Readings February Sale Saturday 14 - Monday 23 February, at All Readings Shops up to 50% Off Selected Books, Cds and Dvds

Free February 2009 Readings Monthly your independent book, music and DVD newsletter • events • new releases • reviews (hamish hamilton) new novel Butterfly hartnett's Cover image from sonya

Sonya Hartnett's Butterfly >> p 8

Readings February Sale Saturday 14 - Monday 23 February, at all Readings shops Up to 50% off selected books, CDs and DVDs

February event highlights. More Readings events inside >> Alexander Peter Singer Terry Denton McCall Smith at the sidney At Readings at Readings myer asia centre port melbourne Hawthorn

All Shops Open 7 Days Carlton 309 Lygon St 9347 6633 Hawthorn 701 Glenferrie Rd 9819 1917 Malvern 185 Glenferrie Rd 9509 1952 Port Melbourne 253 Bay St 9681 9255 St Kilda 112 Acland St 9525 3852 email [email protected] shop online at www.readings.com.au The October with Eric Dando’s first York Times recently published a 2008 Bestsellers novel in ten years, the satirical list of Obama’s favourite books, We like to tot WatercoolerCosta Award Oink Oink Oink (Hunter, PB, which included: All the King’s up our bestsell- shortlist $29.95). Next month, Sleep- Men (Warren Robert Penn, ers for the year. The first round ers Publishing will be releasing Penguin Classics, PB, $24.95), The results for of awards have their first long-awaited novel, considered 'the finest novel ever 2008 were a very been announced Steven Amsterdam’s Things written about American pleasant surprise for Britain’s We Didn’t See Coming, a book politics'; Moby Dick (Herman with Australian Costa Awards that a certain Readings staff Melville, OUP Classics, PB, authors, (formerly known member (I won’t name names, $12.95); Working: People Talk musicians and filmmakers as the Whit- Martin Shaw) has been raving About What They Do All Day occupying the top spots for the breads). The best about since they first saw the And How They Feel About What first time ever. Breath by Tim novel winner was Sebastian manuscript some months ago. They Do (New Press, PB, $37), Winton was number one (3018 Barry for The Secret Scripture I haven’t heard this much buzz by fellow Chicagoian and copies), followed by Gurrumul (Faber, PB, $32.95); biography since a certain someone couldn’t acclaimed oral historian Studs by Geoffrey Gurrumul winner was former publisher stop talking about an unknown Terkel; 1903 classic The Souls of Yunupingu (2212 copies) and Diana Athill for Somewhere writer named Nam Le! Sleepers Black Folk (W.E.B. Du Bois, The First Australians, produced Towards the End (Granta, HB, will follow it up in April with Random, HB, $33.95) and Toni and directed by Rachel Perkins $35); best first novel was The Brendan Gullifer’s Sold. Affirm Morrison’s Song of Solomon (770 copies) was third. And Outcast by Sadie Jones (Chatto Press, headed by former Big Issue (Vintage, PB, $27.95). And, of another Christmas success was & Windus, PB, $32.95); the editor Martin Hughes, has been course, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Christos Tsiolkas's The Slap. poetry prize went to The Broken around for over a year now, but Team of Rivals, which will be Digging deeper, sadly Australian Word (Adam Foulds, Jonathan they’ll mark their first entry into reissued in a special edition this productions are not so common Cape, PB, $32.95); and fiction mid-2009, with a satirical month (Penguin, PB, $29.95), in music or film, but in books Michelle Magorian, author of novel about a world-famous famously informed Obama’s most of our top sellers were children’s classic Goodnight travel publishing company. decision to name Hillary Australian. It appears that we are Mister Tom, won the children’s (Who could that be?!) Former Clinton as his Secretary of State. very keen to read our own award for Just Henry (Egmont, Text editor and current Triple More titles from Obama’s stories, but our film and music PB, $19.95). The overall winner R Breakfasters host Michael reading list are online at http:// are left behind. will receive £50,000, while the Williams has come on board as www.readings.com.au/collec- category winners each receive associate publisher of the new tion/barack-obama-s-reading- Australia Day £5000. A not unwelcome fiction list. He’s looking at ‘all list. Honours windfall in these tough econom- genres and literary novels with The Australia Day Honours list ic times, I imagine. At least one commercial potential.’ Babies and bathwater contained the names some well- of the contenders will appreciate Speaking of presidents and deserving friends of Readings the extra cash. The day before Obama’s Favourite reading lists ... In a frankly – Kim Beazley, who opened the awards were announced, Books bizarre call, a Washington state the (now not so) new Readings 91-year-old Diana Athill told Obama fever high school teacher has made a Carlton in 1998, Julian Burn- The Guardian: “If I don't win, I shows no signs public plea for high schools to side QC, author, human rights won't really mind not having the of abating, eradicate all novels that repeat- activist and a regular speaker at acclaim, it's not getting the either in the US edly ‘use the “N-word”’ from Readings events and Richard money that I will mind. Because (where his their curricula, now that Barack Divall, conductor and former I'm always terribly broke, and approval rating Obama is president. ‘These judge of the Readings/3MBS how wonderful it would be to stands at an books are old, and we’re ready Composers Award. We would get that lovely cheque.” Indeed. amazing 85% at for new’, says John Foley about like to congratulate them all on time of writing) or over here. In American classics like Harper their well-deserved awards. New Kids on the Block the literary community, one of Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Is there something in the water? the things we love about Obama Mark Twain’s The Adventures Melbourne seems to be a breed- is that, at last, here is an of Huckleberry Finn and John ing ground for fiction publishers American president who reads! Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. lately, with a plethora of start- (Unlike George W. Bush, whose I guess he hasn’t heard that old ups boasting first novels this infamous photograph of him chestnut about the fate of those year. The fledgling Hunter Pub- ‘reading’ an upside-down book who forget history ... lishers kicked off the trend last seemed to say it all.) The New CINEMA NOVA RECOMMENDS A drama set in the cultural aftermath KATE WINSLET RALPH FIENNES of Nazi Germany, based on the powerful FROZEN RIVER bestseller by Bernhard Schlink. Director Courtney Hunt creates a complex setting of desperation, risk, Directed by Stephen Daldry. and gritty social realism in her award winning directorial debut about WINNER! smuggling, anchored by a stellar performance from Melissa Leo. Best Supporting Actress, Kate Winslet. Golden Globe Awards “A tense, wrenching, edge of the seat thriller” “A Masteriece!” Thelma Adams, US Weekly New York Observer. The Reader FEBRUARY 16 FEBRUARY 16 Make a purchase at Readings for your chance C I N E M A 380 LYGON ST CARLTON to receive one of 25 double passes to either film. www.cinemanova.com.au

2 ThisLiterary news of all kinds,Month’s award winners, News give-aways, Readings shop news, and more. Readings Anthology: days of its original publication. favourite authors. Join us at the Asked Questions from www. Call for bookish The free marketers argue the Carlton store during the first expressmedia.org.au. Entries memories! laws make books more expensive two weeks of February to take a close 24 April 2009. Back in December we asked: and harder to get here. Books look at publications by Austra- Was your first job at Readings are often more expensive in lia’s finest indie publishers, Sleepers Almanac in the heady days of 1970s Australia simply because of the including: Meanjin, Overland, launch Carlton? Did you meet your cost of freight and the fact that Wet Ink, Torpedo, Harvest, To kick-start the husband via the share house ac- there is GST on books. Affirm Press, Transit Lounge, year, the Sleepers commodation notices? Did you Removal of the restrictions and many more. It’s a great Almanac No. 5 find the book that changed your wouldn't change that but would opportunity to get a taste of (PB, $24.95) is life on the Readings Famous Re- mean that Australian authors Australia’s most innovative hot off the press mainder Table? Do you have any and publishers would find it quality publishing and to sneak and ready to be photos/memorabilia/ephemera hard to justify the intellectual a glimpse at the future of celebrated. related to Readings stashed away and financial investment they Australian writing. Melburnians, in the back of a cupboard – how make to publish books in this please come along to the Trades Melbourne Chamber about a receipt for the original country. Other book markets Hall Bar on the corner of Lygon Orchestra hardback of Monkey Grip? If so, such as the USA, UK and and Victoria Streets, Carlton we want to hear from you! Canada have similar laws re- The Melbourne (now enter via Lygon Street) on As part of our 40th Birthday stricting which editions may be Chamber Thursday 12 February, 6pm till Celebrations this year we’ll be imported. As booksellers, we feel Orchestra 8pm. At the launch, there will publishing the Readings Anthol- that Australian readers have the provides the be readings, shenanigans, and ogy, a collection of writing by right to access as wide a range chance to hear a chance to meet many of the established and emerging writers of books as quickly as possible great music, authors. See page 15 for the who’ve had a connection with at the most reasonable prices. up-close and Readings review. us. One of our current staff Equally, we feel, that authors personal in the The Reader giveaway: members is writing a potted his- (and particularly Australian most dramatic internal perfor- cinema nova tory of the store for the anthol- authors) have the right to decide mance setting in Australia. In ogy, and wants to include your how their book is published and 2009, the Melbourne Chamber Ralph Fiennes memories of Readings alongside sold. The 1991 changes seemed Orchestra will present its and Kate the more ‘official’ story of the to reach a reasonable compro- inaugural concert season at the Winslet star company’s success. There will be mise. The free marketers have new Melbourne Recital Centre. in director Ste- a prize for the most interesting managed to convince the gov- Readings is proud to be phen Daldry's anecdote, so send us your stories ernment to conduct yet another sponsoring the 2009 season and The Reader, a and make your memories part of study (the fifth we believe). is delighted to be able to post-World War Readings’ history. We find it interesting and you announce a special promotion II drama based might too – the issues paper and in conjunction with the MCO on the book of the same name Thank you to all those who’ve responses (including a Readings’ – purchase a single ticket to any by Bernhard Schlink (Orion, already written in with stories and Gleebooks’ joint response) MCO concert and receive a PB, $22.99). To go in the recalling their past encounters can be found at www.pc.gov.au/ $10 Readings gift card. Pick up running to win one of 100 with Readings. We’ve heard projects/study/books. a program at Readings today! double passes to see a special about love blossoming between preview screening at Cinema the aisles, been reminded of Readings Carlton Write in Your Face: Nova on Tues 17 Feb at 7pm, some staff members from the has SPUNC Calling Young simply email publicity@cin- Writers early days, and have uncovered The Small Press emanova.com.au with 'Read- some great photos from the Underground Express Media is proud to ings' in the subject line. 1970s. But there’s room for Networking present Write in Your Face, a Pure Feng Shui more, so if you have a story to Community program devolved to Express givaway tell us (up to 300 words), please (SPUNC) was Media by the Literature Board send an email to: alison.huber@ formed in 2006 of the Australia Council for the Joey Yap is the readings.com.au, or address your to promote Arts. Write in Your Face sup- founder, CEO post to Readings Anthology, 309 Australia’s small ports emerging forms of writing and master Lygon Street, Carlton, 3053. All and independent publishers and practice by young writers, or or- trainer of the contributions must be received also support the principle of ganisations working with young Mastery by the end of the February to be diversity within the publishing writers. We invite proposals Academy of considered for inclusion. industry as a vital component of from people who are using lan- Chinese Australian literary culture. Today guage in innovative ways. This Metaphysics, a Copyright changes we have over 50 member may involve writing for zines, global organisation devoted to The Productivity Commission publishers and together we are e-zines, comics, multimedia, the worldwide teaching of feng is conducting a study into the working to create an environ- multi-artforms or cross-media shui. Purchase a copy of his effects of the Copyright Restric- ment in which independent works, websites, live perfor- book Pure Feng Shui (Hardie tions on imported books. Australian publishing can thrive. mances and spoken word. You Grant, PB, $34.95) and receive The current copyright laws Australia’s small presses produce must be aged 30 years or under one of 100 free tickets to his (which were amended in 1991) award-winning fiction, critical at the time of application to master-class (22 February, value make it illegal for a bookseller to non-fiction, acclaimed journals apply – and you may apply for $38), thanks to Hardie Grant import a book for resale if it was and magazines, and serve as the up to $5000. Download the ap- Publishers. published in Australia within 30 launching pad for some of our plication form and Frequently 3 Readings Events in February All our Readings book and music events are free, unless otherwise stated. For updates on events listed here, and for more information about next months events, check our website: www.readings.com.au. Alternatively, call the shop where the event is to be held, or the booking number provided.

6 11 12 19 alexander edith pillsbury don walker New Australian mccall smith Lynne Golding: Australian Balle- in conversation with Stories The creator of rina (PB, $34.95) chronicles the charlie owen Join the The Number life of Australia’s first prima bal- We are humbled Melbourne One Ladies lerina. Ms Golding made history to have the contributors to Detective in 1951 when she became the legendary celebrate the Agency series is first ballerina to dance the dual songwriter of launch of New back with the role of Odette/Odile in Austra- Cold Chisel in Australian Stories tenth adventure lia’s first full-length Swan Lake. the shop – an eclectic of the much- She continued her dance career celebrating his anthology of loved Precious Ramsotswe, Tea in England, Venezuela, and New extraordinary new stories showcasing some Time for the Traditionally Built York before returning to her memoir, Shots (Black Inc., PB, of our finest short-story writers. (Little Brown, HB, Normally beloved Australia, where she be- $27.95). This book begins with The event will feature read- $35, Our special price $29.95). came one of that country’s most Don Walker’s early life in rural ings from Max Barry, Demet We are so delighted to have revered and respected ballet Australia and goes up to the late Divaroven and Tony Birch. Alexander in the shop signing teachers. Join us for the launch 80s. In mesmerising prose, Thursday 19 February, 6pm, copies that the wine will be of this beautifully illustrated Walker evokes his childhood and Bella Union Bar at Trades Hall. flowing and the music full of book that captures the essence of youth, wild times in the 70s, life To book please visit Scribe web- celebration! Friday 6 February, this dedicated dancer, whose on the road and in Kings Cross, site, or email emma@scribepub. 5pm, Readings Hawthorn. career spanned four continents music-making and much more. com.au, or call 9349 5955. Free, but please book on 9819 and seven decades. Wednesday Shots is a stunningly original 1917. Please bring three books 11 February, 6 for 6.30pm, book that conjures up the only! Readings Hawthorn. lowlife and back roads of 19 Free, no need to book. Australia. Charlie is from Tex, Bernie Neville Don and Charlie fame. & Tim Dalmau 10 Thursday 12 February, Join us as David Tacey launches peter singer 12 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. Olympus Inc.: Intervening for We are hon- sonya hartnett Free, but please book on 9347 Cultural Change in Organiza- oured to have in conversation with 6633. tions. Dr Bernie Neville and Peter Singer sally warhaft Tim Dalmau are recognized with us, talking The editor of world leaders in the fields of about a book The Monthly and 13 education and organizational with the award-winning torpedo development. Olympus Inc potential to novelist Sonya volume four offers original insight into the change lives Hartnett will Torpedo Volume Four is a tribute complex nature of organiza- – not just your own, but those meet over red issue to Californian writer tional culture and change. of others. The Life You Can Save wine to discuss Richard Brautigan, commemo- For theorists and practitioners. (Text, PB, $34.95) is the book Sonya’s latest rating the twenty-fifth anniver- Thursday 19 February, that Peter Singer has wanted to book Butterfly (Hamish sary of his untimely death, 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. write for 30 years. It is his Hamilton, PB, $29.95). Plum A legend among counter-cul- Free, no need to book. argument for solving the Coyle, on the threshold of ture writers of the late 1960s, problem of world poverty. We adolescence, is striving to be Brautigan drifted into obscurity live in a unique moment in new. Her fourteenth birthday is and has been largely ignored by 23 history where the rich have the approaching: her old life and critics and the publishing es- robert miller means to genuinely help the her old body will fall away, and tablishment alike. That is about Robert’s book poor to escape relentless she will become graceful, to change. Torpedo Volume Four Buddhist poverty. But this will only powerful, at ease. Who ever contains tribute fiction and full- Existentialism happen if we weigh up what is forgets what happens when colour artwork from 50 writers (Shogam, PB, really important in our lives you’re fourteen? Butterfly is a and illustrators around the $29) is a and care enough to make some gripping, disquieting, beauti- world. The edition commences discussion on small personal sacrifices. fully observed novel that with an introduction from the interface Tuesday 10 February, 6.30pm, confirms Hartnett as one of Brautigan’s daughter Ianthe between Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Australia’s finest writers. This is and finishes with a memo- Buddhism and existentialism. Sidney Myer Asia Centre, a wonderful opportunity to be rial from Radiohead illustrator Robert Miller has always taken Swanston St, University spending the early eve with two Stanley Donwood. Tonight, a great interest in synthesising of Melbourne. very inspiring women. Josephine Rowe, Luke May and eastern and western philosophi- Entrance by donation, please Thursday 12 February, Alicia Sometimes will read their cal thought. Tonight, he will be book on 9347 6633. Places 6.30pm, Readings Hawthorn. favourite Richard Brautigan presenting his reasons for why will fill so please book quickly. Free, but please book on 9819 poems. Friday 13 February, they are interlinked. Monday 1917. 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. 23 February, 6.30pm, Read- Free, no need to book. ings Carlton. Free, but please book on 9347 6633. 4 strates how resilient and adept 23 at turning adversity into and in March … 5 Joey Yap triumph Australians are. This is Patrick O’Neil Don't like the a courageously honest story of 3 We all know sound of wind the world of adventure and Nadeem Aslam someone like chimes? Loathe survival where starvation, Patrick, or we iceberg collapse and yacht- The Wasted Vigil the idea of lucky (Faber, PB, wish we were figurines shattering storms must simply someone like be accepted and endured. Grab $32.95) is cluttering your Nadeem Aslam’s him. Three coffee table? a glass of wine and join us as times during his we hear more of this fascinat- follow-up to his Tired of Booker long- twenties, he tripping over all your crystals? ing story. Thursday 26 threw in his desk job as a February, 6.30pm, Readings listed previous Then it's time for Joey Yap's novel, Maps for journalist, ended relationships refreshing new approach to the Hawthorn. Free, but please and flung himself at the world, book on 9819 1917. Lost Lovers. Here, Russian ancient practice of feng shui. woman Lara arrives in Afghani- with the intention of being free Join us as Joey takes us through stan at the house of English and gaining a new perspective the basics of feng shui and how widower Marcus Caldwell, on himself, his life and the we can use it to improve our For the Kids searching for clues about her world around him. With the wealth and survive the econom- brother’s disappearance. In the words of his literary heroes in ic crisis. Joey's book, Joey Yap's 22 days that follow, she is joined by his ears he embarked on a wild Pure Feng Shui is starting to terry denton two Americans, a young Afghan ride, veering onto unexpected Monday sound like a necessity. We are lucky teacher, Dunia, and Casa, a and often perilous paths. 23 February, 6.30pm, here at Readings radicalised young man. As their Sideways: Travels with Kafka, Readings Hawthorn. Free, to have the paths cross, it becomes apparent Hunter S. & Kerouac (Viking, but please book on 9819 1917. irresistibly their stories are inextricably PB, $32.95) is the result. funny, clever linked. Nadeem Aslam’s first Patrick, now older, will share Thursday 5 March, and engaging novel Season of the Rainbirds his tales. 6pm for 6.30pm, Readings 26 Terry Denton (1993), was described by Salman Ken Gelder Carlton. Free, but please book back in our Rushdie as ‘one of the most & Paul Salzman shop with his latest book, on 9347 6633. in conversation impressive first novels of recent Wombat and Fox: Thrillseekers! years’. Maps for Lost Lovers with Mark Rubbo (A&U, PB, $13.95). If you are Thanks for & Sophie Cunningham (2004) was hailed by the the Mammaries a thrill-seeker, or if you have Independent as ‘the most After the been charmed by Terry’s Special International gorgeously written British novel Women's Day Event Celebration pictures or attitude, join us for of the year. Tuesday 3 March, (MUP, PB, a cheeky morning. Sunday 22 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. Come and enjoy $29.99) explores February, 10.30am, Readings Free, but please book on 9347 a glass of wine Australian Port Melbourne. Free, but 6633. with Sarah fiction from please book on 9681 9255. Darmody, the 1989 to 2007, editor of Thanks from after 3 for the Mamma- Australia’s bicentenary to the 24 Stella Rimington ries. On Sarah's end of the Howard govern- Justine Larbalestier 28th birthday Hold on to your dreams of ment. In this literary history, We are launch- she was diagnosed with breast Ken and Paul combine close being part of Spooks – Stella cancer. Breasts unite women in ing How to Rimington, formerly a Head of attention to Australian novels Ditch Your Fairy a way few other things can, and with a vivid depiction of their M15 and a spy, is in town to these entertaining stories from by Justine discuss her latest book, Dead contexts: cultural, social, Larbalestier some of the world's most political, historical, national Line (Quercus, PB, $29.95) and popular female authors (A&U, PB, her past life. This event will fill and transnational. Managing $17.95) because celebrate bosoms great and Director of Readings Mark up very quickly so please book small. Thanks for the Mamma- we wish we lived Tuesday 3 March, Meanjin immediately. ries Rubbo and editor in New Avalon, where everyone 6.30pm, Readings Hawthorn. features stories donated by Sophie Cunningham will join a stellar line-up of Austra- has a personal fairy. Although Free, book on 9819 1917. the authors for a lively discus- invisible to the naked eye, a lian and international female sion.Thursday 26 February, personal fairy is vital to success authors including Maggie 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. – but for Charlie, having a Alderson, Kaz Cooke, Marieke Free, but book on 9347 6633. 4 parking fairy is worse than Myfanwy Jones Hardy, Kate Holden, Marian nothing at all, especially since Keyes, Kathy Lette, Monica she’s not old enough to drive. Sophie Cunningham will McInerney, Jools Oliver, and 26 From the author of the launch The Rainy Season(Vi - Brenda Walker. All royalties Earl de Blonville acclaimed 'Magic or Madness' king, PB, $32.95). This sexy, from Thanks for the Mamma- Earl led trilogy, this is a delightful story soulful debut novel is about ries go to the National Breast Australia’s first of friendships, fairies, and love, loss and learning to live Cancer Foundation. Thursday expedition to figuring out how to make your again. Myfanwy Jones takes 5 March, 6.30pm, Readings the Arctic in own magic. Tuesday 24 you on Ella’s journey through Hawthorn. Entrance by 1986. His book, February, 6.30pm, Readings a fascinating country haunted Donation to the National Wednesday 4 Seventh Journey Carlton. Free, no need to book. by a tragic past. Breast Cancer Foundation, (Bear Books, March, 6pm for 6.30pm, but please book a space on HB, $55), like Readings Carlton. Free, no 9819 1917. the Kokoda stories, demon- need to book. 5 Special Feature

TheJacinta Halloran interviewsTruth Sonia Orchard,Lies author of TheElsewhere Virtuoso.

Sonia Orchard's extraordinary first novel, The Virtuoso, draws on the life of Australian pianist Noel Mewton-Wood. Jacinta Halloran, whose debut novel Dissection was featured by Readings (and launched by Helen Garner!) in 2008, spoke to Sonia for Readings’ series on new and emerging Australian authors.

n 5 December 1953, at the height of his fame, the vir- Otuoso Australian pianist, Noel Mewton-Wood, wrote 43 pages of notes to his friends, then mixed himself a cocktail of gin and hydrogen cyanide. He was found dead later that evening in the living room of his west London apartment, next to his Steinway. He was 31 years old.

A true child prodigy, Mewton- Wood made his concerto one of the greatest Australian An accomplished pianist herself 10 o’clock in the morning – debut at the Melbourne Town pianists ever. He was charismat- with an Associate Diploma in she had her breakthrough. ‘It Hall when he was not yet 12. ic, flamboyant and lovable, but Music qualification, Orchard was the "a-ha" moment when At 14, in the company of his he also had an enormous vul- was drawn to the idea of writ- I suppose I knew, in a body- formidable mother, Dulcie, nerability that came through in ing a novel that centred around tingling way, how I wanted the he travelled to London, where his music.’ She listened to one music. ‘And I was fascinated by story to feel,’ she recalls. ‘The he studied piano at the Royal of his recordings and thought, Noel Mewton-Wood’s character poignancy of that interview, the Academy of Music. He was ‘Why isn’t he still famous?’ So type: the quintessential creative sense of him looking back over admired and mentored by the she decided to do something genius who teeters on the Noel’s brilliant life that had music luminaries of the day: his about it. The Virtuoso is the edge of madness,’ she says. In touched him so much, a person teacher, Artur Schnabel; the leg- result. 2003 she spent two productive whom he loved but never re- endary conductor, Sir Thomas months of research in London, ally understood: that’s what I Beecham; and the composer, visiting music libraries and the wanted to capture. It seemed to Benjamin Britten. The critics archival departments of the contain so much more pathos raved and audiences loved him. ‘Orchard’s various concert halls at which than a simple straight-up story He had a child-like exuberance musical expertise Mewton-Wood performed. She of Mewton-Wood's life, and that endeared him to many. Yet also met John Amis, a respected at the same time seemed to he was troubled by recurrent and passion music broadcaster and writer capture best his magic and his bouts of depression. Two weeks and a close friend of Mewton- effect on those around him.’ after his partner of several years, infects the reader Wood, and through him was However, Orchard stresses that Bill Fedricks, died from appen- introduced to many of Noel’s her narrator is not based on this dicitis complications, he took with a desire to friends and contemporaries. inspiring interviewee: instead his own life. The brilliant pianist’s life and she created her own character, rush out and buy milieu began to take shape. a young male pianist, whose Sonia Orchard first read about every recording love of Noel Mewton-Wood Mewton-Wood in a magazine Initially intending to write a fic- soon becomes an obsession that article some seven years ago. Mewton-Wood tional autobiography, Orchard threatens to unhinge him. ‘I found him fascinating,’ she decided against this during an When writing fiction about a recalls. ‘He was such an adored ever made.’ interview with one of Mewton- real person, the border between Australian abroad, almost a Wood’s former lovers. Over fact and fantasy can sometimes household name and considered petit fours and champagne – at become problematic for the 6 novelist. The creation of a fic- Orchard wrote The Virtuoso piano duet, Schubert’s Rondo THE VIRTUOSO tional narrator relieved Orchard over four years, as part of a PhD in D, together – is superbly Sonia Orchard of some of her concerns in this in Creative Writing at RMIT drawn. The fiery duet acts as HarperCollins. PB. regard. ‘I initially struggled University. Her thesis, entitled a kind of flirtation as the two Normally $27.95 with the notion of how much ‘The Truth Lies Elsewhere’, young men’s hands move rap- Our special price $22.95 I should stick to the facts [of focused on the novel, Austerlitz, idly over the keyboard until, at Staff review Mewton-Wood’s life] but, once by W.G. Sebald. Through the last, their little fingers touch, I had decided to write from the prism of this acclaimed novel, ‘ever so lightly, like a gentle As elegant and assured as its point of view of a fictional and Orchard examined the abil- grazing of lips’. starring character, it seems as- very unreliable narrator, I felt ity of fiction to contribute to tonishing that this pitch-perfect the problem was solved. I also our understanding of history. Because the narrator is also novel is the author’s first fiction- follow the postmodern idea Of her conclusions, she says, a music writer, The Vir- al outing. The Virtuoso is based that there is no one absolute ‘Fiction helps us understand tuoso is peppered with stories on a real-life person, Australian truth and that every viewpoint history, but not in an objective, about the great composers pianist Noel Mewton-Wood – a fact-filled way. What novels – Schumann, Tchaikovsky, friend and contemporary of the like Austerlitz do is to aid our Beethoven, Chopin. The Schu- better-known Benjamin Britten understanding of the difficulty mann anecdotes – in which the and Peter Pears. 'I was fascinated in understanding history. The narrator tenderly describes the Mewton-Wood was a depres- by Noel past is a mesh of individuals' relationship between Robert sive genius who mixed in the experiences and interpretations: Schumann and his wife, Clara, glamorous milieu of bohe- Mewton-Wood’s Sebald's fiction helps us under- a virtuoso pianist in her own mian post-war London: he was stand that unknowable nature right – are particularly beauti- charismatic, flamboyant and character type: of the past.’ ful, and reminiscent of Sebald’s sharp-witted, as well as remark- melancholic prose. As Robert ably talented. Here, his life is the quintessen- Certainly The Virtuoso stands Schumann, too, attempted as testament to the idea that obsessively chronicled by an suicide (unsuccessfully), these admiring music student whose tial creative fiction can further our under- poignant stories also echo the standing of what has been. passionate affair with Mewton- narrator’s love and foreshadow Wood (who he’d long adored genius who With her description of the Mewton-Wood’s tragic end. grandeur of Queens Hall in from afar) has transformed his teeters on 1940 – on the occasion of Through its richly detailed life in a way that will last far Mewton-Wood’s London and skilful narrative, The longer than their relationship. the edge of debut – Orchard beautifully Virtuoso explores the connec- As a boy watching a teenage madness.' evokes the Londoners’ desire tion between creative brilliance Mewton-Wood perform, the for escape from the grimness of and mental instability. Do transfixed, melancholy narrator war into the sanctity of music. these necessarily go hand in instantly decides that ‘we were Sitting next to the radio each hand? ‘I can’t answer this,’ Or- more alike than anyone else in has its own agenda.’ However, the hall ... He was playing for she coloured The Virtuoso with night for the wartime broad- chard says, ‘but it’s definitely casts, the young narrator is something I’m fascinated by. I me, for the one person who anecdotes from Mewton- knew and understood him’. Wood’s friends, and stayed true stirred by the call to fight ‘the wanted to write about the role to factual details concerning his Huns’ but all such ambition of fantasy in our lives; where, This classically unreliable nar- concert dates and programming drifts away at the sound of his on the positive side it leads rator’s imagined communion details. ‘These things gave me hero playing Debussy over the to productivity and creativity, with his idol is a running theme something to work with.’ airwaves: but on the negative side it slips throughout the novel. Even The narrator of The Virtuoso is into delusion. If I had to say during the brief period of time a remarkable creation. Through ‘I closed my eyes and this novel was about one thing, when fantasy and reality collide, him, the intriguing life of imagined Noel playing, it would be fantasy.’ the narrator’s dream world Mewton-Wood is chronicled his raindrop touch, his governs the real. The Virtuoso with meticulous detail, and yet intimate knowledge of is a beguiling, beautifully there is much about Mewton- worlds so beguiling. evoked journey into the heart Wood – his deeper thoughts No one else could hear of romantic obsession; its and feelings about his art and what I was hearing, really. Special Offer central relationship and main his talent – that the narrator They just heard sparkling characters expertly drawn. It does not know or understand. virtuosity, a respite from seems amazing to the narrator By creating this obsessed and the war. They couldn’t hear that ‘this young boy with the somewhat deluded narrator, because he was playing for ivory skin and the hands that Orchard has intentionally left me, for the one person who played the sublime could rise us with a sense of mystery sur- knew and understood him.’ when Britain was poised on the rounding Mewton-Wood’s true brink of national invasion’. This self. ‘I fell in love with Mewton- One of the many wonderful blend of beauty and darkness, Wood during my researching elements to The Virtuoso is potential and threat, epitomises of his life, so I wanted to write the music that flows through The Virtuoso. I'll leave the last about him from the perspec- almost every page. Orchard’s word to Gail Jones: 'A beautiful- tive of an obsessed fan or musical expertise and passion ly nuanced study of the intricate lover. There remains something infects the reader with a desire Readings is offering links between sexual desire and to rush out and buy every elusive about him. People I Sonia Orchard's The Virtuoso musical creativity – a moving‚ interviewed had contradictory recording Mewton-Wood ever (HarperCollins) for the melancholy and deeply impres- made. The narrator’s first meet- ideas about his personality and special price of $22.95 sive debut.' ing with his idol – a birthday no-one really understood why (normally $27.95). Jo Case is Editor of he committed suicide.’ party at which they play a Readings Monthly

7 Q&A with Sonya Hartnett Jo Case interviews Sonya Hartnett about her latest novel Butterfly

Butterfly brilliantly revisits the ward neighbour Plum, longing to anguished infancy of early ado- escape it? Do you see any parallels, lescent girlhood, magnified by the or were you more interested in the main character Plum’s inability contrast? to fit in or even fully comprehend the world around her, fuelled by The book revolves around the brewing hormones. You capture themes of power and abuse: that emotional world so sharply – Plum and Maureen are charac- did you revisit your own youth at ters who are both powerless and all to do so? If not, were there any powerful in certain situations. I other observations or sources you wanted two characters who were drew on? very different, but also mirror- images of each other. Plum is Of course a writer, when writing Maureen before Maureen took about a particular phase of life, what she believes are the wrongs draws on aspects of their own turns of her life. Maureen is experience of that time – it lends Plum, if Plum doesn’t learn authenticity, and besides that to control her selfish unkind- I doubt it would be possible to ness. Maureen, being older, Children at least have the excuse home – and a variety of ways in avoid doing so to some degree. was always the character who that they treat a weaker member which to respond to them (as a Writing the book, I thought a should have had the power, but badly almost in a primal way – child, or as a young woman). As lot about how the worst days it is Plum, despite her general as with animals, it’s a cruel but a a 14- year-old, she was not stuck of my teenagehood actually felt thickness, who finally affects the natural thing. Teenage girls who with being the same character – the loneliness and the anger situation irredeemably. are nasty to each other are at all the time. She could adapt to and frustration. In that regard, an age when they should know every situation in the way that it wasn’t a pleasant book to Butterfly reminds me in some better and there is no excuse for was most useful to me, but also write. I asked a lot of my ways of your 2003 novel Of A their behaviour. I do think it’s always believable to the reader. female friends about what they Boy. Although Adrian in Of A human nature to pick on the remembered of really pivotal Boy was an unloved child from weak – it’s an aspect of us that There is a certain amount of room times, such as when they started a fractured family and Plum in reveals how closely related we for interpretation in Butterfly – to get boobs. One of my friends Butterfly is at the heart of a fam- are to the rest of the animals – particularly because events are told started bawling with the sheer ily who adore her, they both seem but just because it’s human na- so clearly through the perspective horror of remembering it. socially adrift in a similar way. ture doesn’t mean it is desirable of the narrators, most of whom And a profound sadness pervades or excusable or even forgivable. are somewhat unreliable. Is it There are various ‘mean girl’ both books. Do you see parallels Deliberate cruelty inflicted on important for you to create that in exchanges and incidents involv- between the two books? any living creature is, I think, your writing? ing Plum’s friends that brought I do – sometimes I refer to it the absolute most repellent of Yes, I like leaving lots of frayed me right back to high school, as Of A Girl – although I don’t offenses. ends in my books. I write for and I suspect will strike a chord really know why the two books people who like to think about with many readers, teenage and Plum is stuck between childhood operate as companion pieces. what they’re reading, so I litter beyond. Did you aim to capture and adolescence, and has mixed Superficially, they share certain the books with falsehoods and a kind of universal experience feelings about the transition – elements – a young protagonist, unanswered questions and of the way girls can be vicious longing for cupcakes, fairy bread a suburban setting, moody minor suggestions of major to each other? and the gentle ribbing of her young men – but I agree that events. I really hate the idea that As I said, schoolground the connection goes deeper. I brothers one minute, and to be taken seriously as a budding I must tell the reader everything behaviour on the part of girls don’t know why, and I didn’t in clunking detail. The reader apparently hasn’t changed in the intend it. I think it’s simply that, grown-up the next. Were you particularly attracted to explor- is part of the experience that past quarter of a century – it’s when you write a lot of books is a book, and I like the reader probable that girls have treated and you are interested in a ing that period of transition? If so, why? to have some input into the each other badly since time limited range of themes and set- creation of the work – to decide immemorial – although I didn’t tings, there will be many times I like creating characters who what happens in the end, if need know this for sure when I was when one book reflects another. are teetering in some way – on be. It’s why I never write sequels writing the novel. I don’t spend the edge of violence and insan- – the notion of hammering any time with teenagers, so I In a previous interview, you ity, goodness and wickedness, something out to utter flatness is was simply taking a punt that observed: ‘Children live by innocence and wisdom. A ghastly to me. I will never tell a modern girls are still as skilled animal rules. They’re as quick as character who can be pushed reader that the way they’ve read in cruelty as were their 80s-era anything to turn on somebody either way makes for a flexible a book is wrong. Every thought- sisters. that they think is weak and rip character. Fourteen was a good ful reading is a correct reading, that person apart.’ Do you think age for Plum because it gave as far as I can see. What made you decide to this is what’s happening between me the freedom to put her into juxtapose the experience of the Plum and her friends in But- a wide range of situations – a Butterfly (Hamish Hamilton, PB, glamorous housewife Maureen, terfly – do you think it’s human birthday party for a little boy, an $29.95) is available at Readings longing for youth, and her awk- nature, to some extent? ear-piercing session at a friend’s shops. See p4 for event details.

Books

New Fiction Book of the Month Siddon Rock Australian Fiction Glenda Guest The life you can Butterfly Vintage. PB. $24.95 need to speak about it. save: Acting now Sonya Hartnett ‘When Macha One of Singer's controver- to end world Hamish Hamilton. PB. $29.95 Connor came sial ideas is for employers poverty Staff review home from the to deduct 1% from their Peter Singer Sonya Hart- war she walked employees’ pay to donate to nett’s latest into town as Text. PB. $34.95 fight global poverty; employ- novel (like Of a naked as the day Staff Review ees could opt out but many Boy, which won she was born, Peter Singer may be inspired. It's true that the 2003 Age except for knows how to charity and aid is not always Book of the well-worn and shining boots, a confront you, effective, but that should not Year Award) dusty slouch hat, and the .303 to make you be an argument for not giving will appeal to rifle she held across her waist.’ feel uncom- – you may not be able to save readers well beyond the age of Macha patrols Siddon Rock by fortable. the drowning child in the its nearly 14-year-old protago- night, watching over the town’s If a person pond, but does that mean you nist. Plum Coyle exists in a inhabitants: Brigid, Granna, was walking shouldn’t try? down a road past a pond and semi-permanent state of agony. and all of the Aberline clan; saw a small child in trouble, How much should we give? Her body is awkward, stuck Sybil, scrubbing away at the most of them would jump in The UN’s Millennium Goals between childhood and bloodstains in her father’s without a thought. But would estimated that it would take womanhood, mirroring the butcher shop; Reverend Siggy, they forgo some luxury to $189 billion a year to reduce frenzied state within: “a afraid of the outback landscape save a child on the other side world poverty by half by witch-brew of frustration and and the district’s magical of the world? The answer is 2015. Singer calculates that self-hate”. Her always tentative saltpans; and the new barman, no. In 2005, 4.2 million or if the rich in the West (those place in the schoolyard Kelpie Crush. It is only when 36.45% of Australian taxpay- starting on an income of hierarchy is slipping, despite refugee Catalin Morgenstern ers claimed gift deductions roughly $100,000 or more) the canny advice of her and her young son Josis arrive of $1.55 billion. The aver- gave at a progressive rate glamorous housewife neigh- in town that Macha realises age deduction was $370.83 starting at 5%, that would bour Maureen, who Plum there is nothing she can do to - the cost of a few meals at yield $138 trillion per anum consults as her oracle. But keep the townspeople safe. a reasonable restaurant. For – much more than needed to Maureen’s seemingly benefi- many of us, we feel we work meet the Millennium Goals. cent friendship is oddly Anatomy of Wings hard for our money, that our If those earning less than sinister. She is as desperate in Karen Foxlee first obligations should be to $100,000 were to give 1%, her own way as Plum – cling- UQP. PB. $24.95 our families and ourselves. It then $150 trillion would ing to her teenage days just as Staff review is Singer's aim in this book to be raised – ample money to Plum is cringing from them. Ten-year-old convince us that if we are to cover not only the aid itself, This disquieting book is Jennifer Day has live ethically, then we can and but research and experimen- masterful. Hartnett blends lost her singing should be doing a lot more to tation into what forms of aid perfect sentences, poetic voice and her help the poor. work best. imagery and crisply relevant best friend Angela Popo- Why don't we give more? Singer’s book is a call to arms, dialogue – the snaky, silky barbs of Plum’s friends read as vitch believes According to Singer, the main a call to radically change the the key to reasons are that we find it way we view the world and if taken from Tina Fey’s script for Mean Girls. ('Sleepers look getting it back lies in the box hard to identify with the poor our role in it. He asks us to that holds the few scrappy who are largely anonymous, cease being passive bystand- best on skinny girls.') But- terfly perfectly inhabits early remnants of her dead sister’s or if we give, we tend to help ers and take action. How life. Through Jennifer we our own, or we feel the situ- many of us are prepared to do female adolescence, complete with tension-releasing hor- experience the grief of her ation is hopeless and that we this and what impact would family and the impact the death can make no difference, or it's it have in our own societies monal tantrums and crippling uncertainty. It also beautifully of her teenage sister Elizabeth somebody else's problem, or when we forgo our bottled has on the rest of their small because our neighbours don't water and fancy meals? These captures the dynamic of an ordinary suburban family; the mining community. Her so it wouldn't be fair if we are questions Singer doesn't mother takes to the sofa, unable gave and they didn't. Part of answer. At least, he says, give understated yet deeply felt love between Plum, her older to communicate her complex the problem in our society is it a try ... ‘then see how it feelings of pain, guilt and love. that there is not a culture of feels. You may find it more brothers and her parents is cleverly juxtaposed with the Her father drinks heavily, her giving and that much of what rewarding than you imagined grandmother talks to angels. we give is not to help save possible’. I know I’m going Lord of the Flies cruelty of the schoolyard. Jennifer takes to the Merit people, but to institutions to try; you have to read this Students Encyclopedia (the US and organisations that bolster book to find out how … and Jo Case is Editor of Readings Monthly edition, because it was cheaper our already comfortable everyone should. than the Australian edition). ‘I lifestyles. We need to create knew a butterfly wing couldn’t that culture, and people and Mark Rubbo is Managing Director of Readings repair itself once it was torn ... organisations that do give all through their sleeping stages

Books

butterflies dream of flying but the Crossroads emotion'. Elder sister Louisa, recipient of the Frank when they first open their wings Niccolo Ammaniti conscientious and careful, lives O’Connor International Short they need to wait ... Text. PB. $32.95 in New York and works as an Story Award and the Guardian The wings are wet and they Staff review artist and an editor. She is as First Book Award for A need to dry.’ Beautiful Eliza- Isolated precise with words as she is with Thousand Years of Good Prayers. beth, impatient for her wings to 13-year-old her life. Clem is the reckless, Peter Ho Davies, Ann Patchett dry – struggles and ultimately Cristiano and restless 'wild one'; their mother's and Colum McCann have all fails to make the messy plunge his bitterly favourite. She effortlessly attracts raved about the book (which is into adulthood, but violent father, men – to her sister's envy – based on a true story), with for Jennifer there might still Rino, live at the and is most comfortable in the Patchett calling it ‘as important be a chance to get her singing fringe of Milan wilderness areas where she lives politically as it is artistically ... voice back. This debut novel society in and works. This is an archetypal an enormous achievement'. is genuinely engaging, evoking squalid digs, railing against story of the bond between sib- In a provinicial Chinese town, humour and nostalgia in its vi- immigrants and stolen jobs, lings – love and hate, under- 28-year-old counter-revolu- sion of small-town Australia in trying to avoid Cristiano’s standing and bewilderment, tionary Gu Shan is sentenced the 1980s. committal to state ‘care’ and communion and estrangement. to death for her loss of faith in Michelle Calligaro is drinking grappa with their As we move through 25 years Communism, having already from Readings Carlton dim and damaged friends. in the sisters' lives, alternating spent 10 years in jail. The When an ill-conceived bank between narrators, we watch citizens stage a protest after her heist goes awry and throws their lives and relationships drift death and‚ over the follow- them onto darker paths of rape and evolve. I was hooked from ing six weeks‚ the town goes International and murder, Cristiano risks all the first sentences (Clem's): 'I through uncertainty‚ hope‚ and Fiction to save Rino, whom he loves avoid reunions. I'm not a rebel, fear until eventually the rebel- Book of Flights despite knowing his father’s a recluse, or a sociopath, and I'm lion is brutally suppressed. J.M.G. Le Clezio true measure. Appalling yet too young to qualify as a crank Vintage. PB. $24.95 gripping in its brutal violence ...' A real literary treat. The Favourite Game Le Clezio is the and wince-worthy sleaze, and Jo Case is Editor Leonard Cohen recipient of last 2007’s winner of the Premio of Readings Monthly Text. PB. $23.95 year’s Nobel Strega (Italy’s version of the Before he was a Alone in Berlin Prize for Man Booker), The Crossroads musician or a Literature and portrays la dolce vita as hollow Hans Fallada songwriter, his books have nostalgia. It draws on similar Allen Lane. HB. $49.95 Leonard Cohen now become themes to Ammaniti’s other This dark was feted by the more readily award-winning novel I’m Not wartime thriller, literary world available in English translation. Scared: desperation, youth published in – for his poetry He was born in Nice in 1940 to damaged by blind adult cruelty Germany in and his iconic Mauritian parents, spending and an Italy disaffected by 1947, is novels, The Favourite Game and much of his childhood in modernity. Though reader available in Beautiful Loser, both released Mauritius and in Nigeria, where empathy might be stretched English for the in Australia for the first time his father served as a surgeon in thin at times, for Rino in par- first time. Primo this year. His debut, The the British Army. Book of Flights, ticular, it is the deftly drawn Levi called it ‘the greatest book Favourite Game, was compared his third novel, was first father-son relationship that ever written about German to The Catcher in the Rye and published in France in 1965. He gives the novel heft beyond its resistance to the Nazis’. In one named one of the ten best has won many awards in his horror. Fans of intricate char- Berlin house, the various Canadian novels of the home country; he is well acterisation and graphic imag- occupants are all trying to live twentieth century by The Globe travelled and a prolific writer of ery that combines thriller with under Nazi rule in their own and Mail. It tells the story of travel books and children’s books social commentary will like ways. When one working-class Lawrence Breavman, only son as well short stories. What strikes this latest from one of Italy’s couple receive the news that of an old Jewish Montreal you first on approaching Book of contemporary wünderkinds. their son has been killed family, who achieves literary Flights is that it is not your Not for the faint-hearted. fighting in France, they drop fame as a college student, then typical narrative, but a series of Jason Cotter is from hundreds of anonymous does penance through manual descriptive insights into a Readings Carlton postcards attacking Hitler in labour. Only when he meets wondering mind, a stream of buildings all over the city, the beautiful Shell does he consciousness. When you read I See You Everywhere risking execution for treason. discover the demands and it, you enter into a dream-like Julia Glass When the petty criminals Kluge sacrifices of love. state. The closest I could imagine Hutchinson. PB. $32.95 and Borkhausen also become would be reading a favourite This beautifully involved, blackmail, deception, Beautiful Losers psalm or poet. We are taken on constructed betrayal and murder ensue. Leonard Cohen this journey – at one point novel about Text. PB. $23.95 Hogan (Le Clezio) questions two very The Vagrants Michael whether he is going too fast. different sisters Yiyun Li Ondaatje called No, or perhaps so ... this is a regrettably HarperCollins. PB. $27.99 Beautiful Losers ‘book of flights’. slipped under This magnifi- 'a gorgeous Michael Awasoga-Samuel is the radar last cent, grim debut novel'. Writing from Readings Carlton December. Julia Glass won novel has in The Australian the National Book Award for already gener- this year, Kevin Also recently available by Fiction in 2002 and I See You ated a storm of Rabalais said: J.M.G. Le Clezio: The Giants Everywhere was praised by The pre-publication 'In its genre-shifting and and War (both Vintage, PB, New York Times Book Review buzz. Its author, heightened use of imagery, it is $24.95 each). as 'rich, intricate and alive with Yiyun Li, is a unlike any other reading 10

Books experience in contemporary caves deep beneath his Victo- through his father’s eyes, and literature ... a rapid-fire rian mansion. But something Junot Diaz on Latin American hedonistic romp.' It’s the has gone horribly wrong with ‘Big Men’. Also includes Marga- sensual, lyrical tale of a complex the professor’s experiments and ret Atwood and Ali Smith on love triangle – three people the monster he has unwittingly their favourite pictures of their united by their sexual obsession created is loose somewhere in fathers. and their fascination with Cath- Hawkline Manor, threatening February erine Tekakwitha, a mythic the lives of all who live there seventeenth-century Mohawk ... ‘The twists and turns of the Science Fiction saint. A 1960s cult classic. plot, the inventiveness of the The Magician’s imagery, the precise coolness of Apprentice The Last Bachelor the language, the rich humour Jay McInerney and wicked wit make this book a Trudi Canavan Orbit. PB. $29.99 Sale Bloomsbury. HB. $29.95 classic.’ — The Times Brat pack Set hundreds of Up to 50% novelist Jay years before the The McInerney events of Magicians’ made his name Journals off selected Torpedo four Guild, this is the by carving up Chris Flynn (ed.) the glittering, latest novel in books, CDs Falcon vs. Monkey, Falcon Wins hedonistic world Trudi Canavan’s Pty Ltd. PB. $20 of 1980s New Black Magician Torpedo Volume and DVDs York. In novels like the trilogy. In the remote village of Four is a tribute breakout Bright Lights Big City, Mandryn, Tessia serves as issue, devoted to he satirised the designer label assistant to her father, the Richard February consumerism and cocaine- village Healer. Her mother Brautigan. In fuelled lifestyles of the beautiful would rather she found a his lifetime, people with a kind of sneering husband. But her life is about Brautigan wrote reverence reminiscent of his to take a very unexpected turn. ten novels, nine 14at all Readings-23 shops literary hero F. Scott Fitzgerald. When the advances of a visiting volumes of poetry and one and you'll find bargains His most recent novel, The Sachakan mage get violent, short story collection. A legend at www.readings.com.au Good Life, his contribution to Tessia unconsciously taps among counter-culture writers the post-9/11 genre, resurrected unknown reserves of magic of the late 1960s, Brautigan characters from early novel to defend herself. drifted into obscurity and has Brightness Falls, following them been largely ignored by critics through the wake of the attacks. and the publishing establish- The twelve short stories here ment alike. Torpedo Volume dwell on disillusion and Four contains tribute fiction and betrayal – cheating husbands th Estate full-colour artwork from 50 w and wives, jilted lovers, writers and illustrators around fractured families – in McIn- the world, all of whom love erneny’s habitual Manhattan The Virtuoso Brautigan as much as we do. The milieu, once again revisiting the SONIA ORCHARD edition commences with an occasional character from his introduction from Brautigan’s This assured, beautifully written debut earlier works. daughter Ianthe and finishes novel is inspired by the brilliant life of The Hawkline with a memorial from Radiohead Australian pianist Noël Mewton-Wood. Monster: A Gothic illustrator Stanley Donwood. In Sonia Orchard vividly evokes the artistic Western between is a world of wonder world of post-war London in a novel of Richard Brautigan that you do not want to miss, as striking illuminations about music and one of the twentieth century’s Hunter Publishing. PB. $19.95 imagination that is also a compelling and great unsung writers makes his Richard Brautigan is a cult icon deeply moving love story. long overdue comeback. of American literature. His best known book, Trout Fishing in Granta 104: Fathers More America, sold over two million Alex Clark (ed.) copies. To mark the 25 year an- AUSTIN CLARKE Granta. PB. $29.95 niversary of his death by suicide, Granta turns its From Austin Clarke, the winner of the this modern classic is being attention to Commonwealth Writers’ Prize comes a republished. In the early days fathers, includ- mesmerising, powerful, inspiring and of the twentieth century, two ing reflections beautifully controlled story of a mother’s loss gunslingers prowl the badlands from some of of the American wild-west – of her son to the world of gang crime, and the world’s guns for hire, professional killers her memories of life in the Caribbean. More leading writers. whose only allegiance is to the is an extraordinary story of oppression, highest bidder. Meanwhile, Hisham Matar redemption and hope. From a master of the in the remote Dead Hills of writes on his father, who was novel form, this is very much a book for our times. Eastern Oregon, lives Professor kidnapped while living in Egypt Hawkline, his beautiful daugh- and imprisoned by Muammar ters, and the secret laboratory al-Gaddafi in Libya; Rawi Hage that lies hidden within the ice writes on Beirut, as seen 11 SERIOUSLY GOOD reading from Text

Peter Singer The Life You Can Save Acting now to end world poverty World renowned philosopher Peter Singer tackles global poverty. ‘Peter Singer’s status is unrivalled in Australia.’ Sydney Morning Herald

Niccolò Ammaniti The Crossroads From the author of the international bestseller I’m Not Scared.

THESE TWO READINGS BESTSELLERS ARE IN STORE NOW

Wendell Steavenson The Weight of a Mustard Seed The decline of one man, his family and their nation. ‘A heart-wrenching inquiry into the banality of evil.’ Nancy Huston

www.textpublishing.com.au

New Crime Fiction with Kate O'Mara Dead Writeshe is experiencing a crisis in sisters, Flavia’s miserable time, but the producers have Crime Book her engagement to Phuti existence is rendered downright promised more nudity! If that Radiphuti. A scheming woman fascinating when she overhears isn’t enough to whet your ap- of the Month has obtained a job at Phuti’s a mysterious man attempting to petite, this collection of stories The Chalk Circle Man store, clearly intending to prise blackmail her father over a the second series is based on is a Fred Vargas him away. Is all this enough to murder they supposedly rollicking read – like all the Un- Harvill-Secker. PB. Normally unsettle Mma Ramotswe? committed thirty years before. derbelly books, it’s immaculately $32.95 Certainly not! Calm reflection, Only hours later, she finds this researched and well-written, Our special price $27.95 and frequent cups of tea, will be same man lying in the cucum- evoking an era of which many The sixth of enough to solve even the most ber patch – and watches him Australians, perhaps strangely, Fred Vargas’ trying of problems. die of poison before her very remember with nostalgia. The Commissaire eyes! Is her father a murderer? book is due out a bit before Adamsberg The Associate Flavia begins to suspect it might the show, so get yourself ready. novels translated John Grisham be so, but nonetheless sets out There isn’t as much bedroom into English, Century. HB. Normally $49.95 on an adventure to prove her action on paper, but it promises The Chalk Circle Our special price $39.95 father’s innocence, uncovering a to be equally entertaining. KO Man is actually Kyle McAvoy is host of unexpected information the first in the series. Ad- one of the about him along the way. Told amsberg has recently arrived in outstanding in the first person by Flavia, this legal students of is an amusing tale of childhood In Brief Paris to be greeted by colleagues Melbourne his generation – precocity wreaking havoc upon who find him baffling, strange author P.D. but he has a the adult world. and unapproachable. He Martin releases secret from his Judith Loriente is from Readings infuriates them further with his The Killing past, a secret Hawthorn obsessive collection of newspa- Hands (Mac- that threatens to destroy his per clippings about a weirdo millan, PB, fledgling career and, possibly, The Unscratchables drawing blue chalk circles $33), the fourth his entire life. One night that Anthony O’Neill around seemingly random instalment in secret catches up with him in Viking, PB, $32.95 objects on the streets of Paris. her increasingly popular the form of some bad men in a Career-cop bull While most police think of the forensic series featuring FBI dark alley – they have a deeply terrier Crusher stranger as little more than a profiler Sophie Anderson. compromising video of the McNash, still nuisance, Adamsberg is sure of Dapperly dressed sleuth incident that haunts him. What haunted by something far more sinister Hermes Diaktoros is a suspect price do they demand for Kyle’s flashbacks to his behind his actions. Going out in the heinous murder of an old secret? Strangely, it is for Kyle time as a on a limb, I would nominate friend in Anne Zouroudi’s to do exactly what any ambi- Siamese POW, Vargas as the best crime writer second Fat Man novel The Taint tious young lawyer would want is sickened to working today. Her plots are of Midas (Bloomsbury, PB, to do: take a job in New York as learn he must work with prissy intricate and involving, her $32.95), while Detective Ellie an associate at the largest law Siamese FBI agent Cassius Lap characters beautifully written, Hatcher investigates the strange firm in the world, a job that is – an expensively suited, and her attention to details and death of an attractive college incredibly well paid and, with soy-lapping intellectual from behaviours astounding. There is student in mammoth hours and outra- the rich side of the river. But as not much more to say – just Alafair Burke’s geous billing, could lead to they wade through the corrupt read them. City of Fear partnership and a fortune. But underworld of San Bernardo, Kate O’Mara is from (Avon, PB, Kyle won’t be working for the Crusher slowly comes to realise Readings Carlton $24.99). company – he’ll be working that his despised feline col- Richard North against it. league may not really be the Tea Time for the Patterson enemy at all … Okay – the Traditionally Built releases his The Sweetness at characters in this book are cats Alexander McCall Smith latest, Eclipse (Macmillan, PB, the Bottom of the Pie and dogs. Once you get used to Little, Brown. PB. $33), a taut legal thriller based Alan Bradley this, The Unscratchablesis a Normally $35 around the show trial of a West Orion. PB. $32.99 clever, urbane and at times Our special price $29.95 African activist, and lastly, fans In England in laugh-out-loud-funny satire of Mma Ramotswe of television’s cable-to- very human behaviour. Strange, is widely known 1950, 11-year- commercial but very enjoyable. KO for many things; old Flavia de juggernaut for example, Luce is develop- Dexter have everybody ing a rather reason to rejoice knows about her disturbing True Crime –Dexter by kindness and interest in Underbelly: Design, the her taste for poisons. Though Tale of Two Cities fourth in Jeff redbush tea and cake – she is, perhaps this is not so surprising; John Silvester Lindsay’s after all, traditionally built. for centuries, the de Luces have & Andrew Rule outrageously popular tales of Everybody is familiar, too, with turned out their fair share of Floradale. PB. $24.99 a serial killer of serial killers, her tiny white van, which is eccentrics, including at least Melbournians rejoice – not lands this month. KO beginning to feel its age. Are its one other relative with a serious only is there an Underbelly difficulties to be terminal? Mma interest in poison. Bullied and series we can legally watch this Makutsi can do little to help, as tormented by her two elder 13

Books

Non-Fictionappallingly difficult childhood Biography (forcibly taken from her Loot Dreams From alcoholic mother, who hanged Sharon Waxman my Father: herself, soon fostered out by A grand tour of some of the world’s her father after complaints finest museums and the countries from Inauguration Edition which some of their most famous Barack Obama from her stepmother) un- doubtedly developed her taste antiquities were illicitly taken. Waxman Text. HB. $49.95 traces the stories of treasures, then for bad relationships. She The bestselling jumps into the debate over whether writes that rejection and memoir of the they should be restored to their self-abasement felt ‘like home’. countries of origin. new American Her awful boyfriends include president is now $49.95 Hb, ISBN 9780805086539 an ex-con who boasted about Published January 2009, 432 pages available in a knocking up a 14-year-old; her Henry Holt And Company special hardback exploits include making out inauguration with a teenage prostitute and edition. drinking turtle’s blood to Che: The Diaries of Ernesto Che Guevara Inspiring, insightful and please a boyfriend. Love Junkie, Ernesto Che Guevara absolutely beautifully evoked, despite its dark subject matter, Follow Che's evolution from the this unusual coming-of-age wide-eyed medical student of is liberally laced with an story was written long before the Motorcycle Diaries-era to the appealing, wry humour. revolutionary hero. Includes Che’s first Obama became a politician, encounter with Fidel Castro in Mexico, and its appeal goes well beyond The Patient and his poetic letter to his parents political junkies and patriots. before he sets out on the fateful Mohamed Khadra Bolivia mission, as well as thirty-six Heinemann. PB. Normally $35 pages of original photos and stills from Embracing the Wide Sky Our special price $29.95 the movie. Surgeon and

New from Palgrave Macmillan Daniel Tammet $26.95 Pb, ISBN 9781920888930 urologist Published February 2009, 200 pages Hodder. PB. Normally $35 Mohamed Ocean Press Our special price $29.95 Khadra (the Real-life bestselling ‘Rainman’ author of Daniel Tammet Making the Cut) is one of fewer tells the story of than 50 savants Small Presses a patient who made an impact worldwide. on him, giving readers another (Daniel holds Big Books intimate tour of our health the world record system – this time from a for reciting Pi to over 22,000 Lines of Wisdom (Afﬁrm Press) different perspective. Jonathan digits and can learn entire Various, $39.95 Brewster was king of the world languages in less than a week.) “I cannot remember when I last read a book with before his shock diagnosis with In this personal and revealing more heart.” – Ken Haley, the Canberra Times. bladder cancer – flashy car, exploration of the way his Young writers sketch the extraordinary lives happy marriage, impressive extraordinary mind works, he of ordinary and elderly Australians they find house. In the midst of his inspirational. reveals how we can all tap into successful life, he never stopped heightened skills in memory, to consider his health. Dr learning and imagination – by Khadra’s life, too, seems to be extempore Issue 1(extempore) accessing a part of our brains following its planned trajectory Various, $27.50 that usually lies dormant. He until his own first-hand Exciting new Australian journal of writing and also draws on the latest art inspired by music. 200 pages of new voices experience of disease teaches scientific research and knowl- and old friends, as well as mesmerising visuals. him that life is fleeting and edge, making it accessible and Includes bonus CD of sublime original music. unpredictable. relevant for the everyday reader. Shots: Love Junkie A Rock N Roll Life Rachel Resnick Don Walker Bloomsbury. PB. $29.95 The Hawkline Monster Black Inc. PB. $27.95 (Hunter) Writer Rachel Richard Brautigan, $19.95 The earthy, Resnick tells the laconic, oddly Published to mark the 25th anniversary of story of her Brautigan’s death. “The twists and turns of the plot, musical prose addiction to the precise coolness of the language, the rich humour and style of perform- love and sex – wicked wit make this book a classic.” – The Times er and song- and, more writer Don specifically, to Walker comes as Very Bad Men, SPUNC no real surprise. spunc.com.au in this self-deprecating, nakedly It brings to mind the raw allure SPUNC represents more than 50 Australian small publishers. Check them out online today confessional book. Resnick’s of his musical compositions, 14

Books which include some of Austra- brutal as Saddam Hussein? In riveting. Other stand-out Crossing Hitler lia’s most iconic songs (Khe the tradition of Hannah pieces includes Daniel Du- Benjamin Carter Hett Sanh, Flame Trees). Walker, who Arendt’s landmark work on the crou’s ‘The Etymology of Love’ Quercus. PB. Normally $45 now performs solo and with trial of Adolf Eichmann and – where a hip flask carrying Our special price $35.95 Tex, Don and Charlie, was a Gita Sereny’s famous biography librarian falls in love with a Crossing Hitler, member of Cold Chisel from of Albert Speer, Wendell clumsy library member. More the first 1973 to 1983. Here, in a series Steavenson delves intimately established writers such as full-length of word-pictures (shots), he into the life, family and career Tony Birch and Max Barry are biography of the evokes a trail of vignettes from of former Special Forces also at their best; Barry for his Jewish-German his life so far: childhood and commander under Saddam comedic genius, and Birch for trial lawyer youth, wild times in the 1970s, Hussein, General Kamel Sachet. his empathic rendering of Hans Litten, life on the road and in Kings She discovers a decorated everyday characters. was awarded the Cross, music-making and more. military hero with a private Annie Condon is 2007 Fraenkel Prize for an Reminiscent at times of the conscience; his university-edu- a freelance reviewer. outstanding work of contempo- writing of the Beats, with its cated wife, withdrawn into the rary history. During a 1931 trial long sentences and rolling licks security of hijab; sons whose of four Nazi stormtroopers, of images, this is a highly religious fervour becomes History Hans Litten grilled Adolf Hitler original and impressive book. increasingly dangerous; and Angels and Ages in a merciless three-hour cross daughters with prospects Adam Gopnik examination, forcing him into Things I’ve Been subverted by war and tyranny. Quercus. PB. $34.95 multiple contradictions and Silent About Steavenson reveals some New Yorker reducing him to a humiliating Azar Nafisi essential truths about human writer Adam rage. When the Nazis seized Heinemann. PB. nature and how ordinary people Gopnik, author power two years later, he was Normally $32.95 can be caught up in extraordi- of the whimsical sent to the concentration Our special price $27.95 nary evil. ‘Steavenson is one of Paris to the camps, where he kept Dachau In Reading Lolita the most exciting non-fiction Moon and The prisoners sane by reciting great in Tehran, writers of her generation ... Her Children’s Gate, works from memory. Iranian literature account, pieced together in the turns his professor Azar aftermath of the Iraqi war, is Greeks and Greek attention to a rather more Nafisi wrote ambiguous and recognisably Love serious subject in this fascinat- about the lives of human, written with an eye for ing history. Here, he links two James Davidson her clandestine the small, compelling detail.’ very different, highly influential Phoenix. PB. $45 students, who – Guardian historical figures: Abraham Though the attended a western literature Lincoln and Charles Darwin, issue of Greek reading group in her home, both of them born on 12 homosexuality focusing on banned authors like February 1809. Angels and Ages has been the Nabokov and Fitzgerald. Here, Anthology Sleepers Almanac 5 illuminates the profound subject of she turns the spotlight on her intellectual similarities between extensive own life, and that of her parents. Louise Swinn the abolition of slavery and the research and Her intelligent, unhappy mother & Zoe Dattner (eds) publication of The Origin of debate in recent (a former member of parlia- Sleepers Publishing. PB. $24.95 Species, which together created years, Kenneth Dover’s 1978 ment) escaped reality by weaving This year’s the modern world. Greek Homosexuality remains a web of fictions about herself, Almanac the most recent single-volume while her father (once mayor of contains many treatment of the subject as a new writers, and Anything Goes: Tehran) escaped into the world A Biography of the whole. Drawing on 15 years of of books. This evocative and it’s always ensuing research, James interesting to Roaring Twenties intriguing look at life under the Lucy Moore Davidson rejects Dover’s Islamic Revolution and the see what newer Atlantic. HB. $45 excessively theoretical approach, intricacies of one family’s life (and frequently It’s an apt time using a wide variety of sources weaves the personal and the younger) writers have to say. to revisit the to present a view of the subject political together in a compel- There has been criticism of 1920s: an era of that, in contrast to Dover and ling read. ‘A gifted storyteller Australian short stories in the hedonism, to Foucault, stresses the human- with a mastery of Western past as being too ‘psychologi- escalated ity of the ancient Greeks and literature, Nafisi knows how to cally driven’, and being more consumerism, how they lived their loves and use language both to settle scores about character’s thoughts than exciting pleasures. and to seduce.’ – New York Times actions. In the thirty-six pieces in this collection, there is a technological The Weight of greater sense of action and innovations, worship of youth and celebrity, and fear-driven a Mustard Seed many stories have quite FEnvironmentorecast Wendell Steavenson distinctive plots. ‘Elvis, religious fundamentalism. An era that came to a (literally) Stephan Faris Text. PB. $34.95 Husbands, and Other Men in crashing end with the fall of the Scribe. PB. $35 It’s a question as Costumes: A Memoir’ by Liza stockmarket in 1929. Anything Climate change timeless as the Monroy is an achingly honest Goes brings it all to life: books abound at existence of war yet hilarious romp through glamorous gangsters, prohibi- the moment. and despotic several US states for the tion, the birth of Hollywood, So, what’s new regimes: what purpose of marrying her gay the Jazz Age, political show- about this one? motivates best friend so he can obtain a trials and the Klu Klux Klan. Forecast doesn’t someone to green card. This is the longest Riveting and enduringly trade in serve a leader as piece in the collection, but is relevant. apocalyptic fast moving, affectionate and visions of a possible future 15

Books

A Journal for Jordan An unﬂ inching memoir of Dana Canedy one woman’s self-destructive In 2005, First Sergeant Charles King began addiction to sex and love to write a journal for the child he and his partner Dana were expecting, in case he didn’t come home from the war. A Journal for Jordan is a loving goodbye, and a father’s $29.99 advice and prayers for the son he will Hachette Australia never know. Paperback

Tea Time for the Traditionally Built Alexander McCall Smith Mma Precious Ramotswe is widely known for many things including her taste for ‘A deeply true, wholly aching account of the redbush tea and cake (she is after all dangerous way we live now—great fun to read, traditionally built). Catch up on her latest $34.99 and ﬁ nally fully redemptive ... a great, relatable, adventures in the universally loved and Little, Brown readable memoir.’ Hardback bestselling No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency —Elizabeth Wurtzel, Series. Alexander McCall Smith will be author of Prozac Nation touring Australia in February 09.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie Alan Bradley It’s the 1950s and a sleepy English village is about to be very upset by the discovery of a body in the cucumber patch. A delicious murder mystery for fans of $32.99 Alexander McCall Smith, we guarantee Orion Trade paperback you’ll fall in love with its fantastic heroine, Flavia!

WrittenWritten with raw humour and unﬂ inching hhonesty,onesty, RachelRachel ResnicResnickk bbringsrings lloveove anandd sex The Unicorn Road addictionddi ti into i t a blinding bli di light. li ht Although Alth h Martin Davies Rachel’s story is an extreme one, what you realise over the course of her journey is e Unicorn Road tells of a dangerous just how many people experience aspects story into the unknown and of the secret motives and hidden passions of those it of this addiction and the self-destruction brings together. As magically evocative as that comes with it—all fostered by a culture an ancient silk painting, this is a story of where romantic obsession is stoked by the love and honour, greed and cruelty and, $32.99 stories we read, the movies we see, and the ultimately, about the power of Hodder & Stoughton dreams we’re fed. Trade paperback words themselves. Out Now

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Books under global warming – in- have done so without aid. Team of Rivals and immediate threats to stead, it looks at what is Improved access to capital and Doris Kearns Goodwin Australia’s environment – and happening right now, how the right policies are the Penguin. PB. $29.95 cuts through the spin to show these changes are affecting ingredients that can truly lead Among the slew how everyday Australians can human societies worldwide. the poorest nations in the of books on and get involved in conserving our It began with Stephan Faris’s world out of poverty. by Barack environmental heritage. realisation that climate change Obama comes is at the heart of the Dar- The Devil We Know another that fur conflict. Since then, the Robert Baer doesn’t mention Literature respected reporter (The Atlantic Scribe. PB. $35 him at all – but Literary Activists: Monthly, Time, Salon) has Former CIA inspired his Writer Intellectuals unearthed emerging climate- operative approach to the presidency. and Australian related crises around the globe: Robert Baer Team of Rivals, by Pulitzer Public Life increasing malaria in Africa; (Sleeping with prize-winning historian Doris Brigid Rooney crops failing in previously lush the Devil, See Kearns Goodwin, shows how UQP. PB. $34.95 places and thriving in spots No Evil) exposes Abraham Lincoln saved Helen Garner, that were uninhabitable; the true extent America by appointing his David Malouf, water scarcity in India and of Iran’s fiercest rivals to key cabinet Tim Winton, Pakistan threatening to tightening grip on the Middle positions. This is a riveting, Judith Wright, inflame the situation in East and the world’s energy detail-rich narrative history Patrick White, Kashmir. He writes about it corridor, the Persian Gulf. centring on one of America’s Oodgeroo all in colourful, engaging, Imagine an Iran that controls most revered and intriguing Noonuccal thought-provoking prose. the world’s oil, that has presidents, heartily endorsed (Kath Walker) brought other countries in by its newest. Obama calls it ‘a and Les Murray: some of our How the Rich Are the Middle East under its flag, wonderful book ... a remark- greatest writers have also been Destroying the Earth that uses its terrorist groups able study in leadership’. leading political activists. Judith Herve Kempf and military forces to under- Republished for the 200th Wright fought to save the Great Finch. PB. $22.95 mine any country in the region anniversary of Lincoln’s birth Barrier Reef and campaigned Drawing on his 20-year career that resists it. As Baer shows, (12 February 2009). for a treaty with Aboriginal as an environmental journal- this blood-chilling future Australians. Patrick White led ist, Herve Kemp describes how is virtually assured unless anti-nuclear peace marches and the unchecked privileges of the Washington wakes up, ac- Australian History boycotted the Bicentenary. world’s wealthy are thwarting knowledges Iran’s status, and Black Politics: Helen Garner and Les Murray action on global warming and learns to deal with Iran’s rulers Inside the Complexity took a stand against political other ecological disasters. at least partly on their terms. of Aboriginal correctness. What drives our He argues that our priority Political Culture most outstanding literary should be to redistribute global Kill Bin Laden Sarah Maddison figures to become activists and material consumption to en- Dalton Fury A&U. PB. $35 public intellectuals? How have sure we consume less and avoid Scribe. PB. $35 In this thought- their public interventions the continuing punishment of A rare inside ful and intrigu- provoked us, and how have we the poor. For this we require look at the elite ing book, Sarah responded? Literary Activists fresh political leadership to and mysterious Maddison looks examines these questions deliver the major change that Delta Force at at the complex- through the lives and actions is required. ‘Kempf reminds us work, on a ity that lies at of some of our foremost writers. of the verities we forgot when mission to the heart of we became mesmerised by af- terminate the Aboriginal The Paris Review fluence.’ – Clive Hamilton world’s most politics – and argues that until Interviews Volume 3 wanted man. With the help of governments recognise that Philip Gourevitch (ed.) a dozen of the British Queen’s complexity, they will continue to Canongate. PB. $34.95 Politics elite commandos, another make bad policy, with disastrous The Paris Review Dead Aid dozen or so Army Green consequences for Aboriginal interviews with Dambisa Moyo Berets, and six intelligence people. Includes interviews with authors Allen Lane. PB. $32.95 operatives from the CIA, the influential Aboriginal leaders (sometimes by This provocative team waged a modern siege of such as Mick Dodson, Tom authors) are book argues epic proportions against bin Calma, Jackie Huggins, Warren legendary for that global aid Laden and his seemingly Mundine and Larissa Behrendt. their candour, doesn’t work impenetrable cave sanctuary. Maddison seeks to understand depth and wit – – and that our This is the real story of the why Aboriginal communities and for the space they devote to most important operation, the first eyewitness find it so difficult to be heard opening up about their craft. challenge today account of the Battle of Tora and offers suggestions for the This third collected volume, is to destroy the Bora, and the first book to future. introduced by Margaret myth that it does. Dambisa detail just how close Delta Atwood, includes Evelyn Moyo analyses the history of Force came to capturing bin On Our Watch Waugh (1963), Harold Pinter economic development over Laden, how close U.S. Nicola Markus (1966), Jean Rhys (1979), the past 50 years and shows bombers and fighter aircraft MUP. PB. $35 Chinua Achebe (1994), how aid crowds out financial came to killing him, and In this passionate and thor- Raymond Carver (1983) and and social capital and directly exactly why he slipped through oughly researched book, Salman Rushdie (2007). causes corruption. The our fingers. respected conservationist Nicola Fascinating, for readers and countries that have ‘caught up’ Markus explains the very real aspiring writers alike.

Books

Reborn: Early Diaries, long- and short-term tactics 1947-1965 for coming out on top. De- Susan Sontag spite the dire news and dark Hamish Hamilton. HB. $45 predictions, he writes, there Reborn is a are real opportunities to come kaleidoscopic from the greatest fire sale on self-portrait of financial assets since the early one of America’s 1930s. With the right knowl- greatest writers edge and preparation, it’s pos- and intellectu- sible to take advantage of new als, teeming wealth opportunities and avoid with Sontag’s being caught in the prevailing voracious curiosity and downward spiral. A practical, appetite for life. We watch the wise response to our troubled young Sontag’s complex times. self-awareness, share in her encounters with the writers The Two Trillion who informed her thinking, Dollar Meltdown and engage with the profound Charles R. Morris challenge of writing itself – all Black Inc. PB. $27.95 filtered through the inimitable We are living detail of everyday life. in the most un- certain financial environment in Finance recent history. Bad Money A quarter-cen- Kevin Phillips tury of reckless Scribe. PB. $32.95 lending, asset Kevin Phillips stripping, free-market zeal- knows his stuff. otry and hedge-fund secrecy He’s the man has ended with a dramatic who coined the collapse. And, according to phrases Charles R. Morris, an even ‘Sunbelt’ and more profound economic and ‘new right’ back political restructuring is on in the late its way. Morris explains how 1960s, and predicted the rise we got here and what we can of both. He also envisioned the expect next. With insight and ‘red-state blue-state divide’ and clarity, he cuts through the guff accurately predicted its to provide an indispensable geography. Now, he draws guide to confusing times. parallels between America’s financial crisis and the last days of former economic powers, including Holland and Philosophy imperial Britain. Global 12 Modern overreach, worn-out politics, Philosophers excessive debt, and exhausted Christopher Belshaw energy regimes are all chilling & Gary Kemp signals that the United States is Wiley. PB. $39.95 crumbling as the world Featuring essays superpower. Phillips provides a from leading thoughtful, if sobering, philosophical analysis of how the US got scholars, 12 itself into its current mess, Modern without exonerating either side Philosophers of politics. explores the works, origins, The Great and influences of 12 of the Depression Ahead most important late twentieth Harry S. Dent Jr century philosophers working Black Inc. PB. $29.95 in the analytic tradition. Renowned economic forecaster Harry Dent predicts the impact of the burgeoning world economic crisis and offers

Books

the impact that Darwin’s short of street cred, their posters also Psychology visit to Australia in 1836 had Art & Design promoting local film screenings 50 Psychology Ideas on the man himself and on the By Margaret Snowdon and benefit music gigs. They are You Really Need emerging nation. Now, more now highly sought after. than 170 years later, Darwin The Art and to Know Architecture Adrian Furnham continues to influence Austra- Contemporary lian attitudes to life and living. of Mantua: Australia: Optimism Quercus. HB. $24.95 Eight Centuries This handy Queensland Art Gallery. PB. $45 of Patronage More than 60 introduction and Collecting to psychology contemporary Cultural Studies Barbara Furlotti Australian artists offers a series The Industrial Va- & Guido Rebecchini of engaging and gina: The Political feature in this Thames & Hudson. HB. $145 accessible essays Economy of the publication This book celebrates the cultur- that explore Global Sex Trade produced for al riches of Mantua, and is joy- each of the the exhibition – Sheila Jeffreys ously beautiful, documenting central concepts, as well as the the first in a Routledge. PB. $68 priceless works of art with fresh contribitions of key thinkers. major new national triennial Seasoned anti-prostitution cam- impetus. New photographs, It includes expert introduc- series of thematic Australian art paigner Sheila Jeffreys examines most of which have been tions to emotional behaviour, exhibitions. It explores the rich the multimillion dollar global specially taken for this book cognition, mental conditions, and complex territory of the market for prostitution. She following important restoration rationality and personality possible in Australian life and looks at how prostitution and work, reveal superb details and development, and more. culture. The artists in ‘Opti- other aspects of the sex industry bring the city and its treasures mism’ respond with energy, have moved from being small- to vivid life. Mantua has at- passion, colour, humour and scale, clandestine, and socially tracted a line of prestigious irreverence. The publication — Science despised practices to become artists and architects from the encompassing painting, Evolution in very profitable legitimate Renaissance onwards, including sculpture, drawing, photogra- the Antipodes market sectors that are being Pisanello, Alberti, Giulio Ro- phy, installation, video, cinema, Tom Frame legalised and decriminalised by mano, Correggio and Rubens, animation, music and comedy UNSW. PB. Normally $39.95 governments. all of whom were championed — includes engaging essays by Our special price $34.95 by the illustrious Gonzaga fam- John Birmingham, Elissa Down This month is ily, who ruled the city for nearly th and Melissa Lucashenko. the 200 Music four centuries (1328 - 1708). anniversary of The Triumph of Music: The city is also closely identi- Cartoons and Charles Darwin’s Composers, Musicians fied with the painter Andrea Coronets: The Genius birth – a fitting and Their Audiences Mantegna, whose technical of Osbert Lancaster time to be Tim Blanning mastery revolutionized painting Osbert Lancaster publishing this in the fifteenth century, but the & James Knox fascinating book Allen Lane. HB. $55 full range of Mantua’s art and Frances Lincoln. HB. $55 on the ‘father of evolution’ and This fascinating architecture also embraces early Osbert Lancaster was one of the his relationship with Australia. book traces Gothic masterpieces and the most famous artistic personali- Darwin both liked and loathed music’s impres- exuberance of the Baroque. ties of his generation. National the continent (which he visited sive rise in social fame sprang from his invention briefly in 1836), though our status in the Redback Graphix of the pocket cartoon, which astonishing wildlife influenced West, from Anna Zagala first appeared in 1939 in Bea- him deeply. At a time when Mozart’s National Gallery of Australia. verbrook’s Daily Express. Over evolutionary theory is facing position as a PB. $39.95 the next forty years, he created challenges from those who lowly ranked hired hand to The third title in a cast of characters, headed by believe in intelligent design, the archbishop of Salzburg, to the National the straight talking Countess award-winning writer and modern-day rock stars, who Gallery of Maudie Littlehampton, which Anglican bishop Tom Frame socialise with royalty and politi- Australia’s The every day kept the nation explores Darwin’s life and times, cians. Now, he argues, music Printed Image chuckling. Osbert’s witty depic- and asks whether it is possible is the highest of the creative series, Redback tions of architectural styles, for us to simultaneously believe arts. How did it all happen? Graphix is a such as Stockbrokers’ Tudor in God and Darwin. The path to fame and inde- pendence began when new look at the and Curzon Street Baroque design and screen printing Charles Darwin: instruments allowed musicians brought him to prominence studio that used the power of An Australian to showcase their creativity, in the 1930s. After the war, the printed image to educate Selection and music publishing allowed he became one of the leading and inspire. From 1979 to 1994 Felicity Pulman masterworks to be performed theatre and opera designers. He widely in concert halls erected they produced posters that was also a brilliant illustrator National Museum of Australia. to accommodate growing combined witty graphics with working with friends and con- PB. Normally $29.95 public interest. In the twenti- bright, pop colour to give voice temporaries such as John Betje- Our special price $24.95 eth century, new technological to pressing social issues – from man, Max Beerbohm, Norman Charles Darwin and social forces combined to indigenous land rights (‘whose Douglas, Anthony Powell, John found much in elevate music and musicians land are you standing on?’) to Piper and Nancy Mitford. This Australia to to the revered position they AIDS awareness (Condom beautifully illustrated book challenge and now enjoy. ‘A very fine book.’ Man) and alcohol abuse. covers the full range of his work inform his – The Guardian A familiar part of the street and will be a revelation to those thinking. This landscape, particularly through- discovering his art and humour book explores out the 1980s, they had loads for the first time. 19

Books

French Interiors: The Art of Elegance Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery Flammarion. HB. $135 Picture BooksKids'volves Books around the strange world mean Rodrick Heffley, tattle- Featuring These are my Hands of the dragon’s dream. But each tale Manny, the GIRLS in France’s most page also holds a fascinating Greg’s class, Lenwood Heath sumptuous Judy Horacek Puffin. Board.14.95 ‘look and find’, as each page has the bully and even GOD! This interiors, this is the same number of objects as may be the last straw, but it’s a tribute to the Much-loved illustrator the number it corresponds to. not the last stand – there’s refinement of For example, on the number going to be a number 4! French taste and Judy Horacek two page, there are two umbrel- Felix Wilkins is in Grade Four savoir faire. explores the las, two ducks, two platypuses at Kingsville Primary School. Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery, world of things for toddlers and it’s up to us to find them! furniture and antiques specialist This book is exactly what chil- I Heart NY: for Christie's of Paris, invites us to do with their hands dren’s books should be: chaotic, Mac Slater into the heady luxury of various challenging and absorbing. Coolhunter 2 distinguished French residences. in this colourful and engaging picture book. Callie Martin is from Readings Tristan Bancks The extraordinary and diverse St Kilda interiors include Colette’s Random. PB. $16.95 One Mac and best former apartment overlooking Novelty the Palais Royal, a traditional Kathryn Otoshi friend Paul have Russian-style log house and KO Kids Books. HB. $24.95 Maisy Bakes a Cake just become private residences of the late One is a Lucy Cousins coolhunters for Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de wonderfully Walker. HB. $19.95 a massively Givenchy, and the late Mad- clever and Small children popular eleine Castaing. Persian carpets simple book will love this webspace – and mingle with contemporary art that uses new Maisy they’ve been and lush velvet armchairs coloured dots to pop-up adven- sent on an all-expenses paid trip combine with delicate hand- represent ture – and the to New York City to find the painted tableware to inspire different children’s buyers Next Big Thing – or be sent readers with these authentic, personality types. Blue is a quiet particularly home. Mac soon makes friends rather than styled, interiors. and dreamy character, who is loved Maisy’s with Melody, an inventor with teased and bullied by the hand-washing action! super-cool skates, who takes Someone’s Universe: hothead Red. Yellow, Green, him to The Hive, where The Art of Eugene Purple and Orange console Middle Readers innovative kids are creating Carchesio Blue, but no one is brave Diary of a Wimpy cutting-edge transport, sneakers Michael Snelling, enough to confront Red Kid 3: The Last Straw and computer apps – and are Domenico de Clario, face-to-face. Red becomes larger Jeff Kinney testing an invention that could change the world. Mac’s boss at and more aggressive until Puffin. PB. $14.95 Michael Hawker, Coolhunters is desperate for someone completely different Diary of a Nathan Shepherdson him to spill the beans, but comes along – One. One stands Wimpy Kid is Qld Art Gallery. PB. $29.95 Melody has sworn Mac to up for him or herself and right – Greg is Brisbane-based secrecy. Which is more impor- gradually all the colours learn to wimpy! This Eugene tant: friends or fame? Carchesio is one stand up and be counted, quite book is the of the most literally. This unique picture sequel to the book works on so many Theodork distinctive No. 1 New York Jessica Green different levels: it teaches Times bestsellers Australian artists Scholastic. PB. $14.99 colours and numbers, has some and the way I figure it, Greg’s and musicians of A major focus great word play, and is an up to his old tricks again. He’s his generation. of educators excellent book for kindergarten- even had detention twice in one He has exhibited and performed at present is and school-age children who are week! In detention, bad news: since the early 1980s. His art tackling the encountering playground he had to sit behind Leon and music, while separate problem (and dynamics for the first time. Ricket, who was in detention pursuits, explore many interre- yes, it’s a big Even Red is redeemed in the because when a wasp flew in the lated ideas. For more than 20 one) of bullying end, and is happily included in window of homeroom, he years, he has constructed a very and harassment the colourful number gang. smacked it with a chair. Why particular universe, populated at school level. Jessica Green, Leanne Hall is from Readings can’t Leon quit flicking Greg’s with angels and cherubs, skulls intrepid schoolteacher by day, Carlton ear and giving him wet willies? and patterns, music and has chosen this theme for her Even the smartest kid in the whimsical constructions. Eugene latest book, Theodork. She lays One Dragon’s Dream class is up to no good. He stole Carchesio’s capacity to reveal the bare this climate, in a heartfelt Peter Pavey a dictionary and made their sublime in the mundane and to and sympathetic way. Our hero Walker. PB. $15.95 whole class stay in school for produce moments of stillness Theodore Erasmus Daniels (are When I saw this book was three whole days – more bad and wonder resonates with you cringing already?), zoned being reprinted I got terribly news. In this Diary of a Wimpy audiences long after they away from his primary school excited. One Dragon’s Dream is Kid, there’s more mischief, encounter his works. This book buddies, finds himself in the the first book I remember and I more mayhem, and of course, is published in association with new, daunting high school set- was obsessed with its intricate, more comedy. The main a comprehensive survey of the ting. Initially optimistic about beautiful illustrations. Basically characters in this hilarious book artist’s work. the year ahead, this is quickly a counting book, the story re- are wimpy old Greg Heffley, 20 crushed with a few choice jibes The Adoration human creatures, modern gladi- then the characters in this book about his name, and a wacky of Jenna Fox ators, and large kindly women, will delight you. I loved them misunderstanding with another Mary Pearson the consolers, who stand against all. For ages nine and up. student. The bullying continues, A&U. PB. $17.95 the cruel regime. Winner of the Alexa Dretze is from no matter what Theo does. But Jenna Fox can’t prestigious Prix Saint Exupery Readings Hawthorn this book is funny! Green’s wry remember who and inspired by the memory of humour makes a grim topic she is. When she British contralto Kathleen Fer- A Small Free highly amusing and wakes from a rier it had me playing her CD Kiss In The Dark readable. As a reader you really coma, her while I read it. 13+ Glenda Millard feel for Theo, as the scenarios parents tell her Kathy Kozlowski is A&U. PB. $16.95 here are highly plausible. she was in an from Readings Carlton War hits A must for young people accident. They Melbourne and (ages 9-13) and educators alike! won’t say what kind of accident Paper Towns a young Julia Jackson is from and they won’t tell her why John Green homeless boy Readings Carlton they’ve fled her hometown of Harper. PB. $15.99 and an old Boston. There’s a lot they won’t When Margo homeless man Young Adult tell her. Jenna’s memory is a Roth become the core KINGDOM ON puzzle of missing pieces – she Spiegelman, the for a ramshackle THE WAVES: THE can recite whole passages of über-cool and family trying to survive. The ASTONISHING Walden Pond, but she can’t very beautiful humanity of people who have LIFE OF OCTAVIAN remember simple words or the queen of school nothing is the essence of this NOTHING, VOLUME TWO names and faces of her friends. and town, chose book and the poignancy of M.T. Anderson So she watches the home Quentin, her damaged people who can still Walker. HB. $29.95 movies made by her parents and next-door neighbour to give emotionally and materially We are in the begins to feel that there is a accompany her in one night of is central to the story. Beauti- eighteenth world of difference between the wild misdemeanor and witty fully written and sensitively century and the Jenna she was and the Jenna she revenge, he wondered how told, I strongly urge you to read War of Indepen- is now. What has changed? Can things would be changed it. For ages 12 and up. AD dence is raging she ever get back those pieces of between them at school next Non-Fiction in North herself she’s lost? The Adoration day. But Margo Roth America. of Jenna Fox is a riveting story Spiegelman never came back, 100% Me: The how, Octavian is a of self-discovery set in a leaving the only clues to her why and when of slave who is fighting for his not-so-distant and highly whereabouts in an old Bob growing up freedom by joining with the plausible future. The mystery Dylan poster and the poetry of Elinor Greenwood King’s Army, who have promised of Jenna’s past uncovers ques- Walt Whitman. Quentin and & Alexander Cox tions about ethics, identity and his friends search for her in freedom to all slaves who fight DK. HB. $19.95 advances in medical technol- paper towns and abandoned with them. After a fierce battle, This unisex ogy. This is an excellent read, subdivisions, while Quentin Octavian and his fellow soldiers book presents and though the themes might tries to puzzle out who she is – are pushed into retreat onto a the facts, gives sound weighty it never be- this beautiful paper girl. John number of ships off the coast of advice and tack- comes bogged down thanks Green has an ear for contempo- Virginia. Waiting it out, les the myths to the wonderfully stubborn rary YA culture and the heart to Octavian learns just how unique of puberty in a and inquisitive Jenna. The affirm the myriad ways of living his exemplary classical education cool way that twists and turns will keep you through it. An elusive story is – his companions cannot read. will be an excel- guessing until the last page, and which invites close reading, He uses his skills and time to lent reference for young people, questioning the true nature of though I also found it a record his experiences on the families and schools. It packs humanity. compulsive holiday read. KK ships and the life stories of other just the right amount of infor- slaves, learning of the hardships Holly Harper is from The 10PM Question mation and tips not only on sex he has been spared and drawing Readings Malvern Kate De Goldi education, but many other issues conclusions about his own that adolescents encounter. Also Winter Song A&U. PB. $17.95 origins. Yes, you will need to it will be great for the opposite Jean-Claude Mourlevat Frankie is an intelligent, artistic read volume one, Pox Party (PB, sex to get a handle on what’s 12-year-old boy who has a $18.95), which won the Walker. PB. $16.95 happening with each other at warm, loving family, but he is National Book Award in the US. Set in an unknown country, this crucial time. For ages nine anxious – and his anxieties are Written in Octavian’s peculiar at an unspecified date, this and up. AD voice, these are challenging reads fast-paced novel of escape and defining and confining his life. for Aussie young adults, who resistance feels both strange and Then along comes Sydney, a Evolution would benefit from some oddly familiar. When four or- girl so alive and bold that he is Revolution historical background before phaned teenagers escape from an at once invigorated and more Robert Winston oppressive boarding school they fearful. Everything that he has delving into Octavian’s world. DK. HB. $29.95 begin to learn the truth about attempted to keep organised Adults should not be put off by This colourful illustrated guide their courageous families. One and unquestioned suddenly ap- the fact that these books live in to evolutionary science – and the of the four, Milena, not only has pears to be fragile and exposed. the young adult section – these man behind it, Charles Dar- her mother’s beauty, but also her The 10pm Question sparkles are works of literary genius that win – is beautifully presented mother’s voice – the voice which with Frankie’s worried wit, deserve a much wider readership and engagingly written. Explore inspired the resistance until it the antics of his adored aunts, in Australia. I cannot praise lands of fire, meet curious crea- was silenced. Now it lives again. the silence of his Mum and of them highly enough! tures and peer into the future, There is a sort of intense French course Sydney. If you liked Mil- Bruno Moro is from as you follow the search for the passion to this big rambling lions by Frank Cottrell Boyce Readings Malvern origins of species. novel, full of brave, half wild and/or Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, 21 Readings Famous Bargain Table bargains on the web Per L’Australia: Christina Stead Dirty Blonde: Our new arrivals are regularly The Story of Hazel Rowley The Diaries of added to our website. Just click Italian Migration PB. Was $39.95. Now $15.95 Courtney Love on the Bargains tab at www. Julia Church This new edition Courtney Love readings.com.au. PB. Was $39.95. Now $15.95 of Hazel Rowley’s HB. Was $69.95. Now $17.95 ‘This richly highly acclaimed An astonishing The Architecture detailed, biography of and eclectic of Happiness sumptuously Christina Stead collection of Alain De Botton illustrated story brings to life one deeply personal of Italian of the most HB. Was $39.95. Now $16.95 artifacts migration to important The bestselling including Australia chroni- literary figures of her age. author considers personal letters, cles the grief how our private childhood and hardship of fleeing Europe, 1000 Years of homes and records, poetry, diary entries, and celebrates the intermingling English Literature public edifices song lyrics, fanzines, show of Italy’s vibrant culture with A Treasury of influence how flyers, and never-before-seen Australia’s own.’ – The Age Literary Manuscripts photographs. we feel, and how Chris Fletcher we could build Plastered: The Poster dwellings in which we would HB was $80. Now $29.95 Sailing the Wine Art of Australian From the Dark Sea: Why stand a better chance of Popular Music happiness. unique the Greeks Matter Murray Walding 10th-century Thomas Cahill MURDER IN JERUSALEM with Nick Vukovic manuscript of HB. Was $55.00. Now $16.95 Batya Gur PB. Was $39.95. Now $14.95 Beowulf to the The Greeks work of such HB. Was $49.95 Now $16.95 With thousands invented twentieth- Through the of posters everything from century authors eyes of Batya created every Western warfare as T.S. Eliot and Sylvia Plath, Gur and her year by hun- to mystical this beautifully illustrated book finest creation, dreds of prayer, from presents over 1000 years of Chief Superin- designers, artists logic to original manuscripts. tendent Michael and bands, statecraft. Many Plastered offers a of their achievements, particu- Ohayon, the Emergency Sex: complexities of passing glimpse into the world larly in art and philosophy, are of popular music poster art. And Other widely celebrated; other modern Isreal are treated with Desperate Measures an intimate familiarity and rare important innovations and Naming of Names: Kenneth Cain, depth of understanding. accomplishments, however, are The Search for Heidi Postlewait unknown or underappreciated. The Producer: Order in the & Andrew Thomson John Hammond World of Plants HB. Was $44.95. Now $16.95 Men for Men: and the Soul of Anna Pavord In this startling HOMOEROTICISM American Music HB. Was $89. Now $19.95 celebration of AND MALE Dunstan Prial Redefining the strength of HOMOSEXUALITY HB was $54.00. Now $14.95 man’s relation- the human spirit IN THE HISTORY From Billie ship with nature and the power of OF PHOTOGRAPHY, Holliday to Bob was a major friendship, three 1840-2006 Dylan; John pursuit during United Nations Pierre Borhan Hammond was the Renaissance. workers share & Gilles Mora one of the most But in a world their true stories of fighting for HB. Was $160. Now $49.95 charismatic full of poisons, sanity in the face of atrocities, In this ground- figures in there was also an urgent mass graves, desperate loneliness breaking book, American practical need to name and and primal desires. the whole music, a man who put on recognize different plants. history of the record much of the music we The Collected Poems genre is charted Beethoven Was cherish today. of Ted Hughes from its One Sixteenth Black Ted Hughes clandestine Uncommissioned Art Nadine Gordimer HB. Was $99.95. Now $29.95 origins to its Christine Dew HB. Was $41.95. Now $16.95 The Collected open glorification, including the HB. Was $39.95. Now $29.95 In these new Poems represents work of photographic masters Beautifully stories, Nadine Ted Hughes’s such as Brassai and August illustrated with Gordimer poetry of five Sander, as well as the notorious images from crosses the decades, underground excursions of Australia’s frontiers of including such Robert Mapplethorpe. We can world-renowned politics, poems as follow how a homosexual view graffiti and memory, ‘Crow’, ‘Wod- has now shaped the new street art scene. sexuality and wo’ and ‘Birthday Letters’. iconography of fashion and the love, with fearless insight. public male image. 22

Books

Bad Girl Extremely Loud and Mario Vargas Llosa Incredibly Close Small Presses HB. Was $49.95. Now $24.95 Jonathon Safran Foer Ricardo HB. Was $49.95. Now $19.95 Big Books Somocurcio is Now, with in love with a humor, tender- Postcards From the Asylum (Pardalote Press) bad girl. ness, and awe, Karen Knight, $23.95 Whoever the Safran Foer Knight captures with disarming skill, sensitivity bad girl turns confronts the and piercing black humour her experiences as up as – whether traumas of our an inmate at the Royal Derwent Psychiatric it’s Madame recent history. Hospital in 1969. Robert Arnoux, the wife of a What he high-ranking UNESCO fficial, discovers is solace in that most or Kuriko, the mistress of a human quality, imagination. sinister Japanese businessman – ' Foer gambles on the power Morris In Iceland (Puncher & Wattman) and however poorly she treats of his protagonist's voice to Alex Jones, RRP $27.95 him, Ricardo is doomed to transform the cataclysm from The follow-up to the successful Helen Garner & the worship her. raw current event to a tragedy Meaning of Everything, this novel weaves William at once visceral and mythical. Morris’ voice with the story of the staging of an Decca: Unafraid to show his trau- inner city opera of his life. The Letters of matized characters' constant Jessica Mitford groping for emotional cathar- Peter Sussman (ed.) sis, Foer demonstrates once HB. Was $59.95. Now $19.95 again that he is one of the few Over her 78 contemporary writers willing to Crime Time (Ford Street Publishing) years, Decca’s risk sentimentalism in order to Sue Bursztynski, $16.95 letters are the address great questions of truth, Illustrated true Australian crime stories ranging most tangible love and beauty.' - Publisher's from Ned Kelly through to serial killers, fraud- tracks left of a Weekly sters and modern celebrity criminals. Introduction by Kerry Greenwood. remarkable life – from her Modern Architecture childhood as the Jonathan Glancey SPUNC daughter of a British peer (Lord PB. Was $29.95. Now $12.95 spunc.com.au Redesdale) to her scandalous A brand new SPUNC represents more than 50 Australian small publishers. Check them out online today elopement to the Spanish Civil edition of this War with her cousin Esmond visually Romilly, to her life in the stunning and @EEF:Spike Milligan his many years of involvement in the region to provide the from around the world. inside story of the last time the United States employed Spike Milligan sustained diplomacy to end the Arab-Israeli conflict and HB. Was $59.95. Now $29.95 change the behaviour of rogue regimes in Iraq and Iran. A Hateship Friendhip, A wide range fascinating and candid examination of the consequences Courtship, Loveship, when American naïveté meets Middle Eastern cynicism. of Spike Mil- Marriage ligan’s unpub- lished work is THE View From 9<8LK@=LC 9FP brought into Castle Rock ;Xm`[ J_\]] the public Runaway ))%0, s GXg\iYXZb s GfZb\k 9ffbj domain for the Alice Munro David Sheff’s book is a real-time chronicle of a teenager’s first time in this PB. Were $24.95 each. shocking descent into substance abuse and the painful wittily produced volume. recovery told from a parent’s point of view. With haunting Now $12.95 each candour, Sheff traces the first subtle warning signs, the Three wonderful collections of denial, the late-night phone calls, the attempts at rehab To Rule the Waves: short stories by arguably one and, at last, the way past addiction. How the British Navy of the world’s great writers. Shaped the Modern If you haven’t tried Alice Munro World K?< 8IK F= CFM< – do yourself a favour. Arthur Herman N`cc`Xd J_Xb\jg\Xi\ +0%0, s ?Xi[YXZb s ;leZXe 9Xì[ GlYc`j_\ij PB. Was $31.95. Now $15.95 is classic silk-bound edition includes the most eloquent To Rule the love passages in Shakespeare’s plays and poetry. Fully Waves tells the illustrated with sublime graphic embellishments, this extraordinary book is a true collector’s edition, a beautiful gift and a story of how the fantastic resource. British Royal Navy allowed England to rise to a level of power unprecedented in history. 23

Books

FEED YOUR MIND WITH A UQP BOOK

GUILT ABOUT THE PAST Bernhard Schlink

From international bestselling author Bernhard Schlink comes Guilt about the Past.

Essential reading for anyone wanting to understand how events of the past can affect a nation’s future. $26.95 / Non-ﬁction 978 0 7022 3714 Jan

SERIOUS FROLIC: Essays on Australian Humour Fran De Groen & Peter Kirkpatrick (eds.)

Stimulating, outrageous and downright amusing, this groundbreaking collection of essays takes a serious look at Australia’s unique humour - in literature, in performance and in life. $39.95 / Non-ﬁction 978 0 7022 3688 4 Jan

LITERARY ACTIVISTS Brigid Rooney

This insightful book explores the intimate connection between writers and political activism through analysing the lives of some of Australia’s foremost writers including: Helen Garner, David Malouf, Tim Winton, Judith Wright, Patrick White, Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) and Les Murray. $39 95 / Non-ﬁction 978 0 7022 3662 4 Feb

THE ANATOMY OF WINGS Karen Foxlee

‘An exceptional novel.’ SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

2008 Winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book (South-East Asia/Paciﬁc Region)

A multi-award winning debut novel which eloquently captures the stark realities and family fallout created by teenage death in a small town. $24.95 / Fiction 978 0 7022 3698 3 Feb

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND PRESS

www.uqp.com.au

24 New Release DVDs LORD OF THE FLIES ANGELA ANACONDA NED KELLY DVD of the $34.95 $19.95 $14.95. Released 14 Feb This original This original, The production Month screen adapta- wildly irreverent of this movie MAN ON WIRE tion of William animated was the event $29.95 Golding’s children’s series that kick-started An amusing masterpiece is a follows the the golden era and engaging chilling moral adventures of of Australian look at tight- tale about the one spunky gal cinema in the rope walker nature of and her posse 70s. The Philippe Petit’s humanity. When their airplane of equally wacky pals. industry was virtually non- daring, but crashes on a deserted island, the existent, but that changed with illegal, high- group of young boys are left DEREK the arrival of rock superstar wire routine without adults, and two strong $34.95. Released 18 Feb Mick Jagger and hotshot performed between New York personalities vie for leadership. From 1976 to director Tony Richardson. City’s World Trade Center’s 1992, Derek What was more amazing was Twin Towers in 1974. This TRANSYLVANIA Jarman was the that they were filming a movie documentary plays like a heist $29.95 most crucial about one of our greatest film, with as much anxiety and The latest figure in British adventurers ... Ned Kelly. daring going into planning as musical odyssey independent the feat itself. Often referred from Gatlif sees cinema. He lived PATRICK to as the artistic crime of the a beautiful as a gay man $24.95 century!! young woman, surfing the joys of gay liberation This is one of Zingarina, travel and the sorrows of AIDS, and as the lost Austra- SENTIMENTAL BLOKE through a painter and participant lian genre films $49.95 Transylvania, observer. A moving collage of of the 1970s. Raymond deep in the heart of Romania, rare home movies, film clips, Patrick lies Longford’s looking for the father of her and interviews, and a cinematic comatose in a classic film The unborn child. As she searches love letter from actress Tilda hospital bed Sentimental among the Romany gypsy Swinton. while Dr. Roget Bloke has been community, she violently falls (Robert Helpmann!!) calls him fully restored for the world-worn Tchangalo. THE DUCHESS: a vegetable with no brain and is presented UNCUT EDITION function. Patrick’s mind, with a huge ETERNITY MAN $39.95 though, is very active and he package of extras. Arthur $29.95 Based on the starts to exert a deadly influence Touchert’s touching portrayal of Julien Temple remarkable, true on those around him. the bloke, a Sydney larrikin collaborated story of the who foregoes his life of playing with composer beautiful, 88 MINUTES two-up and drinking when he Jonathan Mills powerful, and $29.95 falls in love with pickle factory and poet notoriously Al Pacino stars girl Doreen, is an essential part Dorothy Porter scandalous in a thriller of Australian culture. to create this Duchess of about a college operatic portrait Devonshire, it portrays a professor who TRUMBO of Sydney icon Arthur Stace, an woman who became one of the receives a death $29.95 ex-alcoholic who spent 40 years world’s first celebrities, adored threat telling One of Holly- inscribing ‘Eternity’ on the by all save one ... her husband. him he has only wood’s best pavements of Sydney’s streets in Yet, for all her power and 88 minutes to screenwriters, perfect cursive. notoriety, she must sacrifice all live. Narrowing down possible Donald Trumbo to set her passionate heart free. suspects, he frantically tries to was responsible CSNY: DEJA VU communicate with a problem for such classics $29.95. Released 14 Feb HENRY POOLE IS HERE student, an ex-girlfriend and a as Roman Deja Vu finds $39.95. Released 25 Feb killer on death row. Holiday, the band Luke Wilson is Papillon and Johnny Got His heading out on Henry Poole, a HECKLER Gun. But in 1947 he was their Freedom man suffering $24.95 charged with being a member Of Speech 2006 an existential Today’s biggest of the ‘Hollywood 10’ and tour of North crisis when stand-up jailed for his supposed commu- America, faced with his comics, nist sympathies. Almost broken featuring music imminent directors and by the blacklist, Trumbo from Neil Young’s controversial death-but the actors unite in continued to pen scripts under Living With War CD. The film discovery of a ‘miracle’ by his this comedy. pseudonyms, culminating in documents audience reactions nosey neighbour restores his A fast-moving, the 1957 unclaimed Oscar to the music and the band’s faith in life. A life-affirming, claws-out look scandal for The Brave One. But ongoing connection with its feel-good comedy drama in the at the often brutal relationship in 1960, he broke the blacklist fans, all against the backdrop tradition of Garden State and between performers and their back ... of the Iraq/Afghanistan war. Life as a House. most vocal critics.

DVDs

BURN AFTER READING SHELTER $39.95. Released 25 Feb $29.95 A disc contain- When his ing the memoirs college dreams Around the world people have responded of an alcoholic are sidelined by to the horrors of poverty. Yet it still persists. and former CIA family obliga- agent ends up in tions, a young In this provocative and the hands of man finds compelling book, Dambisa two unscrupu- comfort with his Moyo argues that the most lous gym best friend's important challenge we employees, who attempt to sell brother. As Zach and Shaun face today is to destroy the it. An oversexed, fanatically fit, move closer, Zach struggles to myth that Aid actually works. lactose-intolerant federal reconcile his own desires with In the modern globalized economy, simply handing marshal unexpectantly gets the needs of his family. A out more money, however involved in the blackmail. The beautiful feature debut from well intentioned, will not help Coen Brothers, Clooney, Pitt, director Jonah Markowitz. the poorest nations achieve McDormand, Malkovich and sustainable long-term growth. Swinton. Need I say more!!!!!! Dead Aid analyses the history of economic development over CARAMEL the last fifty years and shows $39.95. Released 19 Feb how Aid crowds out financial Six women in and social capital and directly Beirut seek love, causes corruption. marriage, and There is, however, an alternative. companionship Dambisa Moyo also shows how, with improved access to capital and find duty, and markets and with the right policies, even the poorest nations friendship could be allowed to prosper. and possibility. The question asked is – is delight a possibility? Is caramel a sweet or an instrument of pain? For the latest news and subscriber only benefits sign up to our monthly Penguin newsletter at penguin.com.au/readmore Queer Campaign Reel 2 for $15 Sale To coincide with the introduc- We also continue our Reel 2 for tion of our permanent Queer $15 sale till the end of Febru- Cinema Section within the ary. Heaps of titles for $9.95 Sustainable Australian Travel DVD area of our Carlton each, or take advantage of the For Dummies Michael Grosvenor Store, Readings is pleased to 2 for $15. Titles include introduce the Queer Campaign Crossing Guard, Girl with a Australia has unmatched natural throughout February and Pearl Earring, Proof, Romper scenery, idyllic beaches and crystal March entitled Another Gay Stomper and Bad Education. blue waters, serene bushwalking Summer. The sale includes a opportunities, and great cities and selection of 12 premium titles towns. It’s also leading the world in from under $20 each. This offering travellers the opportunity coincides with Queer Festivals to see all of these attractions in Sydney, Melbourne, Mid- with less of an environmental summa Melbourne, Mardi Gras impact — and without giving up any and Big Gay Day in Brisbane. of their creature comforts! Movies include Breakfast with 1# t 8JMFZ "VT t Scot, Shelter, Loving Annabelle, Circuit, Clara’s Summer, Latter State of Deception: The Days and Another Gay Movie. Power of Nazi Propaganda Steven Luckert, Susan Bachrach

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26 New Release CDs songs are great and I can recom- OUR BRIGHT FUTURE include tracks that are reminis- Album of mend this album highly. Tracy Chapman cent of this style, Beck’s true gift Dave Clarke is from Readings $24.95 is his constant re-invention. the Month Carlton It is now 20 He pushes the boundaries and CRYING LIGHT years since it’s damn great to hear. Antony & The Johnsons WORKING ON A DREAM Tracy Chap- Blaise Murphet is from Normally $27.95 Bruce Springsteen man burst on Readings Port Melbourne Our special price for Feb $22.95 CD/DVD version. the scene with It’s been nearly Normally $30.95 her amazing EASY COME EASY GO four years Our special price $22.95 debut album. She has not Marianne Faithfull since we heard The iconic, managed to reach either the $35.95 from Antony multi award- sales heights or quality of that This superb double album and the winning Bruce album since then. This does not from the legendary Marianne Johnsons. In Springsteen mean her records are not worth Faithfull contains some of her between studio visits we heard has returned pursuing: she remains one of finest recordings. Working him mix it up with the disco with this the finest performers of once more with Strange Weather sounds of Hercules and Love brand new album Working On pop-folk singer-songwriters producer Hal Willner, Faithfull Affair, which was a great A Dream, featuring the E Street today. This album is another covers a range of songs originally opportunity to hear his voice go Band and produced by long- fine example of her skills and is recorded by such artists as Billie from torch song to dance track. term collaborator Brendan worth exploring for the Holiday, Merle Haggard, Mor- On the new album there is no O’Brien. The album’s feel is beautiful song Save Us All. DC risey and Dolly Parton! Faith- sign of his disco flirt; the reminiscent of The Beach Boys full’s voice, though older, retains themes are far from fun. The in their experimental period. FINALLY LP its richness, enabling her to Crying Light feels like it has Great pop songs, most with Mark Kozelek achieve some remarkable results. stepped up from the cabaret orchestration while just a few $29.95 On this collection she is ably style of Antony delivering his stick to his folk roots (even Whilst many artists may cover assisted by Nick Cave, Antony personal songs from behind his those are orchestrated like the other artists’ songs on albums, Hegarty, Rufus Wainwright, Cat piano, accompanied by the new classic Outlaw Pete). none take the song and make Power, and old mate Keith Rich- Johnsons. The arrangements on Springsteen is in full voice here it their own quite like Mark ards. The Dirty Three’s Warren this album feel much bigger; on what promises to be another Kozelek. This latest collection Ellis contributes his violin to with an orchestra used on most huge release. Standout songs includes reworkings of tracks by three songs. Bluesy, smokey, and of the tracks, the album has an include Lucky Day, Surprise Husker Du, Will Oldham, and highly enjoyable, this collection almost theatrical feel. Whereas Surprise and the moving Last even AC/DC (Kozelek is seem- shows that Marianne Faithfull the last album sounds like it Carnival, a song written for the ingly fascinated by our home- has lost none of her vocal skills. was performed in a New York late great Danny Federici and grown heroes – he has previ- Mark Azzopardi is from basement bar full of poets, this intended as a second instalment ously released an entire album Readings Hawthorn one sounds like it could be a to Wild Billy’s Circus Story. The of AC/DC covers). Everything night at the opera with the album also includes the song he here is done in the very soft and NOBLE BEAST Upper West Side set. The music recently won a Golden Globe dreamy fashion that Kozelek Andrew Bird and arrangements really have award for – the theme song to has made his signature of late. $24.95 matured and grown. Lyrically, the move The Wrestler. We have This is most certainly a wel- Andrew Bird’s it feels he is dealing with narra- limited quantities of the bonus come addition to his quite large latest solo tives rather than just personal DVD edition which includes and varied discography. release, Noble anguish. Stand-out tracks are seven songs from the album. Pete Spark is from Beast, is a the haunting title track Crying Lou Fulco is from Readings Port Melbourne stunning Light and the percussive-driven Readings Carlton negotiation Kiss My Name. Performing this Week between intricacy and simplicity. Shannon Caine is Readings' MERRIWEATHER POST Live at Ronnie Scotts The melancholy hue to his lyrics New York correspondent PAVILION Jeff Beck and the introversion apparent in Animal Collective $25.95 the album’s meticulous arrange- FAMILIAR GHOST $27.95 Many fans of Jeff Beck place ments are countered by a Shane Nicholson This album has all the indie him in the same Guitar-God melodic abandon and wit. $29.95 kids frothing at the mouth stratosphere as the likes of Eric Almost ambitious in its beauty, Released late last year, it made to declare it the album of the Clapton and Jimmy Page. And his lyricism unifies a palette of it into my favourite albums of year – yes, we are talking about although this album doesn’t self-proclaimed influences: the year list but I thought it 2009, which has barely begun. quite match the best of those gypsy, country blues, early jazz, deserved a full review to help A genre-defying album which luminaries it is a very strong classical music and folk-rock. make people aware of it. He takes Radiohead at their most album that certainly shows that More than a mere assembly, the is now known as Mr Kasey experimental, mixes in some Beck is a master guitar player. dense beds of looping and Chambers and their collabora- Beach Boys harmonies and Beck’s style lies somewhere layering for which he is well tion last year (Rattlin’ Bones) adds multiple sonic layers. between Jazz and Rock and this known have been fashioned into was a beauty too. On this his It is certainly a ‘dense’ record live performance draws on these songs with an intimate appeal debut solo album, he has opted and not easily consumed but genres heavily. Beck’s early career and focus. The result is an album for a very simple acoustic ap- it’s not without its rewards. saw him working with the likes equally beguiling and soulful. proach. He played everything It may just take some time of Rod Stewart and The Yard- Lisa Illean is from and produced it himself. The to find them. DC birds and whilst this release does Readings Carlton 27

CDs

Kicking Indifference some Buffalo Springfield music and for being a signed The Pictures classics such as Broken Arrow up door-knocking Tony Blair Soul $24.95 and ‘Mr. Soul’ Sugar Mountain supporter, cites the harmonis- MOTOWN 50 From the Live at Canterbury Houses, ing influence of American Various opening bars captures a moment in time gospel music, which is there, 3CD set $29.95 of the killer where a timeless artist was fast no doubt, but is rendered Motown is 50. The classic US first track Can becoming a legend. Highly slightly eerie, slightly cold, by soul label is probably the most You Hear It, recommended. JP the sprawling electronic fields, famous label of Black American you can and by Byrne’s lyrical knack for music of the 60sand 70s (Stax understand why The Pictures Welcome to the the unnerving, domestic & Atlantic might argue other- are a must-see/must-hear act. Welcome Wagon portrait. There are half a dozen wise.) This set contains pretty With melodious guitar pop Welcome Wagon absolute knock-out tracks, the much all the greats, including workouts (Can You Hear It), $24.95 best of which, Strange Over- Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, stompin’ horns and hand claps The Brooklyn- tones, is an instant classic, and Jackson 5, Supremes, Commo- (Thank You Honey) catchy based hus- a couple which are slightly dores, Diana Ross and more. muscular ballads (Better Let Go) band-wife more jagged, less instantly A great introduction to the label. and sing along anthemic rock team of friendly. But what shines Dan Gries is from (The Lion’s Share of You) Davey Reverend Vito through everything, darkly at Readings Carlton Lane and Luke Thomas have and Monique times, is a yearning, a not delivered an album to consoli- Auto enlisted acclaimed musical unhappy nostalgia for both date their position as one of figure Sufjan Stevens as their past and future, in the midst of country’s finest. Highly producer to make an album the glittering, half-real present. Jazz Yesterdays recommended. Buy this album. that sounds a lot like … a Miles Allinson is from Grab a relaxin’ beverage. Turn it Sufjan Stevens album. That Readings St Kilda. Keith Jarrett Trio up loud. Move. Shake. Sing. being said, many people (like $32.95 James Power is from yours truly) are Sufjan Stevens Silence is Wild Jarrett Readings St Kilda fans and this offering full of Frida Hyvonen celebrates his gospel-tinged folk tunes that 24.95 long-overdue No Time To Die vary from the rich orchestration The second induction into Fireside Bellows of Sold! To the Nice Rich Man album from the Dowbeat $29.95 (hello … Sufjan) to the bleak this eccentric Hall of Fame Local troubadour Jordie Lane Christian austerity of Deep Were Swedish with another exquisite standards has teamed up with now His Wounds, and Red has many singer-song- trio recording with Gary Melbourne-based Canadian qualities that make this album writer-pianist Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. songstress Tracy McNeil to deliv- an enjoyable listening experi- is a huge growth from her The best news, wallet-wise, is er one of the more beautiful al- ence. JP endearingly minimal debut, that it’s his first single disc in six bums of recent times. Although 2006's Until Death Comes. This years after a run of (superb) recorded in Brunswick, a rich Everything That time the songs are as fragile double sets. There’s always the stream of Americana roots and Happens Will and achingly beautiful, but repeat button once the disc’s bluegrass runs through the al- Happen Today filigreed with strings, horns over, and after a particularly bum, evoking such luminaries as David Byrne and percussion. An acknowl- zippy, bop-inflected set that Gillian Welch and David Rawl- and Brian Eno edged fan of the great Judee punctuates the expected ballads with Charlie Parker’s Scrapple ings (particularly the haunting $29.95 Sill, Frida also bears compari- From The Apple, Parker/ Lost), Flying Burrito Brothers So many son with tour-mates Jens Gillespie’s Shaw ‘Nuff and and Emmylou Harris. The main musical acts Lekman and Jose Gonzalez, as Horace Silver’s Strollin’, that’s attraction of Fireside Bellows, these days well as the classic pillars of where you’ll be a-reachin’. We though, is the heavenly blend of seem to be high melancholy such as also have a great new Jarrett Lane and McNeil’s harmonies, half-dead Cohen, Mitchell etc., but standards two-disc DVD, Live in which make this album a must already by the ultimately she's too kooky to Japan 93/96 ($39.95). RM have for any relaxin’ evening. JP time anyone notices them. Call sound like anyone else. I get this the fickleness of fashion the feeling that Frida will never Sugar Mountain exactly be the life of the party, New York Days perhaps, which spits out the Enrico Rava Live At Canterbury husks of most things without but yes, you could call these House 1968 digesting them. We’re often left songs inspirational, in their $32.95 Neil Young with the spectacle of success own depressing way. Sweden Rava, perhaps CD & DVD. $29.95 rather than the product of any must be a land of enigmas, the greatest The third genuine talent. And then, because Frida plays slow living Italian volume in his against this tide, there’s Brian ballads that sound like jazz musician, Neil Young Eno and David Byrne, thank barrelhouse blues, and can continues his Archive god. Everything That Happens infuse a song about dancing to purple patch Performance Will Happen Today, appar- Kylie with the gravitas of a on ECM. Here the great Series takes us ently. It sounds, in all aspects, Calvinist hymn. In my private trumpeter has an eclectic quintet: back to an acclaimed and a little like the past, a little like universe, Gold FM will be longtime pianist Stefano Bollani, fan-beloved legendary concert, something Miranda July might flogging this album 20 years American rhythm section legends just before the release of his say and a little like a kind of from now, perhaps sandwiched Paul Motian (Bill Evans, Monk, self-titled debut solo album. alternate future, which we between Talk Talk and that Jarrett, solo, etc) and Larry Featuring stripped-back raw never quite got around to song about the storm by that Grenadier (Metheny, Mehldau), acoustic performances of tracks stepping into. Eno, who is not guy from Supertramp. and the thoughtful young tenor from the aforementioned as famous as he should be for Richard Mohr is a friend player Mark Turner. Rava’s landmark album, as well as creating the Windows start-up of Readings crystalline lines slice through the 28

CDs accompaniment as his sidemen music accessible and contempo- go off on tangents that just rary-sounding, with virtuoso happen, miraculously, to be acoustic guitar work and a real parallel. You can throw adjectives soulful edge that evokes some of Gala Concert Spectacular like cool, free, and timeless at this the best singer-songwriter albums music, but ultimately it rejects around at the moment. Carmina description. RM Paul Barr is from Readings Carlton

Before the Ruin Burana Folk/World Kris Drever, Melos John McCusker & Bluebeard’s Castle UT Gandhi, & Roddy Woomble 7.30pm 21 February Vassilis Tsabropoulos, $29.95 the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall Anja Lechner, Billed as a folk supergroup of sorts, this laid-back, melancholy Conducted by Richard Gill $ 32.95 album is the result of three and featuring A few years friends’ music-making over the Victorian Opera Chorus back the several afternoons. Drever from and Orchestra Victoria genre-proof Orkney is a superb guitarist and Greek pianist/ sometime member of the Lau composer and – the hottest traditional band the German from Scotland at the moment. cellist surprised us with the McCusker multi-instrumen- uniquely captivating Chants, talist and producer, formerly Dances and Hymns, featuring of the Kate Rusby Band and mesmeric readings of music by The Battlefield Band, is cur- the Greek-Armenian mystic G.I rently playing fiddle for Mark Gurdjieff mixed with Tsabro- Knopfler. Roddy Woomble is poulos originals. Well it’s no new to me, but has come from longer unique, because they’ve Mozart’s highly respected indie rock followed it up with the best band Idlewild. A couple of pop sequel since Godfather 2! This is stars guest on the album (mem- a trancelike experience drawing Don bers of Teenage Fanclub and on Middle Eastern modes and Radiohead), but this is really a Byzantine hymns, and augment- superior folk-pop album, with Giovanni ed by the incredibly subtle, lots of traditional instrumental sophisticated percussion of new accompaniment, that takes a 6 Performances only addition U.T. Gandhi. Perhaps while to reveal its charms. PB March 3 – 14 inspired by Gandhi’s shifting textures, Tsabropoulos and The National Theatre, St Kilda Lechner themselves are more elaborate in their playing this Bestsellers of 2008 Mozart’s towering opera about the time around, weaving a 2008 was a huge year for legendary seducer, energetically brought to life by polyrhythmic, multicultural Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, director Jean-Pierre Mignon mosaic. RM he released his debut solo al- and conductor Richard Gill. bum Gurrumul after years with Featuring a sparkling cast Mireu el Nostre Mar the Saltwater Band and before and introducing Ferran Savall that Yothu Yindi. Gurrumul was baritone Samuel Dundas far and away our number one $29.95 as Don Giovanni. There aren’t too seller for the year. In fact we many Catalan have never had a faster seller at albums that get Readings! released here, but this beautiful Readings Top Ten Tickets from $30 1. Gurrumul. collection oozes cross-over appeal. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Book Now: 1300 723 038* Ferran belongs to the famous 2. Viva La Vida. Coldplay. Savall clan, best known in early or Ticketmaster.com.au* 3. I Know You’re Married But music circles and at 22 years he is I’ve Got Feelings Too. *Booking fees may apply already a veteran performer at Martha Wainwright. Barcelona folk and jazz clubs. 4. Watershed. KD Lang. Ferran is a very expressive singer 5. Jungle Blues. CW Stoneking. and accompanies himself on 6. Dig Lazarus Dig. Nick Cave. nylon string guitar, with some 7. Mahler Complete Symphonies. help from a few friends. The Simon Rattle. songs are traditional Catalan folk Great Opera at Great Prices! 8. Fleet Foxes. Fleet Foxes. songs, as well as originals and 9. So Frenchy So Chic 2008. songs from South America and Government Partner Major Partner University Partner Foundation Partner Performance Partner Various. the odd poem by Rilke. Savall has 10. Only By The Night. really succeeded in making this Kings of Leon. 29 Tasmanian Symphony Orches- before settling in England). The tra. Five of the great names of group hopes to reclaim Handel Australian music are featured in for Italy by exploring some of this new release from ABC the unique qualities that their Classical CDsXavier Diaz-Latorre is a brilliant Classics. Richard Meale, Brett native temperament can bring Classical CD performer and the sounds he Dean, Malcolm Williamson, to the music. Highly recom- entices from his Baroque guitar Peggy Glanville-Hicks and mended. PR of the Month are just magical. On the slower Gerard Brophy are represented Purcell: Dido Milestones: pieces, he creates just the right by a series of works of great and Aeneas 30 Years of Chandos amount of tension to only diversity from the Latin feel of Various enhance the music. When joined Malcolm Williamson’s Our Simone Kermes, by percussionist Pedro Estavan, Man in Havana, Richard Deborah York, Chandos ANNI0030 $119.95 Meale’s avant-garde side and This excellent the music takes on a lively, Teodor Currentzis. joyous feel that will stay with Brett Dean’s exploration of loss, MusicAeterna. box-set struggle, creativity and contem- celebrating you for a long time. To quote Alpha CD Alpha140 $32.95. one reviewer: ‘ Xavier Díaz- porary culture and if you’ve I love this 30 years of never explored the works of Chandos Latorre and Pedro Estevan create label. It their own personal interpreta- Glanville-Hicks and Gerard reminds recordings Brophy then you will be is a must for anyone who tion of Gaspar Sanz, making us me of Jordi feel he is contemporary and pleasantly surprised. A great Savall’s enjoys fine music. Packaged in start to the Classical year. PR a limited collectors’ edition, close to us. In so doing they are beautiful respecting the spirit of Sanz label Alia Vox and features this set features such Austra- Handel: 12 Concerti himself, who called on perform- the wonderful Christina lian artists as Yvonne Kenny, Grossi Op. 6 Charles Mackerras, guitarist ers to recreate written pieces Pluhar, who knows how to take through improvisation.’ PR Il Giardino Armonico, an old classical standard and Craig Ogden and British greats Giovanni Antonini such as Emma Kirkby, Nigel N.B. This item is in limited shake it up to give it her fresh, st Kennedy, Bryn Terfel, Richard supply. Decca. 4780319 inspiring, 21 century touch. Hickox and many more. There $39.95 So do Teodor Currentzis and are 30 CDs in the set and all are Gorecki: Life Journey Il Giardino the players of MusicAeterna, complete albums as released by Chamber Domaine Armonico, led the New Siberian Singers and Chandos. Highlights for me are Landor Records. LAN287 by the the soloists in this new record- the Shostakovich Violin Concer- $32.95 charismatic ing of Purcell’s masterpiece. tos as played by Lydia Mordko- As most of us and inspiring The emphasis on the theatrical vitch and Vaughan Williams’ know by now, Giovanni meaning is paramount in this London Symphony conducted Gorecki’s fame Antonini, make their first original instrument interpreta- by Richard Hickox. There are has been built appearance on the newly tion. So often, performances almost 35 hours of music here, on the success invigorated L’Oiseau Lyre label of this work can be stodgy all beautifully performed and of his Sym- with a wonderful new recording and staid. Here it is fresh, recorded. phony of Sorrowful Songs, of Handel’s 12 Concerti Grossi light and heartbreakingly Phil Richards is from especially the Dawn Upshaw op. 6 to mark the composer’s poignant all the way through. Readings Carlton recording, but there is a wealth anniversary year (2009). This Simone Kermes sings the role of beautiful music that has work has been recorded on of the abandoned Dido with largely gone unheard. On this numerous occasions and is one sensual delicacy. There isn’t disc, which features several of the mainstays of Baroque a disengaged moment from Classical Special world premieres, Chamber orchestral music. Il Giardino any of the players throughout of the Month Domaine have endeavoured to Armonico takes a characteristi- this hour of sublime music- Gaspar Sanz: present an overview of his cally dramatic and instinctively making. Bravo Alpha. Keep Instruccion de varied output, from intimate Italian view of the music em coming, please. musica para la pieces to large-scale ensemble (Handel did after all hone his Catherine Koerner is from guitarra espanola works published after his compositional skills in Italy Readings Hawthorn Danças de Rasgueado commercial breakthrough in y Punteado, asi como the 1990s. Of the latter, the diversos Sones now faster and with more titles and reviews de Palacio atmospheric and haunting Xavier Diaz-Latorre, Kleines Requiem für eine Polka op.66 is a highlight. Beautifully www.readings.com.au Pedro Estavan recorded and performed. PR ZIG ZAG. ZZT061002. Books cds dvds events Normally $34.95 Australian Composer See hundreds of book, Our special price $19.95 Series Vol. 3 For 2009’s first Tasmanian Symphony cd & DVD reviews, read special of the Orchestra our exclusive author month, I have interviews, find event ABC Classics. 4763218. $87.95 chosen this information, as well This is the excellent third volume as search, browse, recording from of the and buy online. the Zig Zag label. This CD excellent features pieces from Sanz’s ‘Australian musical magnum opus Musical Composer Instruction on the Spanish Guitar, Series’. This recording is again 1697 and several dance pieces. beautifully performed by the 30 FASSBINDER

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