Beethoven are considered the vulnerability. Based on 12 years of research, If you adore Peter Goldsworthy’s pinnacle of the art form, she argues that vulnerability is not weakness, novels (which I do), you’ll enjoy spotting familiar collectively recognised as ‘the but rather our clearest path to courage, landmarks from his fiction. The clarity and greatest piano music ever written’. In the late engagement and meaningful connection. Readings MONTHLY August 2013 13 Popular Science Art & Design Food & Gardening with Kate O’Mara from with Margaret Snowdon from with Christine Gordon from Readings at the Brain Centre Readings Carlton Readings Carlton

Feral Living Modern: Fired Up: Vegetarian George Monbiot The Sourcebook Ross Dobson Allen Lane. HB. $39.99 of Contemporary A&U. PB. $34.99 How many of us sometimes feel Interiors Ross Dobson’s love affair with that we are scratching at the walls Phyllis Richardson all things foodie began at an of this life, seeking to find our way early age, under the influence T&H. HB. $39.95 into a wider space beyond? Feral of neighbours from Hong Kong is the lyrical and gripping story of Living Modern is an and Italy. There are tastes from George Monbiot's efforts to excellent compendium of these regions, as well as many James Joyce wrote with a red crayon. styles and ideas. One of the re-engage with nature and others, in his new collection, a globetrotting Gertrude Stein preferred to write in a discover a new way of living. He shows how, by most popular of recent ode to all things vegetable. Ross turns the parked car. Vladimir Nabokov liked to work standing up in his favourite socks. restoring and re-wilding our damaged ecosystems interior design books, the traditional snags around the barbie into a Odd Type Writers reveals the unusual approach is contemporary on land and at sea, we can bring wonder back into celebration of earthy goodness. This cookbook techniques and eccentric routines of fifty our lives. Monbiot, one of the world’s most liveability – ranging from elegance and could change all those family gatherings into great writers, covering all aspects of the writing process. celebrated radical thinkers, follows his own hunger simplicity to the more artful and playful – and something new, fresh and healthy. Silverbeet for new environmental experiences, in a tale of international in scope. It includes a and feta gozleme, anyone? possibility and travel with wildlife and wild people. comprehensive resources index, and is now available in a compact edition. One: A Cook and her The Book of WoE Cupboard Gary Greenberg Adolf WÖlfli: Creator of the Universe Florence Knight Scribe. PB. $32.95 Saltyard Books. HB. $49.99 Terezie Zemánková Since its first edition in 1952, the This is a terrific and original idea for Arbor Vitae. HB. $92 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual a cookbook: recipes based on of Mental Disorders has been The Swiss artist Adolf Wölfli Knight’s top ten cupboard regarded as the leading (1864–1930) was a lifelong ingredients – flour, olive oil, salt, authority on mental-health outsider, an orphan, a rascal etc. Knight is a chef well on the diagnosis and research. By and a labourer who, during way to complete stardom. At only examining the history of the his 30 years’ internment in an 27 years old, she has been the DSM and the controversies over its latest insane asylum, transformed head chef at London’s Venetian restaurant Polpetto According to his tyrannical teacher, revisions – revealing the deeply flawed process the misery in his life into a gigantic synthetic and is about to open her own little place. She cooks, 11-year-old Andy Flegg is a reluctant writer. by which mental disorders are invented and work, amounting to 25 000 pages of text, she said in a recent interview, because her mum So now if he wants to get the Xbox that his parents have promised him, he has to uninvented – Gary Greenberg challenges the drawings, collages, and musical and numerical couldn’t cook to save her life. I’m sure Mum could, write in a journal every day until his next status quo of modern psychiatric practice. He records. Today he is considered as the most following these recipes: they’re simple and delicious. birthday! This is a hilarious book about a shows how difficult it is to rigorously differentiate important art brut artist and the creator of some Try her olive oil poached cod – truly lush and easy boy coping with puberty, family break-ups, friends, enemies and girls. mental illness from everyday suffering, shedding of the most remarkable works of the twentieth cooking. This is a book for everyone from the light on how the politics behind mental-health century. This beautiful monograph covers his home to the restaurant. Brilliant. classification has caused diagnosis rates of entire artistic and literary oeuvre. autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder to skyrocket. Istanbul Stripes Rebecca Seal Linda O’Keefe Hardie Grant. HB. $45 Trouble in Mind T&H. HB. Was $59.95 I’m fortunate enough to have a Jenni Ogden Special price $49.95 very close Turkish friend who is a Scribe. PB. $32.95 This intriguing and original terrific chef, and so is her mother. Neuropsychologist Jenni Ogden, interiors book focuses on I thought I knew all about author of Fractured Minds, the simplest and most eggplant stuffed with lamb, vine transports the reader into the ancient of all decorative leaves rolled, sweet desserts worlds of 15 of her most markings: stripes. The dipped in honey and nuts, but memorable neurological patients. diverse contents range from no, apparently I’m missing so much. As the There is Luke, the gang member chic contemporary apartments, historic authors travel through this exotic, colourful city Few Australian writers have delved who loses his speech but finds he mansions and industrial spaces to Buddhist as deeply as Peter Goldsworthy into the they are introduced, and in turn, we are, to one of mysterious state of being that is childhood. can still sing, and HM, who by losing his memory temples and African vernacular dwellings. You the most varied cuisines in the world. This book In this memoir he applies his fascination becomes the most studied single case in medical will also find art, fashion, design and captures the kitchens full of anchovies or rice or with that state to his own boyhood, history. You will meet Julian, who misplaces his photography, all divided into chapters such as from his bizarre first memories garlic and the wonderful people farming and to the embarrassments of adolescence. internal map of the human body, unable to locate Jovial, Paradoxical, Vertical and Horizontal, and fishing to provide fresh produce. This is a travel A beautiful homage to childhood his ears or hands, and Sophie, who has just with more than 250 colour images. book as well as a cookbook. Leave it out on your in general. enough time to put her house in order before coffee table; it’ll bring in the warmth from far away. Alzheimer’s dementia steals her insight. Sydney Moderns Deborah Edwards et al James Halliday Wine A Little History of AGNSW. PB. $65 Companion, 2014 Science This important new book James Halliday William Bynum looks at one of the most Hardie Grant. PB. Was $39.95 Yale. PB. $24.95 distinctive periods in the Special price, limited time only, $29.95 history of Australian art, People have always been doing Mr Halliday has been bracketed by the two world science because they have producing this particular wars, from 1915 into the always wanted to make sense of bible for years. You may already 1940s. The Sydney moderns the world and harness its power. have a copy, but the date may were progressive artists at the forefront of the Presenting surprising and be from the year 2000, or bless, development of modernism in Australia. They personal stories of scientists even 2010. If there is one produced exuberant, cosmopolitan paintings, One day, Noah Dreary complained both famous and unsung, A element of wine tasting that prints, sculptures, designs and applied arts in so much that his head fell off. It’s an Little History of Science traces the march of James Halliday has taught me, it is this: wine expression we’ve all heard many times, response to, and as part of, the changing modern science through the centuries. From the evolution changes. So the bible you have been using but award-winning author and illustrator of chemistry’s periodic table to the scientific world and the modernist movement at large. Aaron Blabey takes it to another extreme since 1998 is now no longer relevant. The wines in this hilarious story about a boy who quest that revealed the DNA molecule, this book Artists include Antonio Dattilo-Rubbo, Dorrit have changed. The wineries are making different discovers the very real consequences Black, Harold Cazneaux, Grace Cossington opens a window on the exciting and wine. The reds that are drinking well are not the of his continual complaining. unpredictable nature of scientific activity and Smith, Olive Cotton, Roy de Maistre, Max Dupain, same reds from 2013. James Halliday Wine describes the uproar that may ensue when Adrian Feint, Rah Fizelle, Frank Hinder, Margel Companion provides important detailed notes to Hinder, Margaret Preston, Thea Proctor and scientific findings challenge established ideas. make your life easier when choosing wine for penguin.com.au Roland Wakelin, among many others. A volume for both young and old. every day. Keep up to date – it’s worth it. 14 Readings MONTHLY August 2013

A Cook, A Caravan, A Canoe

SJ Finn on the real and mythical, the bizarre and banal in Picture Books Wayne Macauley’s writing Peck Peck Peck I buy Australian literary magazines as often as I can. This is because I love reading them. And Lucy Cousins because there is that small issue of those magazines needing all the monetary support they Walker. HB. $24.95 can get: a testimony, perhaps, to the difficulty of knowing what true value is in a modern world. Review: Peck Peck Peck is fun, fun, fun Over and above general pleasure, there are occasions when my appreciation soars. and well timed for Father’s Day. Daddy The publication of Wayne Macauley’s short story ‘Keilor Cranium’ in Meanjin late last year was woodpecker teaches his baby bird how to one such instance, and I remembered why I have been drawn to this writer over the years. Like peck, and from then on she pretty much one critic from The Bulletin wrote of Macauley’s first novel,Blueprints for a Barbed-Wire Canoe: practices on everything she encounters. She ‘[L]ike falling into a bale of barbed wire in the dark and fighting to get out till morning. The finds a house, and as she approaches each more I struggled, the more it got under my skin.’ room and its objects, guess what she does? Little children will The reader consuming ‘Keilor Cranium’ could be forgiven for thinking that the piece love the repetition of the word ‘peck’, but it’s also a fun and is non-fiction, certainly at first anyway. It starts with a fact about the actual discovery of an colourful introduction to everyday things. As the pages get Aboriginal skull by a man called James White in 1940 near the more holey, little woodpecker gets weary and her loving, Maribyrnong River. Slowly, however, the story, which is about the encouraging dad finally snuggles her into her nest. For ages quest to find a missing piece of the artefact, becomes a tale about 12 months and up. suburban endeavour – an endeavour both serious and curious, straightforward and paradoxical; a story that brings up questions Did you Alexa Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn about our modern lives. Traversing the ordinary and drawing out the peculiar is the know... bang hallmark of Macauley’s three novels. From the housing estate in Leo Timmers Blueprints for a Barbed-Wire Canoe – so ubiquitous in Australia ... in the original Gecko. PB. $15.99 and never more so than in the sprawling city of Melbourne – to the domestic community in Caravan Story, Macauley travels proposal for From the author-illustrator of The Magical Life the landscape of the common experience with almost sublime Of Mr Renny, this almost-wordless picture casualness. All of this is interlaced with an ascending incongruity that can sometimes stretch to Nancy Drew, book is filled with bright colours, quirky the bizarre, and his ability to suspend the reader there in that strange but familiar world creates the intrepid girl details, car prangs and animal mix-ups! a wonderful Orwellian reality. Guaranteed to make preschoolers giggle. Macauley’s latest novel, The Cook, is no exception. Here, a young man, Zac, joins a detective, it was program that is designed to teach the disenfranchised to become chefs. We discover the concerns and affectations of our narrator, and, while we might assume that Zac has every reason to be suggested that Junior Fiction angry, he behaves in an exemplary, if not somewhat mechanical, manner. Zac is courteous and her name be hardworking, not to mention devoted to his superiors. These unexpected sentiments make him Don’t Look Now: Book 1 both compelling and uncertain, as we find Zac to be a compendium of sincerity: Stella Strong, Paul Jennings & Andrew Weldon A&U. PB. Was $12.99 There is a knife for everything not like at home where one will do we have to learn Nell Cody, Helen about them all. Also the pots I have never seen so many pots. And frying pans. Fabian made a Special price $9.99 pasta bang bang bang you should see how fast he goes! When he finished he handed it around Hale or Diana Review: Young readers will enjoy this new, we each had a taste it was nice but a bit spicy for me. Some of the kids held their forks with a light-hearted series from celebrated Australian fist you could see Fabian’s face but he didn’t say anything because it’s early days and we’re still Dare. author Paul Jennings. With two in each book, learning those kids will get it eventually. these short and amusing stories, illustrated by Andrew Weldon, are a good choice for children Macauley sets the tone of the everyday by his use of language. The Cook is completely who are ready for their next challenge after devoid of commas, and the rolling sentences work to both relax and alert the reader. They put us mastering early readers. at the centre of something which might best be described as a little odd. We know things about In the first story, Ricky discovers that he shares a the protagonist: his low socio-economic background, his lack of formal education, his energetic, very special talent with his dad, but unfortunately he can’t tell bright and personable traits, but we’re never quite sure we understand him. Our feet might be on anyone about it. That doesn’t stop him using his special skill the ground but they may also be disconcertingly inserted in it. to pursue adventure and to try to do good deeds. Things don’t Stylistically, Macauley has been compared to Robert Walser, the German-speaking always turn out as Ricky hopes, but for the reader the journey Swiss writer (and indeed Walser’s 1909 modernist novel, Jakob von Gunten, provides the is easy and lots of fun. Recommended for girls and boys aged epigraph for The Cook). Comparisons between the two books make sense. In Jakob von 6 to 9 years. Gunten, Walser’s long, laconic sentences show the reader how Kate Campbell is from Readings Hawthorn astutely amenable Jakob is, while depicting the protagonist and his place in the world with disquieting precision. The novel begins: ‘One learns very little here, there is a shortage of teachers, and none of us boys of the Benjamenta Institute will come to Middle Fiction anything, that is to say, we will all be something very small and insubordinate later in life.’ How To Be Invisible Where the two writers diverge is in the dark force that Tim Lott Macauley sculpts out of his benign dioramas. The Cook, for Walker. PB. $16.95 example, tracks the meticulous care Zac takes as he prepares Review: Strato Nyman, a young boy from live animals for the cooking class by feeding them flavoursome an eccentric English family, has no friends, foods. The details of their slaughter are then presented with he’s being bullied and his parents seem to be cold exactness. Later in the book, a local butcher continues on the brink of splitting up. In this strange and his personable service to wealthy housewives despite their failure to pay him, resulting in a very readable story, Strato uses science to growing amount of credit. This interlacing of care and destruction occurs to great effect in The explain the universe and his place in it, treating Cook. The wholesome and diabolical are held in the same hand and, like every good fable, this us to explanations of dark matter, particle sense of foreboding lingers on. physics and something he calls the ‘Mystery Uncomfortably recognisable, Macauley’s stories remind us of the predicaments of the Magic Atom’. When he finds a mysterious book in a our communities face, whether we are talking about those who settle in the vast suburbs we second-hand bookshop with instructions on how to become construct (Blueprints for a Barbed-Wire Canoe) or those who live as artists (Caravan Story) invisible, Strato decides to follow his bully and his parents, or the marginalised (The Cook). The easy language and familiar scenes lead us along a leading him to some unexpected discoveries about the path where the bizarre becomes purposeful, and where the rhythm, both new and offbeat, people in his life. reverberates long after the covers have been closed. With a smart, likeable protagonist, slightly reminiscent of the boy in The Curious Incident of the Dog in By SJ Finn the Night-time, this book is an odd juxtaposition of science and mysticism that doesn’t fully make sense, but provides some interesting diversions along the way. Recommended for SJ Finn’s novel This Too Shall Pass is published by Sleepers. curious readers aged 11 and up. She can be found at www.sjfinn.com. Emily Gale is from Readings Carlton Readings MONTHLY August 2013 15 Book of the Month Silver Buttons Bob Graham between lifestyle, Dreamtime stories and Laklak’s own story, which Walker. HB. $27.95 I chose to read in one go, returning to the lifestyle and Dreamtime stories afterwards. With colour photos, artwork and a Yolngu word Review: A new Bob Graham picture book is always a delightful addition to children’s list, this is an interesting mix for 12+ readers, or adults like me with publishing. His gentle stories celebrate family and home and embrace the wider community little knowledge of life in an Indigenous community. and multiculturalism. Silver Buttons is no exception. Angela Crocombe is from Readings St Kilda We have Jonathan at 9.59am on a Thursday morning ready to take his first step: his small, safe world about to become a little bit bigger. As he teeters and wobbles, in the space of a minute we see what’s Letters to Klaus happening around his neighbourhood. Babies are being born, bread is being bought, people are playing, Klaus Flugge and people are farewelled. While his sister Jodie draws the finishing touches to her picture, Jonathan puts Random House. PB. $19.95 all his effort and concentration into reaching her. One small step for mankind…! Review: Remember the days when There is so much to look at and ponder in this book, from the smallest detail to the marvellous double- letters with stamps were posted? The page bird’s-eye views of the suburb and the city. So many different stories that are playing out momentary mystery of what the concurrently and then back we go to see Jonathan focusing on his little balancing act. contents held, deciphering the handwriting to identify the sender. After you’ve spent a while with a Bob Graham book, you feel the world is a more generous and Times have changed and personal mail and letter writing are likeable place. This is a lovely book for the whole family to share. almost things of the past, but thankfully we still have books: ‘Letters to Klaus’ pays tribute to both. In 1976, Klaus Flugge Alexa Dretzke is from (what a name!) began the publishing company Anderson Readings Hawthorn Press, which has given us Elmer, I Want My Potty and many other marvellous kids’ books. Over the years, many illustrators have sent him letters in colourfully adorned envelopes and Klaus has displayed more than 200 of them in his office.Letters to Klaus is a selection of these letters from many award-winning artists, and their idiosyncratic envelope art and accompanying stamps are enchanting. It is a charming gem of a book, and New even more importantly, all the proceeds go to the Save the Children Fund. AD The Four Seasons of Get Into Art: Animals Lucy McKenzie Susie Brooks Kirsty Murray Kingfisher. HB. $24.99 A&U. PB. $14.99 Kids’ Review: Animals are a fantastic subject for Review: Due to an unfortunate accident, artists, and they provide an excellent springboard 11-year-old Lucy spends her Christmas holidays for this handsome art inspiration and activity book. with her ancient ‘Aunty Big’ in a rambling old It includes examples of a variety of styles and bush homestead. Lucy’s sense of isolation and techniques, featuring artists as diverse as Matisse, uncertainty is compounded by Big’s seemingly Books Miró, Escher, Degas, Warhol and Alexander gruff exterior and her spooky old house with its Calder. For each, you are treated to some biographical information strangely intriguing paintings. But when the Extra Time about the artist along with a discussion of their style and an paintings magically come to life, beckoning Morris Gleitzman example of their art that features an animal. Then you are invited to Lucy to step inside, her exciting journey back through time Puffin. PB. $16.99 create your own animal art in their style. Techniques include begins. Is she dreaming or is there some magic afoot? collage, painting, paper models, stencilling and making totem When Matt is discovered impressing the livestock Author Kirsty Murray is adept at portraying landscapes, poles. This is both an educational and creative resource for in an Aussie country town with his remarkable both of geography and of the heart. Her beautifully written book budding artists aged 7 and up. I loved it! AC evokes the wonder and majesty of the Australian bush and the soccer skills, he’s offered the chance of a lifetime self-discovery of an 11-year-old girl. – a try-out at one of Europe’s biggest soccer clubs. Confident, independent readers (ages 9 and up) will His younger sister Bridie goes with him as his enjoy Lucy’s wonderful adventure. This is also a compelling and manager and tells us their story. This is the funny satisfying read-aloud story for the whole family, guaranteed to and moving story of a sister’s love for her brother, Classic of the Month stimulate discussion. Highly recommended. and how it survives everything fate throws at it. Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern Boy: Tales of Childhood The Wishbird Roald Dahl The Andy Flegg Survival Guide Gabrielle Wang Puffin. PB. $16.99 to Losing your dog, your Dad Puffin. PB. $14.99 Review: Even though Roald Dahl’s and your dignity in 138 Days Oriole’s beloved Wishbird is dying and she must masterpieces of storytelling were a constant leave the Forest to save him. But in the City of feature of my childhood, this book (his first Mark Pardoe Soulless there is danger everywhere. Can Oriole autobiography), along with its follow-up, Puffin. PB. $16.99 and Boy save Soulless and the Wishbird, or will Going Solo, has somehow passed me by According to his tyrannical teacher, 11-year-old the city’s darkness prove too great even for until nearly two decades later. Andy Flegg is a reluctant writer. So that’s how he magic? By the award-winning author of A Ghost Dahl’s hilarious, terrifying and finds himself forced to write in a journal every day in My Suitcase. sometimes melancholy recollections of until his next birthday if he wants to get the Xbox growing up during the 1920s and ’30s depict that his parents had already promised him. That’s a world that has now largely disappeared, a ridiculous number of Xbox-less days! But Non-Fiction though his anecdotes have lost none of their ability to delight, somehow this writing thing seems to grow on shock and amaze. His mastery of language makes his world Andy and he soon finds himself revealing all too much. Welcome to My Country your world, as the stories move – at a breakneck pace – between Laklak Burarrwanga & family different snapshots of Dahl’s childhood. They’re often so unbelievable the book could easily be mistaken for fiction! Refuge A&U. PB. $18.99 Tales of childhood pranks and general misbehaviour Jackie French Review: The Yolngu people of Bawaka – a abound, often ending with the retribution of some truly horrible HarperCollins. PB. $15.99 beautiful, remote beach in the East Arnhem teachers. There are also wonderfully poetic descriptions of his The story of a 14-year-old Afghan who spent much Land region – are said to be the most culturally family holidays to Norway, where in Dahl’s mind time gently of his life in Pakistan refugee camps before making intact Indigenous group in Australia. This book, slowed to a halt. Fans of Dahl’s gruesome side will be thrilled the voyage from Indonesia to Australia. As the a collaboration by six Indigenous women and with his descriptions of almost losing his nose in a car crash, boat crashes against the rocks of Christmas three non-Indigenous academics, is a very before having it reattached by the doctor, and being operated on Island, he loses consciousness and awakes to find thoughtful introduction to their lives and history. without anaesthetic to remove adenoids. Definitely a book for all himself in the life he has always dreamed of, but The narrative offers the sort of warm personality that ages, no matter when you should have read it. with no memory of how he got there. He becomes textbooks often lack as we get to know Laklak Burarrwanga and Chris Rainier is from Readings Hawthorn one of a gang of children who have all come to Australia as a her family – how they live off the land, their unique dependency place of hope. on it, and the continual fight for their culture. The book meanders 16 Readings MONTHLY August 2013

Beyond Women of Our The Kitchen National Religion: Time Diaries II Geographic Ethics for a Frederick S. Voss Nigel Slater Atlas of the Whole World HB. Was $59.95 HB. Was $49.99 World The Dalai Lama NOW $24.95 NOW $29.95 National Geographic Women of Our Time is a glorious photographic With over 300 recipes, many PB. Was $23.95 HB. Was $265 celebration of 75 of the most creative, from his TV series, Simple Suppers, The Kitchen NOW $12 NOW $59.95 controversial, witty, brave, beautiful and Diaries II is full of classic Slater ideas, from a In this concise book packed with ideas, the Dalai Even in this digital age, we all love a good inspirational women of the twentieth century. cider loaf, to an indulgent chicken-and-leek pie Lama continues his case for a universal ethics atlas. Combining state-of-the-art cartographic These revealing portraits, by an array of or a simple, fresh salad of pears and rooted in compassion. He argues that religion technology and information, with diverse distinguished photographers, form a magnificent bitter leaves. with its diversity can never provide an ethics for physiographic and cultural content, this atlas is tribute to women who have helped to define the everyone in today’s interconnected global society. the most accurate and interesting record of the modern age. Rather, focusing on tolerance and understanding The Secret world yet. Great for Father’s Day! between religions, as well as tolerance and Lives of understanding between believers (of any faith) A History of Somerset The Magic of and non-believers, is the way forward. The way the World in Maugham Reality to achieve such an approach, he proposes, is Twelve Maps Selina Hastings Richard Dawkins through a system of secular ethics grounded in a Jerry Brotton deep appreciation of our common humanity. HB. Was $59.95 PB. Was $34.95 HB. Was $49.95 NOW $16.95 NOW $13 The Meditation NOW $15.95 He was a brilliant teller of tales, one of the most With illustrations by Dave Throughout history, maps have shaped our widely read authors of the twentieth century, McKean, this book provides fascinating answers Handbook view of the world, and our place in it. In this and at one time the most famous writer to questions on space, time, evolution and more. David Fontana & scintillating book, Jerry Brotton in the world, yet W. Somerset Telling the real story of the world around us, Michael West argues that far from being Maugham’s own true story this enthralling journey through scientific reality PB. Was $34.95 purely scientific objects, has never been fully told. reveals beauty and magic that far exceed any maps of the world are NOW $12 Award-winning writer myth or legend. This is the first book by Dawkins unavoidably partial Meditation balances Selina Hastings is the for a young adult audience, and is a great way to and subjective, psychological well being and physical health Readings first biographer with engage interest in the natural world. intimately bound up to promote inner peace. This book has a permission to quote with the systems of comprehensive overview of both the modern and from Maugham’s Gallop! the power, authority and traditional techniques used to arrive at this state Bargain private papers, and creativity of particular Game of personal harmony. This guide covers it all: from observations times and places. Rufus Butler Seder relaxation and dealing with daily stress; attaining by his daughter, HB. Was $39.95 greater concentration and awareness; achieving Table Liza, concerning the NOW $16.95 self-discovery and self-acceptance; and spiritual NW disastrous court case Which animal will win the race? Open the magical development. Zadie instigated by his lover, Scanimation door to see which animal will move Smith Alan Searle. on each round. You’ll be strutting, galloping and Babel No More HB. Was $30 The Hanging fluttering along as you race around the track. Michael Erard NOW $12 Guess correctly to win. Includes Game Board, HB. Was $44 Five identical blocks make up Garden Dice, Animal Movers and Guess Tokens. NOW $16.95 the Caldwell housing estate Patrick White A fascinating exploration of in North West London. If you grew up in this HB. Was $29.95 LEGO: The LEGO linguistic superlearners whose relic of seventies urban design, the plan was to NOW $12.95 get out and get on. Thirty years later, Caldwell Book abilities shed light on the intellectual potential Two children are brought to kids Leah, Natalie, Felix and Nathan have all Daniel Lipkowitz in us all. Part scientific detective story, part a wild garden on the shores moved on, with varying degrees of success. travelogue, part valentine to anyone who’s ever of Sydney Harbour to shelter from the Second PB. Was $40 Living only streets apart, they occupy separate hoped to speak something other than a mother World War. The boy’s mother has died in the NOW $15 worlds, and navigate an atomised city in which tongue, this book takes us all over the world to Blitz. The girl is the daughter of a Sydney From manufacturing wooden toys to blockbuster few care to be their neighbour’s keeper. look at language learning in an entirely new way. woman and a Communist executed in a Greek video games, go behind the scenes and discover prison. In wartime Australia, these two children fascinating facts and trivia about LEGO, one of Quiet Antifragile form an extraordinary bond as they negotiate the world’s best-loved companies. A timeline Susan Cain Nassim Nicholas Taleb the dangers of life as strangers abandoned on highlights key moments in LEGO history. PB. Was $30 the far side of the world. PB. Was $30 LEGO: The LEGO NOW $13.95 NOW $12 At least one-third of the Nassim Nicholas Taleb, The Lost Girls Ideas Book people we know are introverts. the bestselling author of of Rome Daniel Lipkowitz They are the ones who The Black Swan and one of Donato Carrisi HB. Was $39.95 the foremost thinkers of our time, reveals prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and PB. Was $29.95 NOW $15 how to thrive in an uncertain world. Just as create but dislike self-promotion; who favour NOW $12 The LEGO Ideas Book is packed full of tips human bones get stronger when subjected working on their own over working in teams. In A young girl has mysteriously from expert LEGO builders on how to make to stress and tension, and rumours or riots Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically disappeared in Rome. As rain jet planes reach new heights, create fantastic intensify when someone tries to repress undervalue introverts and shows how much lashes the ancient streets, two men, Clemente fortresses, swing through lush jungles, have them, many things in life benefit from stress, we lose in doing so. Quiet has the power to and Marcus, sit in a cafe near the Piazza Navona fun on the farm and send space shuttles out of disorder, volatility and turmoil. What Taleb permanently change how we see introverts and, and pore over the details of the case. They are this world! has identified and calls ‘antifragile’ is that equally important, how they see themselves. members of the ancient Penitenzeri – a unique category of things that not only gain from Italian team, linked to the Vatican, and trained in chaos but need it in order to survive and Alice’s THe rHS the detection of true evil. flourish. Adventures in Encyclopaedia Wonderland Postcards of Garden Dear Life Lewis Carroll & Robert Design Alice Munro from Vogue Ingpen (illus.) Chris Young HB. Was $39.95 Vogue HB. Was $26.95 PB. Was $30 HB. WAS $59.95 NOW $19.95 NOW $13.95 NOW $16.95 Munro recently said that she NOW $10 This new edition of Carroll’s classic tale Showing you how to create the garden you’ve has stopped writing forever; A collection of 100 postcards, brings together the unabridged text with more always wanted, this book lets you visualise your if so, this her last collection. each featuring a striking Vogue cover. From than 70 stunning illustrations by renowned ideas, choose a style, develop plans, plot, build, If you haven’t read Munro’s marvellous short early aspirational illustrations to modern children’s artist Ingpen, each reflecting landscape, select the right plants, and apply stories before, do and do yourself a very big celebrity photography, this is a stunning the artist’s unique style and extraordinary the finishing touches to make your garden a favour. They are exquisite. selection of Vogue’s most dazzling images. imagination. Also available is the Ingpen reflection of your tastes and creativity. illustrated Treasure Island at $13.95.

New books are regularly added to our website – visit the bargains page at www.readings.com.au for more. Readings MONTHLY August 2013 17

The Host $39.95 DVD When an unseen enemy with Lou Fulco threatens mankind by taking over of their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie (Saoirse the search of goods that are known worldwide: Ronan) will risk everything to INSPECTOR SONERI: from Parmesan and Parma ham, to Ferrari protect the people she cares FOG AND CRIMES 2 and Fiat. Giorgio also has a more personal month most about, proving that love can $44.95 reason: he was brought up in Lombardy, so conquer all in a dangerous new world. The Host is Released 7 August this Italy is his Italy! Rust And Bone based on the bestselling novel by Stephenie Meyer $39.95 (author of the Twilight series) and also stars Diane In northern Italy, life can be Released 7 August Kruger and William Hurt. murky, foggy and dank – and THE LAYOVER: SEASON 1 so can the crimes. Detective $29.95 Based on a book of short stories by Canadian PORTLANDIA: SEASON 2 Soneri is a grizzled, battle- Released 14 August author Craig Davidson, Rust and Bone tells the weary cop in the tradition of story of Alain, a struggling single father who $29.95 Anthony Bourdain is a seasoned Wallander and Columbo. goes to stay with his sister. It is there he meets Released 7 August traveller who’s hit up all corners Based in Ferarra, he’s clearly Stephanie (Marion Cotillard), a whale trainer at a of the globe many times over. Welcome back to the absurd attempting to start afresh after hard times. He’s marine park. After she suffers a terrible accident More often than not, he has time and embarrassingly familiar precise, he’s measured, and he never seems to that leaves her confined to a wheelchair, an to kill in some of the world’s world of Portlandia. Starring in light that damned cigar! Excellent detective unusual relationship develops between the two. biggest airport hubs. Instead of the second season of this stories that are very true to their place in Italy. Both marginalised and coping with their own sitting at the airport hotel, he cult-hit show, Fred Armisen and inner demons, the two form a strange yet rare sets out to explore each city in the short amount Carrie Brownstein continue their bond in this deeply dramatic French film, which OBLIVION of time he has there. In this new series, Tony is comedic assault on hipster was selected as part of Official Competition at $39.95 high octane, gritty, caffeinated and travelling with culture with all new sketches. Old favourites the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. Released 8 August a sense of urgency. Why? Because he has only make appearances as well as a host of new 24–48 hours to unleash an unpredictable story characters: an intoxicating mixologist, a couple Set in an unrecognisable future, about a place, a people and their food. Tony will obsessed with Battlestar Galactica, an artisanal this sci-fi adventure sees Tom MONROE: SEASON 2 travel through the US, Asia and Europe and knot maker and a line for Portland’s most popular Cruise playing a veteran drone $29.95 reveal insider tips that only the most seasoned brunch restaurant that becomes so long it repairmen assigned to extract Released 7 August Earth’s remaining resources. traveller would know. descends into madness. Guest stars include Tim Eighteen months on from the first While carrying out this Robbins, Kristen Wiig and Jeff Goldblum. season, and his divorce, Gabriel operation on an evacuated, Performance Monroe (James Nesbitt) is still the war-ravaged Earth, he discovers a crashed Warm Bodies $39.95 wise-cracking, irreverent and spacecraft with contents that force him to $39.95 Performance is a captivating brilliant neurosurgeon he always question what he knows about the war, his meditation on ageing, was. Series 2 of ITV’s acclaimed Released 14 August mission and himself. creativity, sacrifice and artistic medical drama sees Monroe face A funny new twist on a classic dedication, anchored by a number of changes he could really do without. love story, Warm Bodies is a ITALY UNPACKED superb performances and a touching tale about the power of $29.95 stirring classical score. Set in human connection. Following a SHANE DELIA’S Released 7 August contemporary Manhattan, zombie epidemic, R (a highly SPICE JOURNEY Performance tells the story of four musicians, unusual zombie) encounters Julie After Sicily Unpacked, art $29.95 bound together by their passion for music and (a human survivor) and rescues historian Andrew Graham- Released 7 August a long, faithful collaboration. As they mark their her from a zombie attack. Julie recognises that R is Dixon and chef Giorgio twenty-fifth anniversary, their dignified patriarch Taking us on a culinary different from the other zombies, and as the two Locatelli continue north on and cellist, Peter (Christopher Walken), is pilgrimage to explore his form a special relationship in their struggle for their cultural adventure, diagnosed with a chronic illness, throwing the heritage, Shane Delia discovers survival, R becomes increasingly more human, teaming up again to unpack future of the group into question. His attempt to Middle Eastern food traditions setting off an exciting, romantic and often comical the art, culture, food and find a replacement player and organise that date back thousands of chain of events that begin to transform the other landscape of northern Italy. The pair visits rehearsals for their upcoming concert brings up years … and then reinvents zombies and maybe even the lifeless world they major cities and regions like Milan, Bologna unresolved issues and grievances. Also stars them for the twenty-first century inhabit. Warm Bodies’ cast includes Nicholas Hoult, and Lombardy, but also smaller gems like Philip Seymour-Hoffman and Catherine Keener. from his home in Melbourne. Teresa Palmer and Rob Corddry. Mantua, Ferrara, Modena and Cremona, in

ON THE BEACH: FALLOUT: THE WEIGHT OF ELEPHANTS: THE PATIENCE STONE: Shot in and around Melbourne of the 1950s, On The companion documentary to On the Beach, A captivatingly poetic film, inspired by Sonya Adapted from writer-director Atiq Rahimi’s the Beach is adapted from British–Australian author Fallout explores the background behind Hartnett’s novel Of a Boy. award-winning novel of the same name, The Nevil Shute’s classic anti-war novel. the book described as the most important Patience Stone is “a mesmerizing, modern take Australian novel ever. on the tales of Scherazade.” – Variety

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MIFF.COM.AU SELFISH GIANT: MOON MAN: A powerful and tragic reinvention of the An enchantingly quirky animation adapted eponymous Oscar Wilde fable. from Tomi Ungerer’s 1967 bestselling children’s picture book. 18 Readings MONTHLY August 2013 cd Country

of the My Favourite Picture of You month additional credit to Rick Rubin. The press for The set flows like a river, or perhaps like a Guy Clark this release is unfortunately more about the person wandering from room to room in a $24.95 status of the band being on an ‘extended gallery. Themes include the classical and Review: Still going Dear Departure break’ more so than the music: during a contemporary ECM New Series, music for and strong in his seventy-first Sweet Jean hectic work and touring schedule, Joy from films, trans-cultural music, ambient year, Texan songsmith Guy $19.95 Williams and John Paul White parted ways. A minimalism, and jazz and improvisation. Clark returns with his first Review: This is the debut album release for field day ensued and rumours circulated There are extensive sections of Andrey full-length record in almost Melbourne-based duo Sweet Jean, comprised regarding an end to the partnership. Dergatchev’s beautiful score to The Return, four years. The gorgeous title track, and of Sime Nugent and Alice Keath. Performed by Nevertheless nearly a year passes, Williams leading into Nils Petter Molvaer’s hypnotic, wonderful album cover, references a two distinct voices that combine to create and White are still not speaking, but lo and electronically manipulated trumpet, and photograph of Clark’s beloved late wife beautiful, melodic songs with razor-sharp behold, a new album appears. According to swathes of Eleni Karaindrou’s magnificent film Susanna, taken shortly after she stormed from harmonies, Dear Departure is a heartfelt and Williams, ‘This album chronicles loss and music. There is an extraordinary disc of the their house having discovered Clark and well-realised collection of raw, contemporary regret and anger and victory and sweetness label’s New Series covering Reich, Pärt, legendary drinking partner Townes Van Zandt folk songs (including their much-liked single and loyalty and I hope that people get the Tavener and more. And there are a couple of drunk, again. Elsewhere, on tracks such as ‘Shiver and Shake’). I would highly chance to listen to it.’ They are a wonderful the most imaginatively sequenced discs of ‘Cornmeal Waltz’ and ‘El Coyote’, Clark once recommend for fans of artists such as Fleet duo who write great music and sing ‘jazz’ you will ever hear. The packaging is more proves there are few songwriters around Foxes, She & Him and Karen Dalton. wonderfully together, and if this is indeed the handsome, sturdy and utterly minimal: the who can match him for sheer warmth and end of the road, then they have left us with music talks for itself. wisdom. DM Miranda La Fleur is from Readings St Kilda two great memories of their partnership. Richard Mohr is from Readings Carlton Lou Fulco is from Readings Hawthorn The Old School Wisława Peter Rowan Southeastern Tomasz Stanko New York Quartet $24.95 Jason Isbell $39.95. 2CDs Pop/Rock Grammy award-winning legend $24.95 Review: Wisława is both Peter Rowan’s latest album The Hurting Scene Review: Southeastern is the unveiling of the Polish sees him keeping the spirit of Melody Pool the latest release from trumpet legend’s new traditional bluegrass well and Was $26.95 former Drive-By Trucker band–drummer Gerald truly alive. It features an Jason Isbell. This fantastic Cleaver, bassist Thomas astounding array of guests – around 25 musicians Special price $21.95 record is by far Isbell’s most Morgan, and brilliant young Cuban pianist and singers in total – all playing and singing in a Review: It’s nice to hear personal to date, and its themes are clearly David Virelles – and a huge creative output circle, recording old-school style. Given the a strong, rustic country very much inspired by some battled demons (eleven new Stanko originals, the title track pedigree of both Rowan himself (as a former record, and The Hurting and dramatic lifestyle changes. The record is bookending the album in radically different Bluegrass Boy for Bill Monroe) and his assembled Scene, the debut from musically very strong, but it’s the lyrics that versions) inspired by the polish poet Wisława guests, it’s no wonder the album has such an Hunter Valley native Melody really stick. Tracks such as ‘Elephant’ and Szymborska, who died in 2012. Lyricism authentic feel. Banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle and, Pool, is one such album. The album was ‘Cover Me Up’ are deeply touching and reveal redolent of Stanko’s albums with the Marcin of course, beautiful harmonies all give it a warmth recorded in Nashville, and co-produced by a layer to Isbell’s songwriting previously Wasilewski trio – albeit with a more muscular and depth that can only come from a genuine love Brad Jones (Josh Rouse and Justin Townes unheard. He is most definitely developing a rhythm section – is punctuated with harder of the music. Earle) and Jace Everett. With a maturity in reputation as a very talented songwriter. modal bop (‘Assassins’, ‘Faces’) and Pool’s lyrics and playing that belies her youth, electrifying shards of atonality (‘Mikrokosmos’), Declan Murphy is from Readings St Kilda this is an impressive debut which sits well but ultimately it rests on Stanko’s ballad- Folk/World with contempories such as Patty Griffin, Eliza playing, which remains without peer. RM Gilkyson and Kathleen Edwards. Conversations At Peace with Ghosts Sun, Cloud Michael Awosoga-Samuel is from Readings Ballaké Sissoko Carlton Paul Kelly, James Ledger, Genevieve Luke Howard $22.95 Lacey and the ANAM Orchestra $19.95 $24.95 Review: I have other Pushin’ Against a Stone Review: Melbourne jazz Released 9 August recordings by this West Valerie June pianist Luke Howard has African kora player and his $24.95 Commissioned by ANAM delivered an astonishing band, but this one really got (Australian National and beautiful work Released 20 August me. Sissoko jams with fellow Academy of Music), these incorporating solo piano, Review: Valerie June is band members on some astonishingly virtuosic pieces were co-written by electronic washes, guitar, lap steel bass, and no flash in the pan, born and displays of kora, acoustic six- and 12-string guitar, Paul Kelly and James other percussion and orchestral elements. raised in Tennessee on a diet balafon and cello. The title, At Peace, is apt as Ledger, based on poems by Les Murray, W.B. Recorded across Melbourne, Oslo and of gospel, soul and country. several of the slower pieces – with their rolling Yeats, Judith Wright, Alfred, Lord Tennyson Reykjavik, this is 45 minutes of some of the June has already released rhythms – do invoke feelings of tranquillity. If you and others, as well as some new lyrics from most moving sounds I’ve heard all year. Call it three independent records, collaborating with cherished Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté’s Kelly. Together they have created a rich and ambient classical, perhaps, but this is wholly artists like Old Crow Medicine Show and In the Heart of the Moon, this one is coming from atmospheric 12-track work that touches on engaging with its ebb and flow between Meshell Ndegeocello before releasing this first a similar direction. PB the theme of death and mortality. The melancholic solo piano and the rich deep major studio album with the assistance of Dan beautifully warm recording was captured live sounds of violin and cello. Auerbach of The Black Keys (who co-wrote at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in Melbourne Border-Free three tracks). Booker T. Jones plays on Paul Barr is from Readings Carlton during a performance in October 2012. Chucho Valdés & the Afro-Cuban ‘Somebody to Love’, and part of the album was Messengers recorded in Budapest with producer Peter Gift $29.95 Sabak. Pushin’ Against a Stone is an authentic Susanne Abbuehl blues record with a modern sound. MAS Jazz Cuba’s most famous jazz $24.95 pianist has released a mix of The Civil Wars Selected Signs III-VIII Review: A work based Afro-Cuban rhythms and The Civil Wars ECM on the poems of Emily various takes of modern jazz Dickinson and Emily Brontë on this new album. Branford Was $26.95 $84.95. 6CDs sounds like a pretentious Marsalis is guest on three tracks with his Special price $21.95 Review: Selected Signs affair, but in singer/composer warm, romantic saxophone, but it is Valdés’ Released 5 August III–VIII (I and II are long- Susanne Abbuehl’s hands, and those of her piano-playing that absolutely shines. The Review: The Civil Wars deleted single discs) is the small but sympathetic band, you will go to album is infused with many influences, self-titled sophomore first comprehensive some strange places indeed. The album including the music of Native Americans and release is the highly anthology from German- has lots of space, allowing your mind to echoes of Cuban big bands. As a tribute to anticipated follow-up to based record label ECM (over seven hours). wander wherever the soloing flugelhorn, Valdés’ broad musical interest, there are 2011’s Barton Hollow. Really it’s the soundtrack to the Munich piano and incredibly well-recorded acoustic many elements at play on Border-Free, and it Charlie Peacock again produces, with exhibition ECM – A Cultural Archaeology. percussion go. PB is masterfully rendered. Readings MONTHLY August 2013 19

Bellini: Norma classical Cecilia Bartoli Decca. 4783517. 2CDs. $48.95 cd of the The tragedy of Review: I could wax lyrical about their latest DVD release, I have heard. Although the themes were sketched the priestess Norma is well Verdi’s Rigoletto, but I won’t – you’ll just have to in Florence, there is still an overwhelming sense of month known to opera lovers. see it for yourself. Don’t miss out! KR Russian folk tunes, beginning in the overly Bellini’s eloquent score and romantic style of central Europe and slowly Solo soaring vocal lines bring this moving east. And what a performance from the Leonard Grigoryan tale of love and loss into sharp focus. This For You: The World’s Emerson String Quartet, with Paul Neubauer and WWM. WWM017. $24.95 recording is performed with Cecilia Bartoli, Sumi Best Loved Classical Colin Carr joining to make the numbers. The Jo and John Osborne in main roles, but the true Review: Leonard Grigoryan and his brother Piano Pieces second work on this disc, Transfigured Night by kudos needs to go to Maurizio Biondi and Slava have established a fine reputation as Alena Cherny Schoenberg, is considered his first important Riccardo Minasi who have created a new, critical guitarists and musicians of the highest calibre. SONY. 88883702842. $19.95 work, composed in 1899. Their rendition is strong, edition of the score. Tempo, dynamics and the This recording is Leonard’s first where he takes but it’s in the Tchaikovsky where the Emerson orchestration itself has changed, mostly subtly, Review: I have a centre stage. The CD features four pieces Quartet’s true musicality seems to lie. KR but as a result there are more colours in the confession to make: composed by Leonard, with one of the original music and consistency in the dramatic style. A compilation albums are a compositions paying homage to a musical hero fascinating recording for fans of Bellini and those guilty pleasure of mine. The Essential of his – American guitarist Ralph Towner. He has with a musicological bent! Sometimes all we want are Julian Bream recorded Towner’s piece The Reluctant Bride, the familiar to surround us with their well- Julian Bream while the remainder of the album is music from Kate Rockstrom is a friend of Readings known beauty. Alena Cherny is a Ukrainian RCA. 88883746962. 2CDs. $14.95 South America – compositions by Heitor pianist living in Switzerland and she performs Villa-Lobos, Agustin Barrios and Radamés Review: Julian Bream Schubert: Symphony as a soloist and chamber musician. This Gnattali. This is an excellent first-up recording along with John Williams chamber influence is obvious in her treatment from Leonard: the playing is exciting, precise and No. 8 ‘Unfinished’ & and Andrés Segovia have of these famous works; she has a feeling for full of emotion and beauty. Add this to your Incidental Music to done a lot to enhance the all the different voices within each piece. You collection and you won’t be disappointed. Rosamunde: Selections will know all in this repertoire – whether or not popularity of the classical The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra you know their names – and it’s a great guitar in the world of classical music. This CD, Phil Richards is from Readings Carlton & Sebastian Lang-Lessing collection of short works, or single movements released to celebrate his eightieth birthday, only represents a small portion of the ABC Classics. 4764740. $24.95 from larger works, that will delight first-time classical listeners or any piano lovers. KR recorded catalogue of Bream, but it is a good Anna Netrebko: Verdi Review: The Tasmanian example of the music that he’s championed Anna Netrebko, the Orchestra Teatro Symphony Orchestra record throughout his career. There are performances Regio Torino & Gianandrea Noseda much for ABC Classics. Being Stravinsky: of Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez and DG. 4791736. CD+DVD. $24.95 slighter than the other state Le Sacre du Printemps Tárrega’s Recuerdos de la Alhambra as well One of the most anticipated orchestras, they focus on the The New York Philharmonic as some of the forgotten Elizabethan gems classical albums of 2013, this smaller but no less important orchestral repertoire & Leonard Bernstein he’s restored to circulation. Bream plays sumptuous, all-Verdi of Mozart, Dohnányi, Mendelssohn and, of course, SONY. 88765469152. $24.95 beautifully throughout: if you don’t have any of programme is Netrebko’s Schubert, and I always find their recordings full of his recordings in your collection, then this is a Review: Although heartfelt birthday tribute to the a delicacy and respect. There are many recordings good place to start. PR Bernstein passed away more of Schubert’s famous ‘unfinished’S ymphony No. master of Italian grand opera, with selections from than 20 years ago, we are still 8; we have no idea why Schubert failed to Il Trovatore, Macbeth, I vespri siciliani, Don Carlo spellbound by his recordings. Wagner in Switzerland complete it – or indeed whether or not this was as and Giovanna d’arco. This is music of emotion, This latest re-release is to The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich he wanted it. Does the world need another power and extraordinary drama – personally celebrate the centennial anniversary of recording of this instantly recognisable work? & David Zinman selected and performed by the best-selling Stravinsky's Rite of Spring and sees Bernstein at Maybe not, but this is a delightful rendition that RCA. SOIP5479412.2. $29.95 soprano of the twenty-first century. the helm of the glorious New York Philharmonic. would suit any collector. KR When those first glorious Remastered, it has the brightness of chords of the Overture to the Archiv Produktion: A contemporary recordings with the raw power of Flying Dutchman started, with Verdi: Rigoletto (DVD) Bernstein. At times chaotic and at others lyrical, Grand Concert of MusicK their big brassy sound and a Michael Mayer this work is just one of those you should never be The English Concert warmth I’ve not heard in a DG. 0734935. $24.95 without. If you don’t already have a recording of & Trevor Pinnock while from Wagner recordings, I was taken this seminal work, this is the one to start with. KR DG. 4791406. $9.95 Review: Whenever a Met completely by surprise. This album is a terrific Opera production lands on my gem to celebrate the 20 years that Wagner Neatly enveloped, this desk, I eagerly rip off the Journeys spent living in Switzerland, and although this is package contains an packaging for immediate viewing. Emerson String Quartet somewhat of an odd idea to celebrate, the enchanting CD (complete Always so inventive in their with Paul Neubauer & Colin Carr Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and David Zinman with notes) from the halcyon presentations, they also have the SONY. 88725470602. $19.95 show that perhaps Switzerland really was the days of The English Concert best singers in the world on stage spiritual home of Wagner’s music. Their and Trevor Pinnock. A Grand Concert of Music is Review: What an – so it looks good, sounds even better and, despite interpretations have an elasticity and beauty a rich, English Baroque program including a eloquently named string sextet, the small screen at home, is a wonderful that was hugely enjoyable. While I would never violin ‘concerto’ by Geminiani and a keyboard Souvenir of Florence. Written experience. For those who have season tickets to call myself a fan of Wagner’s operas, this concerto by Arne, featuring respectively Simon by one of my favourite see it at the cinema here in Australia, you already recording has turned my head to make me look Standage and Pinnock himself. A lavish 96-page composers, Pyotr Ilyich know what I’m talking about. But even if you’re not closer at his music. KR Archiv Catalogue (Compactothèque) – nearly a big fan, these are experiences – not just opera. Tchaikovsky, this is a work unlike any others of his 400 items – is also included.

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