Free november 2011 Readings Monthly

Allington on • Shaw on Steven Amsterdam urdoch). see page 12. image from cover of the new cookbook MoVida Co c ina ( M urdoch). see page

Murakami’s Masterpiece p 8

Highlights of November book, CD & DVD new releases. More inside.

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November event highlights : at Cinema Nova; plus chefs Luke Nguyen & Adriano Zumbo at Readings Hawthorn. More on p3.

All shops open 7 days, except State Library shop, which is open Monday - Saturday. Carlton 309 Lygon St 9347 6633 Hawthorn 701 Glenferrie Rd 9819 1917 Malvern 185 Glenferrie Rd 9509 1952 Port 253 Bay St 9681 9255 St Kilda 112 Acland St 9525 3852 Readings at the State Library of Victoria 328 Swanston St 8664 7540 email us at [email protected] Browse and buy online at www.readings.com.au and at ebooks.readings.com.au MARTIN WALKER ‘A winning combination ... One THE of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in a long time’ CROWDED Sunday Telegraph GRAVE brunochiefofpolice.com 2 Readings Monthly November 2011

From the Buyer Meet the bookseller with … When Jo Case, esteemed editor of this ThisWin a Master classMonth’s UBUD wRITERS News and Robbie Egan, Readings Carlton publication, asked me to pen this column with Frank Camorra readers fESTIVAL 2011 this month, I started to realise quite what a MoVida Cocina gives you a closer look at bumper publishing year we’ve had, and how the people, venues and dishes that have late 2011 is going to be all that and more! made the MoVida bars and restaurants So first up – Oz fiction is in almightily what they are today. Acclaimed chef and good health if 2011 is anything to go by. owner Frank Camorra takes us behind the Our book reviewers have had their hands scenes to reveal special techniques, signa- full with new work by a clutch of much- ture dishes and the pure joy of cooking that loved writers: , Elliot Perlman, infuses his life and work. Together with seven amazing women readers from Melbourne, I travelled to the , Frank Moorhouse (the To celebrate the release of MoVida Cocina ‘Edith Trilogy’ is finally complete!) and Ubud Writers and Readers Festival to enjoy Why do you work in books? Readings has an exclusive offer – buy a the frenetic pace of Bali and to listen to Janette Turner Hospital – all published MoVida Cocina copy of and go in the draw many of the great thinkers and writers of I was 25 years old with a young daugh- within a few short months of each other. to win a masterclass for two with Frank A novel that seems to me to be particularly our time. High up in the hills, surrounded ter and I’d been living in London for Camorra in the MoVida Aqui kitchen. It’s by rice paddies, we embraced the tropical a couple of years and suddenly had worth looking out for is Gillian Mears’s the opportunity of a lifetime! Foal’s Bread (A&U, PB, Normally $32.99, lushness that is Ubud. We tramped over responsibilities. The only thing I wanted Our special price $29.95), ten years in the Terms and Conditions: To be eligible, the broken footpaths and through jungle vines to do was work in a bookshop. I loved making! book must be purchased at a Readings shop to hear extraordinary people talk about reading and writing and I was lucky or online at www.readings.com.au. A valid their writing and thoughts on life now. One enough to get a job at Dymocks in the But perhaps even more pleasing is the receipt needs to be attached to a completed of the highlights was prolific poet, writer old Melbourne Central. quality of the up-and-coming generation entry form available at all Readings shops, and commentator Chris Abani, who said: with their debuts or early-career efforts. What’s the best book you’ve read lately and and details need to be completed in the ‘The only concern in the world is a sense of why? The Stella Prize, if it gets up and running in notes field online. Only the winner will be purity.’ He had the audience laughing and 2012, will have a particularly rich longlist notified. crying as he talked about his life lived in Jim Shepard’s collection of stories, You to examine: Charlotte Wood, , various countries. (Read whatever you can Think That’s Bad. I like his style of sto- Kirsten Tranter (mid-December release) Early release date for by him!) rytelling, and that he seems to have no and Favel Parrett seem shoe-ins! And Steve JobS Biography fear of any topic. He often writes about with the likes of Wayne Macauley, Steven This is the first time Readings has taken people with high technical knowledge By now you will all have Amsterdam (my book of the year inciden- a tour to an international literary festival. but looks at the emotional side of these heard the sad news that tally, domestic division) and Tony Birch We met at meals (and cocktail hour) and over-achievers, which tends to be con- Apple guru Steve Jobs lost rounding out the list with their fabulous swapped notes on who we had heard. We trastingly inadequate. novels, the summer holidays can’t start soon his long battle with cancer attended a wonderful dinner party for all enough for your reading pleasure. and passed away late last the authors set in a courtyard lit by fairy What have you noticed people buying month. Soon after the news lights. We danced to and with Paul Kelly, lately? Speaking of Tony Birch, he raved to me the broke, the UK and US and we fell more in love with Australian All That I other day about Charles Frazier’s Night- moved forward their release Anna Funder’s first novel, writer Alex Miller. To share this experience Am, woods (Hachette, PB, Normally 32.99, Our date for his book, and so Steve Jobs: The is flying off the shelves, as is Julian together however was the real highlight. To Sense of an Ending Design special price $29.95), and with the likes of Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson (HB, Barnes’ . be with a group of women with different Sponge is doing well – a lovely book of Eugenides, Murakami, Eco, DeLillo, Houel- Little, Brown) is now available at Readings backgrounds and ages and explore themes lebecq, Barnes and Ondaatje all in excellent for the special price of $34.95 (was $45). home design ideas that comes from a of our own lives in light of diverse speakers blog of the same name. form too, amongst the other internationals, was really where the magic was. As Rodaan I need not steer you further surely! But no, I Scarlett Stiletto al Galidi, a Dutch poet said in his session What’s the strangest experience you’ve had will: Téa Obreht’s The Tiger’s Wife (Hachette, Award on happiness: ‘Big things make you power- in a bookshop? PB, $19.99) was still my highlight of 2011. ful, but little things make you happy.’ The 18th Scarlet Stiletto Awards ceremony Dymocks had a camera on the erotica To Festival Director Janet de Neefe, to On the non-fiction front: David Marr will be held on Friday November 25, 8pm section. Not nice … promises some perspective on our rather at The Rising Sun Hotel, Corner Raglan Intrepid Travel, to the women I travelled strange political times with Panic (PB, Black St and Eastern Rd, South Melbourne. with, to Mark Rubbo for making this pos- What’s the best experience you’ve had in a Inc., $29.95), and Paul Keating will no Readings are proud to sponsor the Scarlett sible – a huge thank you. bookshop? Stiletto Awards again in 2011. For more doubt continue to reflect on what might Chris Gordon is the events coordinator Too many to nominate one. In recent information visit www.sistersincrime.org.au have been with After Words: The Post-Prime at Readings. times … I was in New York and walked Ministerial Speeches (A&U, HB, Normally into a small bookshop to find that Jim $59.95, Our special price $49.95). Speaking Shepard was giving a reading that night. of reflection, I can’t imagine there will be a I heard one of my favourite authors more fascinating autobiography this season read, met him and had a chat about than Jeanette Winterson’s Why Be Happy American football-writing. He was a re- When You Could Be Normal? (Jonathan ally smart, self-deprecating, funny guy. Cape, HB, Normally $29.95, Our special price $24.95). What’s your favourite book of all time and why? And now to the rest, which I will simply award some out-and-out rankings! Best At the time I read it, I would say The cookbook: a tie between The Art of Pasta Road by Cormac McCarthy. I sat up un- (Lantern, HB, $59.95) and Cumulus (Lan- til the early hours reading it, and cried tern, HB, $59.95); best book to impress: so hard when I finished that I woke my The Letters of Samuel Beckett, Vol 2, 1941–56 wife. (CUP, HB, $59.95); handiest book: The Little Veggie Patch Co (Plum, PB, Normally Name a book that has changed the way $45, Our special price $39.95); and look no you think – in ways small or large. further for hero-worship than Cadel Evans’ White Noise by Don Delillo. I devoured The Long Road to Paris (Hardie Grant, HB, it in about two days. It is a novel that at a winning $29.95, was $39.95!). And spoke directly to me about the modern stocking-filler of the year: Awkward Family world. The characters talk around each Pet Photos (Random, PB, $24.95) – who other, and their conversations become a hasn’t got some of those? part of the information overload that is Martin Shaw is book buyer at Readings the white noise of the title. Carlton Oslo Davis www.oslodavis.com

CINEMA NOVA RECOMMENDS RYAN GOSLING CAREY MULLIGAN Visit the new Cinema Nova Bar Bill Cunningham New York A getaway driver for-hire falls for his beautiful A film by Richard Press ★★★★ neighbour in Nicolas Winding Refn’s electrifying film. New York Times ★★★★ ★★★★ Meet the man who Roger Ebert 380 LYGON ST CARLTON decides whether www.cinemanova.com.au Vogue's Anna Wintour ★★★★ Online bookings available is ‘hot’ or ‘not’. Empire Drive Join our e-news for updates on the Met Opera, “Buckle up, it’s quite a ride” NOW SHOWING “Buckle up, it’s quite a ride” National Theatre and other stage spectaculars. COMMENCES NOVEMBER 3 Readings Monthly November 2011 3

GLaunchesRIFFITH REVIEW 34 The highly anticipated third annual Griffith REVIEW new fiction edition features a par- EventsPlease note that bookings do not guarantee in a November Upstairs. After honing his craft at ezard and ticularly talented group of emerging writers seat, but rather indicate to us the number of London’s Nobu, Chris Donnellan got the 14 alongside several authors who have already people to expect. To see more events or for up- call to head up the kitchen at Gingerboy. In JESSICA RUDD made the leap to the national or international dates on new events please visit the events page 2008 and 2009 he was named Young Chef WITH SALLY WARHAFT stage. The launch includes the presentation at www.readings.com.au. of the Year. Join two of our greatest chefs for of awards to the winners of the 2011 Griffith Back again with Ruby Blues a chat about their new book Gingerboy REVIEW Emerging Writers’ Prize. It will be (Text, PB, $29.95), the sequel (HarperCollins, HB, Normally $70, Our gold coin donations an unforgettable evening of readings and cel- to Campaign Ruby, Jessica special price $59.95) and of course about at Readings Events ebration and we hope to see you there. Read- Rudd has again somehow something dear to our hearts: food. Friday We’re now asking people who attend our seen our future. In this 18 November, 6.30pm, Readings Haw- ings Carlton, Wednesday 2 November, 6pm events to please make a small donation, when for a 6.30pm start. Free, no need to book. laugh-out-loud book she deals thorn. $20 per person which includes wine possible, to The Readings Foundation. The with sagging enthusiasm for and tastes from the cookbook. Bookings Readings Foundation was established by the new prime minister as essential: 9819 1917. Steven Amsterdam Readings’ managing director Mark Rubbo well as battles fought on both political and Join us for the celebration of Steven in 2008 to make donations to individuals personal fronts. Sally Warhaft is one of our Amsterdam’s new book, What the Fam- and organisations that support community, great commentators on all things political and ily Needed (Sleepers, PB, $24.95). To be literacy and the arts. 10% of Readings’ profits 23 will be in conversation with Jessica. Monday kaz cooke & monica launched by Michael Williams, Director of are donated through The Readings Founda- 14 November, 6.30pm, Readings Haw- The Wheeler Centre. Thursday 3 November tion along with contributions from Readings thorn. Free, but please book on 9819 1917. dux in conversation 3, 6pm for a 6.30pm start, Bella Union bar, customers, who make donations in return This is THE book every Level 1, Victorian Trades Hall. Free, no need for gift wrapping – and now events as well. Australian woman needs and to book. There will be a tin for gold coin donation at 16 this is the event to share with each event. All contributions to The Readings TIM FLANNERY your daughter, mother, aunt, Chandani Lokugé Foundation over $2 are tax deductible and sister or just yourself. Cooke’s Among the Islands: Adventures Chandani Lokugé has published twelve can be made at any Readings shop. Thank book Women’s Stuff (Penguin, in the Pacific (Text, PB, books, including internationally acclaimed you for your support. HB, $59.95) has everything $32.95, ebook $14.96) is the titles If the Moon Smiled and Turtle Nest. Her you need to know about latest book by much-loved new book is called Softly as I Leave You (ASP, confidence, body image, eating, health, and well-respected scientist PB, $24.95)and explores how Uma awakens bosoms, hairy bits, love, heartbreak, sex, 3 Tim Flannery. This is an to a life in which her core-relationships – to health, wrinkle creams, cosmetic surgery, THE STILLSONS enthralling adventure story lover, to husband, to son – seem unbearably friends, sleep, home, false eyelashes and much Fronted by two singer-, English- of ’s most popular tangled. In capturing its searing and intimate more … without the fibs, faff or fakery. man Justin Bernasconi (guitar) and Cat explorer, set in the Pacific. Tim Flannery has moments, the story transcends into a medita- Women’s Stuffexplains how to become Canteri (drums), contemporary roots band written over a dozen books including Here tion on love and betrayal, grief and redemp- confident, be healthier, feel gorgeous, and The Stillsons have earned a reputation for On Earth, the award-winning bestsellers The tion. Thursday 3 November, 6pm for 6.30pm ultimately accept yourself. Monica Dux is a their passionate live performances. Thursday Future Eaters, The Eternal Frontier and The start, Readings Hawthorn. Free, no need to well-respected author and social commentator 3 November, 6pm, Readings St Kilda. Free, Weather Makers, and his accounts of book. but please book on 9525 3852. on all things feminist. Expect laughs. adventures in Papua New Guinea and Wednesday 23 November, 6.30pm, Australia, Throwim Way Leg and Country. Lenore Manderson Readings Hawthorn. Free, but please book Tim was voted the 2007 Australian of the Please join us for the celebration of the release on 9819 1917. 8 Year. This is a wonderful treat for you to of Surface Tensions: Surgery, Bodily Boundaries, meet and hear one of the great thinkers of and the Social Self (Left Coast, PB, $43.95) – janet de neefe our time. Wednesday 16 November, 7pm, a book that not only deals with breast cancer, Embark on a spice trail with Cinema Nova, Lygon Court, Lygon St, 25 amputation, kidney transplant and stoma Bali: The Food of my Island Carlton. Free, but bookings are essential on paul mercurio surgery – but also with art, films, science Home (Plum, HB, Normally 9347 6633. Paul Mercurio’s new cook- fiction and medical history. Wednesday 9 $59.99, Our special price book Cooking with Beer November, 6pm for a 6.30pm start, Readings $49.95) as Janet explores the (Murdoch, PB, $34.95) State Library of Victoria shop. Free, no need daily life and culture of this 17 offers a wide selection of over to book. much-loved island paradise MARISA RANIOLO WILKINS eighty tasty meals which can and its colourful cuisine. This all be cooked with beer! Jennifer Balint collection of authentic and delicious recipes Marisa’s lovely new cookbook, Sicilian Seafood Cooking (New Come and chat with Paul, Please join us at the launch of Melbourne spans the pillars of Balinese and Indonesian share a beer and get your University academic Jennifer Balint’s new cuisine, exploring spices and sambals, rice Holland, HB, $45), offers an exciting collection of recipes book signed. The most perfect summer book Genocide, State Crime and the Law :In dishes, curries, coconut, street food, ceremo- Friday 25 November, bursting with authentic cookbook there is! the Name of the State (Routledge, HB, $110), nial banquets, modern offerings and sweets. 5pm, Readings State Library of Victoria an important contribution to the growing Tuesday 8 November, 6.30pm, Readings flavours, evoking the colours shop. Free event, bookings on 8664 7540. interest and literature in the area of genocide Hawthorn. $20 per person which includes and smells of the island and and post-conflict studies. To be launched wine and tastes from her cookbook. Book- celebrating the rich variety of by Raimond Gaita. Monday 14 November, ings essential: 9819 1917. a cuisine shaped by Greek, French, Arab and Spanish influences, and by the bounty caught 28 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. Free no need to in the surrounding seas and harvested from book. We are offering you an 9 the land. Join us for a glass of wine and a chat about all things delicious. Thursday 17 extraordinary opportunity to Philip Mendes ray martin November, 6.30pm, Readings Hawthorn. meet Australia’s greatest and Please join Philip Mendes as he celebrates the Ray’s Favourite People (MUP, Free, but please book on 9819 1917. most prolific history writer, release of his new book: Young People Leaving HB, $39.95), brings together Thomas Keneally. Tonight he State Out-of-Home Care: Australian Policy and the most remarkable people will introduce the second Practice (ASP, PB, $29.95), co-written with Ray has met during his long 17 volume of a unique history of Guy Johnson and Badal Moslehuddin. and successful career in ALEXANDER NETTELBECK Australia where people are Young people leaving state care are arguably journalism. Join us as he always centre stage, bringing to life the vast one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged chats about everyone and TRIO range of characters who have formed our groups in society. This book draws from the anyone from Sophia Loren to Mosey, strut or shuffle your dancing feet on national story. Australians: Origins to Eureka findings of a number of new research-based Don Bradman. Wednesday 9 November, down to Readings St Kilda for the dulcet (A&U, PB, $39.99), winner of Australian studies combined with chapters 6.30pm, Readings Hawthorn. $5 per ticket, tones of the Alexander Nettelbeck Trio. Jazz Book Industry Award for the General based on local and international evidence that redeemable against the book purchased on hands! Thursday 17 November, 6pm, Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2010, closed critically analyse existing leaving care policy the night. Bookings essential: 9819 1917. Readings St Kilda. Free, but please book on with the aftermath of the Eureka Stockade of and practice. It adds to our knowledge by 9525 3852. December 1854. In his next volume Austral- providing badly needed information on the ians pursue glimmering visions of equity relationship between care-leaver experiences, 11 while engaging in savage class conflict; support programs and outcomes, and our lUKE NGUYEN 18 Australians: Eureka to the Diggers (A&U, HB, understanding of ‘what works’ with different & aDRIANO ZUMBO teague ezard Normally $59.99, Our special price $49.95) groups of care-leavers. Thursday 24 Novem- picks up from this time of great change and Fresh from appearances and shows on & chris donnellan ber, 6.30pm, Readings Hawthorn. Free, no follows the story of Australia and its people television come two extraordinary chefs Teage Ezard is recognised as need to book one of the country’s leading through to World War I. Monday 28 with their new books Indochine: Finding November, 6.30pm, Readings Hawthorn. France in Vietnam chefs, whose trademark (Murdoch, HB, $70) and Tickets: $5, redeemable against the purchase Zumbo ‘Australian freestyle’ food is (Murdoch, HB, Normally $50, Our of the book on the night. Bookings essential Friday 11 November, championed in his Mel- special price $39.95). on 9819 1917. 6.30pm, Readings Hawthorn. $20 per per- bourne establishments ezard son which includes wine and tastes from the (Two Hats), Gingerboy (One two cookbooks. Bookings: 9819 1917. Hat) and Gingerboy 4 Readings Monthly November 2011 New Australian Writing Feature

Life,Patrick Allington interviews the Frank Moorhouse aboutuniverse his new book Cold Light (Vintage, PB, Normallyand $32.95, Our specialEdith price $27.95, ebook $23.16)

The new novel brings Edith home, although he also happily ’fessed up that the explana- for women. Edith had a glimpse of that.’ she doesn’t seem thrilled to be stuck in Can- tory note about truth and imagination that The failure of the League of Nations paral- berra. Its weighty themes include the Cold appears at the beginning of Grand Days has lels Edith’s troubles. ‘I did feel as I created War, the atomic era, domestic politics from undergone ‘refinement’ for Cold Light. Cold Light that there was a certain element the 1950s to the 1970s, sexual politics, food of tragedy that I hadn’t foreseen,’ Moor- ‘I did work from documentary sources but I and drink, and the development of the still- house said. ‘But that’s in contrast to the also construct within the context of exist- adolescent capital city of Canberra. Edith is golden years of the grand days, where even ing evidence,’ he said. ‘Writing imaginative a mover and shaker but she’s fundamentally tough-minded politicians like Churchill and fiction is very much an intuitive process and an idealist. At one point, she sums up her Eden and others thought that the League of the arcing between the historical record and philosophy by saying, Nations would work and that international the fiction is sometimes quite intense and mediation would work … It is a pretty stark extraordinary. In all three books, I was virtu- ‘I believe we change the world meeting by contrast, the world of Cold Light to the ally in archives throughout the whole writ- meeting … conversation by conversation. world of Grand Days.’ And yet Edith seems Every argument in the workplace or around undefeatable. It’s as if she takes on the whole the kitchen table about the fair way to do The last pages of world and, rather than winning or losing, something – these are fights for a civilised claws her way to an honourable and inspira- world.’ Cold Light have a tional draw. But in Cold Light, Edith’s efforts to fight for dream-like quality I cannot remember the last time I felt com- a civilised world seem forever out of sync. pelled to read two novels side-by-side. But as Her brand of internationalism sits awkward- to them, and they I approached the end of Cold Light, I pulled ly amidst the rigidity of Cold War postur- my copy of Forty-Seventeen from the shelf ings. Socially conservative and male-domi- are amongst the (its pages sunned and smelling of stale ink). nated Australia discomforts and agitates her. Both books find 70-year-old Edith back in She struggles to find meaningful work, let most beautiful and the diplomatic game, visiting Vienna and alone the diplomatic posting she dreams of. Israel as a ‘special envoy’ on nuclear matters She questions her unconventional marriage poignant writing for the Whitlam government. In Forty-Seven- to long-time on-off companion Ambrose that Moorhouse teen, readers witness events from 40-year-old In Grand Days Frank Westwood, breaks with mentors, endures Ian’s perspective but in Cold Light we see Moorhouse told the story old sparring partners like Scraper Smith, and has produced. Edith’s side of things. According to Moor- of Australian Edith forges new alliances and friendships, some house, ‘It was an interesting imaginative Campbell Berry’s arrival of which flounder. Most intriguingly, she journey to make that switch. When I wrote in Europe to work at the reconnects, although uneasily, with her long- ing of the book. I didn’t do the research and Forty-Seventeen I was around about 40 years newly formed League of lost brother, Frederick, now a communist then write the book, I wrote the book while old and only the passing of time would have Nations (the precursor to official. doing the research. And the research and the allowed me to go really into Edith’s perspec- the UN) and her writing were hugely tangled. It was a process tive. I probably couldn’t have done it when I tempestuous romance with Moorhouse uses Frederick and his partner, and in some ways the archives were writing was forty’. For readers, the effect of witness- Major Ambrose Westwood. Janice, to examine Cold War communism the story; I hope the story wasn’t writing the ing Ian and Edith’s very different versions of In Dark Palace, we met Edith and Ambrose in Australia, including the views of non- archive.’ There is, however, one important the same events is startling – and at times again, in the dark years and uncertain political communist politicians and the general difference with Cold Light: ‘I was drawing quite distressing. atmosphere that led to the outbreak of World public. It’s complex, intriguing and very on my personal archive as well. I had lived War Two – and the demise of the League. personal. ‘Edith obviously tried to contem- through this period whereas the other two The last pages of Cold Light have a dream- Acclaimed novelist Patrick Allington spoke to plate revolutionary change,’ Moorhouse said. books I had lived through it only through like quality to them, and they are amongst Moorhouse about Cold Light the much-antici- ‘Her brother was a split of her mind, in a my parents and their generation.’ the most beautiful and poignant writing pated final instalment in his Edith trilogy. way. Given a slightly different personality that Moorhouse has produced. These days, or temperament she might have gone that However important Cold Light’s political the descriptions ‘epic’ and ‘great’ enjoy such direction. I mean, the League of Nations was themes are, its primary achievement is its indiscriminate use that I hesitate to invoke a revolutionary idea.’ layered and compassionate portrait of Edith’s them here. Except that Moorhouse’s ‘Edith hese are pretty big ques- later years. I often found myself barrack- Trilogy’ is a truly epic tale of twentieth- Moorhouse himself holds nuanced views tions,’ Frank Moorhouse ing on Edith’s behalf, but ultimately I felt century international diplomacy, and Edith on communism in Cold War Australia. cheerfully protested about desperately sad for her. Moorhouse said he Campbell Berry is one of Australian litera- He told me that he believed the Menzies halfway through our chat shared that sense of sadness. ‘It’s not only ture’s great characters. government’s assessment of the degree of because of her nature or her personality about his new novel, Cold Patrick Allington’s novel Figurehead (Black ‘ risk or threat of expansionist communism but it’s a lot to do with her generation of Light . He’d just returned to Sydney from one was ultimately wrong and that the refusal of Inc., PB, $29.95) was longlisted for the Miles of his regular solo treks. ‘By trekking, women. There were a lot of women who Australians to pass the 1951 referendum to Franklin in 2009. I mean carrying the food and sleeping bag were wasted, absolutely wasted. It must have T ban the Communist Party ‘defined Australia been intellectual hell for a lot of them, the and tent and going off into the bush,’ he told in a way, I hope’. But he also reflected that me. ‘I do map and compass work, I go off way they were treated and the way they were ‘there was reason to be frightened in the trail … I can’t carry any more bourbon than talked about, even in their presence. It was a fifties, in the Cold War … I hope the book for seven days.’ tragic generation, I think, because they saw somehow conveys some of the reality of that, the light, they could see it happening, that it Moorhouse had a point about my ‘pretty big too, the reality of that fear … I lived through was all going to change and how it should be questions’ but it is every rusted-on fan’s right, it. I’d probably say that I underrated the given half a chance, to revel (or wallow) in threat of the Soviet Union, of Russian-driven earnest inquiry. Moorhouse’s writing invites expansion of communism. I think I underes- readers – no, it compels us – to think about timated how risky that all was.’ life, the universe and everything, especially Moorhouse writes with terrific poise and the political and the gastronomic ‘everything’. wit about politics, perhaps because he starts We spoke mostly about Moorhouse’s most from a point of genuine inquisitiveness complete fictional creation, Edith Campbell about political processes and institutions Berry. After a cameo role in the novel Forty- –rather than disdain. In Cold Light, drama- Seventeen (1988) – on that more later, as tisations of real people, including politicians Moorhouse might put it – Edith has domi- such as Menzies and Whitlam, commingle nated Moorhouse’s magnificent trilogy on with invented characters. I asked Moorhouse the League of Nations and its demise, which about the line he treads between historical accuracy and the demands of storytelling. ‘I comprises Grand Days (1993), Dark Palace Cold Light at the Special Price of $27.95, Grand Days and Dark Palace only $24.95 each (2000) and, now, Cold Light. suppose I started off with certain personal ground rules about it,’ he said, although Readings Monthly November 2011 5

Mark’s say Book of the Month News and views from Readings’ WHAT THE FAMILY Q&A with managing director Mark Rubbo NEEDED STEVEN AMSTERDAM Maureen and Tony Sleepers. PB. $24.95. ebook $13.95 Steven Amsterdam Wheeler have had Martin Shaw interviews Steven Amsterdam about What the Family Needed amazing careers. There have been a whole (Sleepers, PB, $24.95, ebook $13.95) Together they revolu- lot of gratifying things tionised world travel going on in the world of this has been one way that (I hope) I’ve through their publish- Steven Amsterdam – avoided them. ing company Lonely Planet which and that’s even before became Australia’s first truly multina- If this is my preferred method, I don’t publication of What the tional publisher. Earlier this year they Family Needed, his know. The thought of sitting down and completed the sale of Lonely Planet to writing a beginning and middle and end keenly awaited and quite the BBC for around $190 million. wonderful second novel. frightens me, though that may be what I While many had mixed feelings about need to do next. the sale of this Australian success story Firstly when I asked the folk at Read- ingsland whether they were interested The achievement I see upon a first reading to the London-based BBC, the Wheelers have wasted little time in in reading an advance copy, I had a of your book is that it treads a wonderfully deluge of interest, with many people sensitive line between the humour inherent putting the money to good use endowing a chair at the London mentioning just how much they loved in the family dynamic and the seriously his debut, Things We Didn’t See Coming. dark recesses that can simultaneously be Business School (Tony Wheeler’s alma Things We Didn’t See Coming, your swirling around. Is this a story, in all its mater), backing an Australian produc- Next, I saw that Things We Didn’t See 2009 debut novel, was categorised by some light and shade, that is close to home, or tion of the Ring, endowing The Coming has been recalled for another reviewers as a ‘dystopian fiction’. Are you that you observed amongst the generation Wheeler Centre and establishing Planet three years to the VCE English reading having a little joke with those who may of kids that you grew up with? Wheeler to support international list. It struck me that the real reportable development. fact would be when Amsterdam is have pigeonholed you so by now writing a Each character is an amalgam of por- off the list, because to my mind book on the contemporary family, for many tions of stories I’ve heard, people I’ve In a surprising but very welcome move, whenever the committee tire of the people certainly not one of their favourite met, my imagination and me. Their the Wheelers announced that they had first novel, they are surely going to of all possible worlds? frustrations in life are real, but I think bought Scottish publisher Canongate’s want to embrace the second! If you could call it a little joke, I’m fiction sometimes overdoes it on the interest in leading Australian indepen- having it over the various elements of real. I mean, why do you think they call dent publisher, Text. Text publishing Thirdly I had the good fortune to TWDSC that have more or less hap- it fiction? That’s why I started imagin- came into being in 1989 as a joint conduct an interview with Amsterdam pened since the book came out. I didn’t ing hidden powers. My main emotional venture between a new media company, recently, as you can see on this page, set out to write a prophetic screed, but focus in WTFN is the multiplicity of Text, and Reed Books. When Text and in one little remark I got the key to whatever. The extremity of weather (see viewpoints in one simple family. Who was sold in 2004 to Fairfax, publisher why I dig his novels so much: ‘I’ve been Queensland floods), the permanent class is kind? Who is selfish? Who is lost? It Michael Heyward and Penny Hueston thinking a lot about the predictable of rescue workers going from disaster to always depends on whose head you’re in. formed a partnership with Canongate rhythms of novels and this [discon- disaster (see Christchurch and Northern to purchase the publishing division nect] has been one way that (I hope) Honshu), the increasing scramble for Fiction is commonly held to involve a ‘sus- from Fairfax. The Wheeler’s purchase I’ve avoided them.’ Namely here is a jobs around the world. And recently pension of disbelief’. You take this one step reasserts Text’s Australian credentials writer who figures that if you allow the someone forwarded me news of the further though and make it constitutive of and gives them, in Maureen and Tony, reader to more actively fill the narrative latest: Mexico is considering offering the narrative as a whole. Did you fear you two new board members with very gaps – here by engineering a time lapse two-year marriage licenses to encourage might lose your reader along the way? successful publishing backgrounds. between each chapter and changing the people to at least try it out (see chapter The satisfied and engaged reader sits on Michael Heyward told me that he was narrative point of view also – you give six of TWDSC). a thin edge of hating what they read. thrilled with the new arrangement and the reader considerably more agency in The term I prefer is ‘speculative’. What On one side is the book where the that the Canongate arrangement had, the reading experience. Mind you, the the Family Needed doesn’t dip into the author has only written what they know. at the time, been a life saver. It’s a bit of reader still has to care enough about the future at all, but it fits into the same cat- On the other is writing that seems too bright news for Australian publishing. characters and their journey … egory. What would happen if members made-up, a contrivance. Neither of those That news was dulled quite a bit by the but you will! of a family, with all of their armour and sides trusts the reader to share in the death of Di Gribble, co-founder with Finally I happened to notice that Chloe chinks, found they also had a few special imaginative process. Hillary McPhee, of McPhee Gribble Hooper has endorsed this book as fol- powers? Though I’m too private to veer toward publishers in the 70s. McPhee Gribble’s lows: ‘Wry, deeply moving and literally Each chapter of WTFN takes place at the outright confessional, I do worry formation heralded the start of a truly magical.’ It’s a very rare thing that temporal intervals, rather like in the previ- about making things too orderly. This is indigenous publishing and writing Hooper offers a book endorsement, so ous book, but this time also with shifts in why writing out of sequence keeps me culture. With Hillary’s editorial skills you know for sure that this book must narrative perspective as well. I notice on interested. What I’ve tried to do is test and Di’s organisational and aesthetic be one out of the box! flare, they burst on the scene like a the copyright page you mention previ- the world that I know against the world So all that by preamble to state that in breath of fresh air with their stylish ously publishing some of these chapters I’ve created, which maybe knits the two What the Family Needed Amsterdam and groundbreaking books that fitted in various literary journals. Is this your bad tendencies into a good one. This seems to my mind to be at the height right into contemporary Australia. As preferred method of composition, and did leaves room for interpretation, which I of his considerable literary powers. a young bookseller, their 1977 book, you write them in the sequence we find in believe is an accurate description of the A tale of a couple of chalk ’n’ cheese by , was a the finished book, or was there a process of act of reading. sisters, their respective spouses (ditto), commercial and artistic inspiration. At having a favourite character or storyline, In fact, the idea of suspending disbelief and their teenage siblings – all of them a time when Carlos Castaneda, Gabriel and adumbrating that both forwards and seems like the negative way of putting tangled up in what appears to be the García Márquez and Tolkien were the backwards in time? it. No one talks of suspending disbelief ‘wrong version’ of their lives. How bestsellers, it was exhilarating to have with a song or a poem, other forms those young people in particular make One minute while I look up adum- an Australian one. Di and Hillary’s that purport to show us what the world their journey through life, and the brating. In short, yes, the latter. Both office was in one of the grand terraces is like. Of course you need to change means by which they do so, is some TWDSC and WTFN came about in sim- in Drummond Street just south of your expectation for the real when of the magic that Chloe refers to. And ilar ways: I experimented with a story, Grattan and I got to know them well as you sit down with a book. Somehow it becomes a new spin on the trope of then tried a variation on it with another I constantly called in to get more copies there’s this extra burden on fiction to the novel about family secrets – what if story, and found connections. Soon, I of Monkey Grip. One couldn’t help but represent the world more precisely, so you can actually access them all along realised I was on my way toward writing be affected by Di’s buoyant enthusiasm people speak of this suspension that a in life? What would you/could you do a book. In neither case did I write all the and encouragement; professionally we chapters in sequence, but I had an idea reader must muster. But looking for differently? truth and authenticity in someone else’s had lots of discussions and she was al- of the shape of the project as I worked. It’s a book where almost line for line creation is a decidedly circuitous way to ways helpful and enthusiastic. In 1985, Writing out of order probably gave me you’ll be unable to wipe the smile go about finding it. The most a reader when I had the idea of doing literary challenges I didn’t need, but I think it off your face; it’s also one where you should hope for is to discover what the events, Di was one of the first people also guaranteed that there wouldn’t be a will marvel at the human sympathy author’s world is like – emphasis on the I ran the idea by; without her encour- clear flow from one chapter to the next. Amsterdam brings to his characters word ‘like’. A novel can, and I believe agement I’m not sure if they would In most books, you would rely on such as they encounter life’s random travails. should, be as impressionistic as a Monet ever have got off the ground. After the consistency, but in mine, where there The jolt for the members of these two iris. The main contribution it asks for sale of McPhee Gribble to Penguin, are broad jumps in time – and as you families comes when they realise that is an extension of belief. It requires the Di went into partnership with Eric mentioned, in WTFN, character – the only they as individuals can be the reader to make connections, to exercise Beecher forming Text Media and then disconnect is part of the journey. WTFN conductors of their lives. But the their imagination, to arrange the scenery Private Media, owners of Crikey. Both was more consciously constructed than electricity’s all in the pen of the themself, and figure out what is going have been very successful and, in their TWDSC but it still uses gaps to tell the redoubtable Steven Amsterdam. on in all of the other rooms. own ways, as innovative and important story. I’ve been thinking a lot about as McPhee Gribble. Her passing is a the predictable rhythms of novels and Martin Shaw is book buyer Full version at www.readings.com.au great loss. at Readings Carlton 6 Readings Monthly November 2011

Blain, Benjamin Law and Amy Espeseth, this edition, like its two antecedents, is of a high, undoubtedly literary calibre. For this edition, writers were asked to New Fiction ‘consider the idea of islands – physical and who wishes desperately for his father to return metaphorical’. Stories such as Craig Cliff’s – after a seven-year absence – for his sister’s ‘Offshore Service’ – where coal ships, strand- Australian Fiction wedding (‘Blind Date’). At the Sunshine ed off-coast, are the ‘temporary islands’ in The Rattler and Other Coast, the annual migration of the humpback focus – present ingenious, abstract interpreta- Stories whale up the Queensland coastline is tions of this theme. However, some stories A.S. Patric breathtaking viewing, though the man on the seem forced – bent out of shape to accom- cruise boat with you talking to the whales modate this directive. Favel Parrett’s ‘No Man New ebooks Spineless Wonders. PB. $19.99. ebook $9.99 may have a closer history to them – and a A.S. Patric’s work has been is an Island’ is an example; the contrived title clearer understanding of what you’re saying blighting the nuances of an otherwise deli- at Readings widely published, and this about him – than you expect (‘Salvage’). year he won the SD Harvey cately constructed narrative of a child’s death; South Carolina is bracing for a Category 5 force-feeding the reader a singular meaning. Short Story award at the Ned storm as Hurricane Francesca bears down on Kelly Awards. In his debut a young boy and his grandmother, frightened As might be expected with an island motif, What The Family collection he explores the and excited by the thrill of impending many of these stories consider solitude and Needed surreal side of Melbourne – a evacuation, the stories of the islands’ stormy separation, and by extension, abandonment Steven Amsterdam tram driver makes a mercy past, and a night of the window between and loss. Melancholia pervades the collec- Paperback $24.95 dash with a carriage full of show dogs; a boy dreams and reality breaking from the force of tion, but, fortunately, it engrosses rather than smuggles a lizard onto an airplane; long- alienates. Georgia Blain’s ‘Enlarged + Heart + ebook $13.95 the storm (‘Hurricane Season’). Elsewhere in dead Anaïs Nin and June Miller spend their America, new weather maps are drawn on Child’ is a compelling representation of the twilight years squabbling in Australian two young girls who compare scars in the fear felt by a parent with a child in hospital, suburbia. A wonderfully eclectic collection, visiting room of the jail their stepfathers and Josephine Rowe’s ‘Tank’, a character-driv- full of humour, tragedy and poetry. reside in, a delicate new friendship blossom- en contemplation of emotional estrangement, ing like blood from skin but able to be ruined is testament to the power of suggestion. There The Drop Foal’s Bread by the whims of others (‘Weather Maps’). are brighter, more literal examinations of the Michael Connelly Gillian Mears There is more, but we’re running out of time islanded self – the Pacific features regularly, as Paperback $27.95 A&U. PB. Normally $32.99. ebook $19.79 for today’s forecast, though you should do issues of native land titles – and humorous stories such as newcomer Kate Lahey’s ‘The ebook $17.99 Our special price $29.95. prepare for more localised saltwater flooding ‘It’s a dyin art, mate, which is why I should on the pages in front of you after reading the Big One-Eyed Dork’ offer some needed levity. teach you soon,’ says Uncle Owen towards the beautiful memoir piece ‘Moon River’, as Accompanying memoir and poetry also do end of Foal’s Bread. By this stage in the book Turner Hospital comes home to Brisbane and much to refresh the reader. we know that the show-jumping life that has to a river full of her past. This is a particularly gratifying edition of been the focus of Noah Nancarrow’s life is Fiona Hardy is from Readings Carlton Griffith REVIEW. While it would have been dying but we also know that the whole rural good to read more stories from new and culture and way of life Mears is writing about Ruby Blues emerging authors (the majority have substan- Ruby Blues is undergoing radical change. Jessica Rudd tial publication records) the craftsmanship Jessica Rudd The story begins in 1926 when Noah Childs Text. PB. $29.95. ebook $14.96 and creativity presented throughout more Paperback $29.95 is a 14-year-old girl making a quick urgent Media commentators like to complain than make up for this imbalance. Griffith decision that haunts her throughout the rest Australian politics has descended into farce; REVIEW 34 is short fiction writing at its best. ebook $14.96 of her life. She and her father are droving a overrun, they argue, by passionless politicians Hannah Kent is Deputy Editor of Kill Your herd of pigs to slaughter and the country of more committed to upholding opinion polls Darlings inland New South Wales is harsh and the life then their own convictions. Likewise, the constantly demanding. But Noah has a dream chick-lit genre is knocked for lacking true of jumping horses and finds beauty and grace literary credibility: all surface, no substance, in the sport. She also finds her husband, a is a common refrain. Ruby Blues, on the other The Rattler & young Rowley Nancarrow, Australia’s top hand, is a fine example of how an easy and International Other Stories show jumper, and their love blossoms, mak- absorbing read can still engage with the big A.S. Patrić. ing some people expansive and others spiteful picture issues. PB. $19.95 Fiction and jealous. Given her background in law, PR and The Prague Cemetery ebook $9.95 Detailing the inner workings and bitter, politics, it’s no surprise author Jessica Rudd Umberto Eco petty feuds of Noah’s in-laws, Mears lyri- decided to follow up her 2010 debut Random. PB. Normally $32.95 cally and heartbreakingly draws the demise Campaign Ruby with another satirical look at Our special price $29.95 of love when people are too fearful to express the Canberra powerheads, or ‘politeratti’ as In 1939, The Protocols of the emotion. The landscape, from Grafton down she calls them, who bluff their way through Elders of Zion was the most through the inland strip of grazing country one press statement to the next. widely circulated document Coming of the and on to the coast, is evocatively depicted in the world following the In Ruby Blues, prime ministerial advisor bible. It was a fraudulent text Whirlpool: Ship and the Nancarrows’ land, One Tree Flat, Ruby Stanhope once again must juggle the Kings Book 1. forms a tilted, precarious canvas for three that unveiled a Jewish demands of a full-time career with an increas- conspiracy for world domina- Andrew McGahan generations of the family to stumble on, or ingly impatient full-time boyfriend. Perhaps Paperback $22.99 know, or fail. tion, and it’s little wonder that the most interesting aspect of Rudd’s novel is Umberto Eco couldn’t resist writing its genesis ebook $13.79 Foal’s Bread is Gillian Mears’s first novel in that while conforming to most of the generic – for this is his signature dish. Complex sixteen years and for those of us who loved traits of chick-lit, it is the relationship Ruby conspiracies and secret codes abound with a The Grass Sister, it is well worth the wait. The has with her job, and the many stresses and dizzying display of pyrotechnics. Bomb desire and the emotions that lie just beneath demands it makes of her, that is foreground- techniques and gastronomy blend with the sun-worn skin of the characters is so pres- ed, not the man in her life. For Ruby, ‘govern- Foal’s Bread revolution and bloodshed as we visit Freud, ent and electric that at times it feels as though ment is marriage, campaigning is courtship’. Dumas, Garibaldi and Drumont. In fact the Gillian Mears lightning will strike the reader, just as it does Paperback $29.95 That said, Ruby Blues is largely a light-hearted only fictitious character here is our protago- Rowley Nancarrow. take on the PR machine that drives politics nist, Simone Simonini. ebook $19.79 Pip Newling is a freelance writer and a staff these days. While current issues such as same- member at Hawthorn Readings Suspecting he suffers from a split personality, sex partnerships and women’s role in politics Simonini locks himself in his room and writes Forecast: Turbulence are given a nod, Rudd seems more interested a diary on the advice of Freud’s ‘self-hypnosis’. in fleshing out the personal aspect of Ruby’s This is Paris, 1897. From here we witness his Janette Turner Hospital political career. In many ways Rudd has HarperCollins. HB. $22.99 isolated, anti-Semitic upbringing that drives fashioned her own brand of ‘polit-lit’ for an him into the world of Jesuit plots and Ma- Good afternoon everyone, audience ever weary of the superficial nature and welcome to the Readings sonic sects, grooming him for the life of an Buy at ebooks.readings.com.au and of government but still hopeful that a happy expert forger. But he quickly becomes adept weather forecast, sponsored ending is just around the corner. visit your library at http://booki.sh as a cunning spy, playing all sides as a wily by Janette Turner Hospital’s Emily Laidlaw is a freelance reviewer glorious, weather-beaten double-crosser with a penchant for disguise. short-story collection, Griffith REVIEW 34: The But this is where it gets tricky. Forecast: Turbulence. Up north Annual Fiction Edition After long bouts of writing Simonini wakes in Toronto we have an (ed.) unexpected tornado disrupt a family that is feverish and without memory, but sees that then left to cope with the fallout from their Text. PB. $27.95. ebook $19.95 someone else – a priest named Abbe Dalla father’s crime, including the demolished lives The third annual fiction edition of Griffith Piccola – has continued his story and com- of those who live in the town they reside in REVIEW exemplifies why this journal is pleted the parts he cannot remember. These (‘The Prince of Darkness is a Gentleman’). argued to be one of the best Australian are often short interludes, but then sum- Closer to home in Melbourne, a warm front quarterly publications. Boasting a staggering marised by a further voice called the Narra- brings the memory of a cyclone back to a boy number of Australia’s finest writers of short tor ‘so as to not bore the Reader’. While this fiction, such as Chris Womersley, Georgia interplay is an obvious nod to Eco’s theoreti- Readings Monthly November 2011 7 cal concerns with narrative authenticity, it voice in her head, I was irritated enough to becomes frustratingly tiresome and repetitive, check how many pages I had left to read. I detracting from the parts brimming with ten- persisted however and as soon as it becomes sion and suspense. clear that Rena herself is an unreliable narra- tor, the darker subjects recounted by Rena to The Prague Protocols have popped up before Subra take on a more complex and interest- in Eco’s writing, and this is an impressive Q&A with ing tone. I genuinely enjoyed the decidedly historical whodunit of the greatest hoax that non-romantic account of being a tourist in bore modern anti-Semitism. It’s brilliant and Tuscany, and Huston perfectly captures the clever as always, but make sure you carry a Gillian Mears frustration of travel with elderly parents. Pip Newling interviews Gillian Mears about Foal’s Bread wiki-index with you. This book may not be to everyone’s taste but (A&U, PB, Normally $32.99. ebook $19.79. Our special price $29.95) Luke May is from Readings St Kilda there is an originality to this work that is worth a look. memory of a horse? What do they mean to The Dovekeepers Kara Nicholson is from Readings Carlton you? My first horse Flicka wasn’t what you’d Alice Hoffman Our Lady of Simon & Schuster. HB. $29.95 call a suitable child’s pony. My father Alice Hoffman has written Alice Bhatti bought her from a local sale as a free- over twenty books for adults Mohammed Hanif striding stock horse which really meant while also writing quite a few Jonathan Cape. PB. $32.95 a crazy bolter who took the bit between for young adults and children. Mohammed Hanif’s debut her teeth and headed with me for the Her new book is an interest- novel, A Case of Exploding nearest line of traffic. Riding her was ing meld of the genres. She Mangoes, garnered much a thrilling terror. I quickly learnt the has taken four women during praise and his second novel survival skill of leaping off before she the years of 70–77 C.E. and looks set to do the same. Set picked up too much speed. As long as followed their lives as Jews during the terror in modern Karachi, this is I kept hold of the reins she’d come to a of the Roman Empire. The first three are the story of an unlikely dramatic sliding halt; then look inno- defined, not only in the chapter headings but couple – Alice Bhatti, a cently my way as if to say ‘what didya get also in their characters, by the men in their junior nurse at the Sacred Heart Hospital for off for?’ lives. There’s the Assassin’s Daughter who is All Ailments, and Teddy Butt, a bodybuilder Long after growing up and leaving home, and member of the Gentlemen’s Squad of my dream of becoming a really good motherless and hard before her time, the You have said before that you found the Karachi police (‘Rent-a- witness. rider never abated. As I’ll always say, in Baker’s Wife who lives through her grandchil- something golden about growing up in dren, and the Warrior’s Beloved who is the Replacement prisoner. Beat up this little guy the company of a charitable horse there’s the country and in Foal’s Bread all of the … that kind of part-time job.’). Funny, yet nothing that you can’t learn deeply and daughter of the Witch of Moab. characters share this belief despite the trials deeply critical, and well worth a read. intricately about yourself. The sorrow and boredom they experience. What did Written in a strangely endearing, descriptive when I began to experience the first growing up in the country give you and way, each of the women is beaten down by The Auschwitz Violin symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which your understanding of life? the surrounding brutality of the Romans and Maria Àngels Anglada slowly but inexorably halted my horse their men who love and neglect them. They Text. PB. $17.95 Although I didn’t grow up on a dairy I dreams in their tracks, eventually allowed are good Jewish women and the book is filled Auschwitz: the most infamous loved the cows and calves in Mr Green- me to describe the sorrow of Rowley with the mysticism of their religion that is of all Nazi concentration wood’s paddocks next door. Growing up Nancarrow. unfamiliar to those of us who are not Jewish. camps, synonymous with in the northern rivers district of NSW in What is stunning is watching them unfold human sufferings so atro- the 1960s meant regularly seeing herds Sixteen years between novels (if we exclude as people within their own right. Each of cious, they are beyond the of cows assembling for the morning/ the short story collection A Map of the them rebels against the shackles constraining comprehension of those who evening milk. As imagined by Lainey, Gardens in 2002), feels like a long time. them and tries to beat the odds to survive and weren’t there. The horrors of the girl hero of my novel, I too dreamt of Is each book different or have you always flourish in one of the hardest communities. that hellhole are sunk deep in living with my kitten in a wooden cream taken time to finish a book? Why did this This tale is endearing yet at times quite our collective unconscious, thanks to the can shelter. book take so long? graphic in the depiction of what these women myriad stories that have emerged post Of course this romantic vision of dairy- , a writer I revere, wrote that survive. A story well worth the read that will holocaust. So it’s a credit to Maria Àngels ing is shattered by the reality of One creative energy could be like a volcano stay with you. Anglada that, with The Auschwitz Violin, she Tree Farm’s dairy. Poor dairy country ready to blow its head off and that all Kate Rockstrom is from Readings Carlton is able to style such beauty from the ashes of around Grafton looked lacking in crucial novels have an optimum time of writing. such misery. nourishment. But what I also found as For Foal’s Bread that time was 2009. So Infrared First published in 1994, the book has been a child was that that the roughest, most although it’s true that I’d been thinking Nancy Huston beautifully rendered into English by Martha marginal farms, might also house people about a book with this title since my Text. PB. $29.95. ebook $19.95. Tennent. It is the story of Daniel, master abrim with the milk of human kindness. earliest days as a writer, and assiduously Nancy Huston is an award- violin craftsman, who lists his profession as ‘You are the light, let it shine/ You are the accumulating images and fragments winning Canadian author ‘carpenter’ hoping it’ll prove more useful at salt, don’t lose your saltness’, may well and dreams of what I thought a book who writes most of her staving off death. When the music-loving be the teaching I learnt, more from old with this title might be about, it wasn’t fiction in French before camp commander discovers Daniel is a farming men and women of NSW than until two failed forays into other genres translating it into English luthier, he charges him with making a violin. from reading any edition of any bible. (a play, then a fable about a cat) that I herself. This novel was first realised Foal’s Bread’s time had arrived. If he fails to complete it in the agreed time, Your previous books have all dealt with published in French as On 1 Jan 2009, I sketched a figure run- he’ll be given to Doctor Rascher (based on aspects of your own experience and you Infrarouge in 2010. Interest- ning and scrawled ‘On yer marks, get Joseph Mengele) for his heinous medical have made the comment that ‘I write ingly Huston, who was born in Canada, is Set, Go. Go Gillian, Go.’, I’d resolved experiments. For Daniel, the instrument’s from life, that’s where I always find my not a native French speaker and did not to follow in the footsteps of Randolph smooth curves, its luxurious colour and clear writing power. Does Foal’s Bread reflect learn French until she was an adult, but she Stow, another of my revered writers. I’d unparalleled tone is juxtaposed with the fear this? If so how? If not, what has changed? has said she found her literary voice writing of arbitrary whippings, mysterious disappear- read in an old interview of how, fuelled in French and not English. I always wonder ances, the constant ache of an empty stomach I think this book began long ago, when by pork pies, he’d written his classic what I must be missing when I read a and an overarching terror that he will fall prey I wore a secondhand pair of whipcord novel Tourmaline in a matter of weeks. translation; surely the original literary voice to the sadistic doctor. jodhpurs so old-fashioned they still With excitement and dread, I began is not translatable especially when it is done zipped at the side. From the age of say to piece together a complete first draft by another author. I found it fascinating that Like John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped ten until sixteen, nothing was more im- as fast as I could. Using chocolate and this book is a translation not only by the Pyjamas, Anglada (despite writing well before portant to me than riding, in particular, coffee rather than pork pies, by August author herself but that it is translated back the publication of Boyne’s fable) works on jumping a horse well. Using an old SLR I was like a thirsty horse galloping for into the author’s native language. It certainly the basis that the reader already knows the camera that’d been through a flood but the river. However due to a sudden and doesn’t read like translation but I couldn’t horrors of the camp and so descriptive pas- still worked, my sister Yvonne and I end- unforeseen decline in my own health, it help thinking that some of the more erotic sages about punishments and exterminations lessly took photos of each other jumping wouldn’t be until my 46th birthday the passages might have been more convincing are few. Rather, Anglada coaxes us to furnish horses over jumps rigged up using 44 following year that I knew I’d produced in the original French. Auschwitz with the imagery of our minds gallon drums, tyres and bush poles. something my agent would be willing by having us enter Daniel’s blinkered world. to sell. The book centres around 45-year-old Rena Oscillating between hope and despair, he It didn’t take much imagination to portray the Nancarrow family’s hopes who is a professional photographer and on knows only the language of conjecture. He Can goats really high jump? holiday in Tuscany with her elderly father relies on reports that his love, Eva, is working and dreams connected to the show ring and stepmother. The blurb reads that as a in a factory and fellow Jews taken to ‘labour jumping and horses of an earlier era. I grew up knowing a few unlucky horses photographer ‘her specialty is ultrasensitive camps’ are, in fact, systematically shot. A Nazi Everyone has experienced jealousy – its that had had their tails chewed and infrared film; she sees what others cannot. whim could mean a whipping, an extra apple malevolent power to either the one sucked by the family goat. This always Photographing men naked, she hopes to at mealtime or no food at all. Anglada hefts feeling jealous, or the person on whom put a smile on your face as long as the glimpse their souls.’ Personally I found this us into the deathly uncertainty of Auschwitz it’s bestowed. I see that the novel is very goat had got nowhere near your own concept a little uninspired but blurbs do and leaves us, like all inmates, to flounder. much an exploration of this most human horse’s lovely tail. With a dare-devil have a tendency to distill complex con- Everything is fear, fear, fear and a desperate of emotions. rider such as Noey Nancarrow at the cepts into cliché so I decided to ignore this. reins, definitely a goat can jump. Maybe desire to stay under the radar to survive. But Horses feature hugely in Foal’s Bread, as However by page five, when it becomes clear though, she was exaggerating just a bit, always, there is the promise of the violin. livelihoods, distraction from family life, that most of the narrative will be memories saying she’d got one over 3’9. With her clear, simple prose, Maria Àngels as hope for the future. What is your first recounted to ‘Subra’ who is Rena’s ‘special Full version at www.readings.com.au. Friend’ i.e. a name she has given to the Anglada strikes the perfect note between 8 Readings Monthly November 2011

faith and anguish in her portrayal of unwav- ering humanity in the cesspit of evil. Translated Pick Amy Roil blogs at The Book Witch: http://book- witch1.blogspot.com of the Month Young Adult fiction by Emmett Stinson FEAR INDEX friendship, and the power of the underdog. Robert Harris Flanagan has a knack for creating flawed In Red Hutchinson. PB. Normally $32.95 YA Book of the Month Magdalena Tulli Ship Kings 1: characters that you want to succeed – my Our Special Price $27.95 favourite is definitely Ingvar, the gentle gi- Archipelago Books. PB. $22.95 Robert Harris turns his attention to the The Coming of ant of a boy who is so nearsighted he’s more In Red, the new novella competitive world of high finance in his lat- the Whirlpool of a threat to himself than others. This is a from Magdalena Tulli, est thriller, The Fear Index. Highly respected Andrew McGahan fantastic start to a new adventure series for tells the story of the physicist Dr Max Hoffman uses a secret A&U. HB. $22.99 . ebook $13.79. readers (especially boys) ten and up. ill-fated town of system of computer algorithms to create a Dow Amber has lived to his Holly Harper is from Readings Carlton Stitchings. From the super computer that trades on the world’s teenage years knowing only very first sentence, financial markets by analysing data including the high country, and the Inheritance though, Tulli makes it market behaviour and news stories. But what fact that he has been born to clear that this will not happens when the computer goes beyond a life of logging, like his Christopher Paolini be a story that ends happily: ‘Whoever the control of its creator? father and forefathers before Random. PB. $29.95 has been everywhere and seen him. But when a chance This is the final book in Paolini’s Inheri- everything, last of all should pay a 1Q84 sighting of the open water tance series. Eragon and his dragon Saphira visit to Stitchings.’ Tulli is regarded as Haruki Murakami and an immense sailing ship sparks an have come a long way from their humble one of Poland’s most important Harvill. HB. Normally $39.95 uncontrollable longing for the ocean, Dow beginnings. Now the fate of an entire writers and it is easy to see why: her Our special price $29.95 turns his back on the life he knows. In civilisation lies on their shoulders, as they unusual prose is charged with irony 1Q84 was published in Japan desolate Stromner, on the edge of the Claw confront Galbatorix and restore justice to and ambiguity that leads in a variety in three separate volumes over (a bay protected by twin peninsulas and Alagaësia. A stunning conclusion to a bril- of unexpected directions, and it is the 2009–10 and sold four twin towns), Dow learns to sail and fish, liant series. strength of her unusual narrative voice million copies, piquing and hears stories of a terrible whirlpool that that ultimately knits together the interest worldwide. The claimed two lives ten years ago. While the THE Scorpio Races disparate material in this wonderfully English translation will be boat he sails is disappointingly small, and Maggie Stiefvater strange book. published in one complete the fishing work distinctly unglamorous, Scholastic. HB. $24.99 In Red is not so much one coherent 1000-page volume. Philip Dow soon catches sight of the impressive From the opening words narrative, but rather a series of stories Gabriel and Jay Rubin, two of Murakami’s sailing ships of the elite Ship Kings again, there is an atmosphere of that seek to portray the transforma- main English translators worked on 1Q84 in on their regular visit to the neighbouring fear and foreboding in this tion and ultimate ruin of a small town tandem to speed up the release. Once thought city of Stone Port. novel. Maggie Stiefvater to be alternative, Murakami is one of the writes about supernatural in Poland during the first half of the Australian Andrew McGahan is an award- most respected contemporary Japanese topics like faeries and twentieth century. Indeed, the novel winning writer for adults, so I was ex- novelists and 1Q84 may well be his master- werewolves, but at the core lacks anything like a protagonist, and tremely excited to read his first young adult the characters it does portray tend to work. of her stories is always the book, the first of a series. I can honestly say tentative steps of first love. The Scorpio appear and disappear quite suddenly, Narrated in turn by two major characters I’ve had no prior interest whatsoever in sail- which is appropriate, given that virtu- Races, based on an ancient myth around Aomame and Tengo whose link is at first un- ing or ships, yet I found myself reading this killer horses that come from the sea, has ally all of them die in unfortunate clear, the action takes place between April and book greedily. The Coming of the Whirlpool twists of fate. But even these dramatic similar themes but is much darker than her December in a year that more or less is and reads like an instant classic. Its gentle pace, previous books. events are typically related in indirect isn’t 1984. Sound confusing? Yes, definitely! long chapters and beautiful descriptions ways; the death of two significant By day, Aomame is a fitness instructor with may make it a slightly challenging read for Puck Connolly and Sean Kendrick have characters in a hot air balloon, for ex- unique abilities and by night she is a contract some teens at first, but they are sure to find both lost their parents to the capaill uisce, ample, is related in a rather unassum- killer targeting certain kinds of men. Tengo is themselves sucked in by the vividly drawn the water horses, in the small island com- ing sentence, which notes that ‘they a part-time mathematics teacher who dreams characters and world. munity of Thisby. Yet this does not stop disappeared in a gap in the clouds and of being a full-time writer, although he has either of them engaging with the beauti- McGahan skilfully fans a slow-burning that was the last the spectators staring succeeded in ghostwriting a bestselling debut ful but deadly beasts. Sean has won the suspense over Dow’s true family history; into the sky saw of them’. novel with a 17-year-old girl who spent her Scorpio Race, where locals compete on the the role and modus operandi of the Ship childhood in a religious cult. half-wild water horses each November, four Tulli’s gift for understatement injects Kings; an imminent natural disaster; and a a wicked sense of humour into events times. Puck is riding in the race for the first Interestingly, the title 1Q84 puns on George malicious man-made event. My only disap- time, if the authorities will allow it, in a that would otherwise read as tragic, Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984 yet it is also a pointment was that I will have to wait until and this laconic approach gives the misguided attempt to keep what’s left of her phonetic play on the Japanese pronunciation the next book for more information about family together. novel the air of a twisted fairytale. Fit- of the number 9 (kyū) which is the same as the mysterious girl who sails with the Ship tingly, the book engages in gestures at the English pronunciation of the letter Q. Kings. I get the feeling that McGahan is You can almost feel the ferocious wind, other points that share much in com- Other literary works that are referred to in- setting Dow Amber up for a troubled path taste the salt on their lips and smell the mon with works of so-called ‘magic clude Anton Chekhov’s A Journey to Sakhalin, to a great destiny, so I am looking forward repugnant stench of fish as you read. You realism’. A young woman whose heart On the Beach by Nevil Shute, and Marcel already to reading subsequent books in the will surely quiver in fear at the bloodthirsty has stopped beating is pronounced Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, as well as Ship Kings series. calls of the capaill uisce as they hearken to dead, yet she firmly refuses to die and classical composer Leoš Janáček, with his Sin- Leanne Hall is from Readings Carlton their beloved sea or the moment before continues to perambulate through fonietta playing a significant role in the narra- they attack a careless human. A warning to Stitching and read novels in her study. tive – as music does within all of Murakami’s Brotherband 1: the squeamish – the body count is high in A successful local business is destroyed work. Themes that Murakami has explored in this novel, as the capaill uisce bestow both because it was built on a foundation The Outcasts the past inform much of the surreal world of John Flanagan power and death upon those who would at- of ice that suddenly thaws. Much of 1Q84 – unrequited love, loners, family ties, tempt to tame them. With an atmospheric the narrative derives its interest from Random. PB. $17.95. ebook $16.16 backdrop of a strange and harsh island life, bent realities and cults. 1Q84 will leave you I love a spin-off series – these unexpected events. this is a beautifully realised account of a scratching your head and wanting more. they’re a chance to get to brave young woman who battles against all In this sense, In Red works as a depic- Ingrid Josephine is marketing & events know new parts of a world odds and an isolated young man who finds tion of place undertaken through assistant at Readings within a book that you the will to love again. extreme literary measures, and would already feel at home in. Angela Crocombe is from Readings St Kilda appeal to fans of books such as Ga- Brotherband 1: The Outcasts briel García Márquez’s One Hundred is set in the same world as The Sending: Years of Solitude and Jenny Erpen- Ranger’s Apprentice, but this beck’s brilliant Visitation. Although ThPoetryirty Australian time takes place in Skandia, a Viking-like the Obernewtyn some readers may find In Red’s fantas- Poets country where boys undergo Brotherband Chronicles Part 6 tic plot twists frustrating at points, the Felicity Plunkett (ed.) training to shape them into fierce warriors. Isobelle Carmody book’s beautiful prose, which repeat- UQP. PB. $27.95 Hal has never really fit in as a Skandian – Puffin. PB. $32.95 edly employs rhetorical tropes related Celebrating diverse voices and even though his father was a fierce warrior The time has come at last for to sewing, manages to patch together styles – from traditional forms who was killed in battle, his mother was an Elspeth Gordie to leave the a series of discrete stories into a fully- re-imagined to the experimen- Araluen slave, which has always made him Land on her quest to find realised work. Aside from its local tal and avant-garde, from an outsider. And so, when the Skandian and stop Sentinel from pleasures, though, In Red also serves exquisite lyricism to wild feats boys are required to form groups during unleashing the deadly as an intriguing meditation on the of intellect and imagination their training, Hal isn’t surprised to find Balance of Terror arsenal. relationship between lived history and – Thirty Australian Poets is a himself one of the last to be picked, along But first she must find a lost the act of storytelling itself, and how landmark anthology that with the other outcasts. Together, these key. Her search will take her the travails of individual people can captures the spirit of a new generation of eight boys form their own group, the where she never thought to go, and lead her unexpectedly take on a much larger Australian poets. An important book for Herons, and led by Hal they achieve greater far from her destination to those she significance. poetry lovers and students of Australian success than anyone expected. believed lost forever. And it will test her as she has never been tested before. Emmett Stinson is the author of Known literature alike, this is a unique collection that This is real boys’ own adventure stuff, and Unknowns (Affirm, PB, $24.95). highlights the energy and vitality present in fans of Ranger’s Apprentice will recognise Australian poetry today. the similar themes here: the importance of Readings Monthly November 2011 9

New Crime Dead Write with Fiona Hardy Bad Signs gressman’s son is found dead, and no one mystery – because the room was locked from R.J. Ellory knows if it’s suicide or murder. Michael the inside, and these are people who cannot Book of the Month Orion. PB. $29.99 Connelly is a consistently great writer – if lose their reputation. Sorry This was a close contender you take up the limited-time offer of a copy Zoran Drvenkar for book of the month this of Black Echo free with The Drop, you’ll see Death Comes to HarperCollins. PB. $29.99 month – R.J. Ellory is an what I mean – and Bosch is a character hard Pemberley I predict that the Next amazing author (and a nice to resist. P.D. James Big Thing in fiction, once guy in reality) and Bad Signs, Faber. PB. Normally $30 everyone tires of the Scan- despite being set in the 60s Red Mist Our special price $26.95 dinavians (which I haven’t and being more about the Patricia Cornwell Jane Austen’s Pride and yet either, but surely it will criminals than those who Little, Brown. HB. Normally $39.99 Prejudice has been given a happen one day) will be track them, is no different in skill. Two Our special price $31.95 vigorous workout in the the Germans: with Ferdi- half-brothers grow up in a dismal reality, Six months after the murder world lately – attacked by nand von Schirach’s Crime looking out for each other and no one else, of her deputy chief, Jack zombies, filmed repeatedly, earlier this year and Zoran Drvenkar’s Sorry abandoned by family either criminal or Fielding – and almost losing turned into a Choose-Your- this month both topping my list of crime dead, and end up in juvie themselves. When her own life – Kay Scarpetta Own-Adventure – and reads of 2011, this makes me think that they are finally free, something else is is chasing a lead all the way beloved author P.D. James soon there will be an entirely new bunch of waiting to rupture their lives – death-row to a Georgia prison. There, a has merged her love of both Austen and authors whose names I’ll embarrass myself inmate Earl Sheridan, set to ruin all they had woman imprisoned for sexual crime together and knocked off the husband trying to pronounce. In the thrilling and hoped for or, with his own horrific tenden- assault has information not of Lydia Wickham, sister of the world’s beautifully written Sorry, a bunch of twenty- cies, to find the violence within them. only on Fielding, but on other deaths that beloved Elizabeth Darcy (née Bennet). Lydia somethings come up with a business model on the surface seem to share no connections. turns up, distraught and uninvited, at the that instantly thrives: apologising to those The Drop The best detectives, however, search further, end of the Autumn Ball, which has already who need it on behalf of those needing to Michael Connelly and Scarpetta realises that the killings she been soured by old hurts and confusion, and alleviate guilt. The business is going won- A&U. PB. Normally $33. ebook $17.99 thought were over with Fielding’s death are throws everything into further disarray. With derfully – as is the book itself, which opens Our special price $27.95 the precursor to something much larger. relationships at risk, as well as actual lives, with a tense and bloody scene and then gives Plus Michael Connelly’s Black Echo free with P.D. James gives new yet beautifully accurate the characters room to breathe and become purchase Prague Fatale life to a constant favourite. close to you before throwing the next shock DNA is such an important Philip Kerr at the reader – when a new client asks them cornerstone in forensic Quercus. PB. $24.99 House of Silk to visit someone, and upon arrival, the science that chaos could Set ten years before Bernie Gunther’s last lit- Anthony Horowitz intended is dead, nailed to a wall. The crime, erupt in the Regional Crime erary adventure in Field Grey, Prague Fatale Orion. PB. Normally $33 and everyone involved, uncovers a delicate Lab when Harry Bosch finds sees Bernie return to Berlin from the front to Our special price $29.95 line between criminals and victims, some- a match between a 1989 a place changed for the worse. An invitation Sherlock Holmes and his dear creator have times uncomfortable to read but ultimately crime and a 29-year-old man from a former superior to a country home long passed, but – happily – their legacy revealing. The threads of the main characters – who would have been eight in wartime Germany starts off unpleasantly lives on 106 years since the last published (and other, mysterious characters that get at the time. Did he rape and kill at that age, enough for Bernie when he realises the hijinks of Holmes and Watson. With a plot- voices in alternating chapters) knot together or will every conviction based on DNA be guests are a mix of hideous SS figures, but line as secretive as the great detective’s own unexpectedly, and Sorry is a surprisingly bril- thrown into doubt? At the same time, Bosch gets unimaginably worse when a body is system of problem-solving, House of Silk liant read. is given a case both personal and political found in one of the rooms. As a policeman, should get everyone, quite rightly, in a frenzy – his least favourite, really – when a con- it falls to Bernie to figure out this impossible of excitement.

The shocking, heart-breaking The mesmerising new novel - and often very funny - true story from the master of the surreal behind Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

LOOKING FOR THE KEYNES/HAYEK LIGHT ON THE HILL Nicholas Wapshott Troy Bramston Can government fix A thoughtful, timely, a broken economy? and necessary book Two great economists that demonstrates disagreed eighty years how Australia’s ago, and their debate oldest political party dominates politics to can get its mojo this day. back.

‘MurakaMi is a genius’ ‘An explosively imaginative writer’ SYBIL EXPOSED NOT THE LAST Chicago Tribune The London Free Press Debbie Nathan GOODBYE There’s so much more at randomhouse.com.au The compelling true David Servan- story of the three Schreiber women behind the ‘A book of dignity, famous multiple- sincerity, and personality case breathtaking beauty. that shook the In this often joyous world and changed account, Servan- psychology forever. Schreiber helps us prepare ourselves to die well.’ Le Point Forecast Turbulence GingerBoy BY JANETTE BY TEAGE EZARD & TURNER HOSPITAL CHRIS DONNELLAN LISBON BEST AUSTRALIAN Neill Lochery POLITICAL Forecast Turbulance Iconic Melbourne is a breathtaking restaurant Gingerboy In this riveting and CARTOONS 2011 unconventional Russ Radcliffe (ed.) and exquisitely lyrical is renowned for its narrative, renowned collection of nine funky décor and historian Neill The year-in-review short stories and one Lochery offers a as witnessed by our Asian-inspired street revelatory portrait funniest and most short memoir piece food with a uniquely modern twist. With subversive political of WWII’s back from internationally its sizzling style, this beautiful cookbook stage — the city of cartoonists. Lisbon. acclaimed Australian will bring 21st century fusion into your author Janette Turner kitchen. You won’t find sexier, saucier, Hospital. more sumptuous recipes anywhere. www.scribepublications.com.au Also available as eBooks 10 Readings Monthly November 2011 New Non-Fiction

Australian FrPoliticsontier Justice: The Global Refugee AustrNon-Fictionalians: Volume 2 Crisis and What to Eureka to the Diggers Do About It Thomas Keneally Andy Lamey A&U. HB. Normally $59.99 UQP. PB. $34.95 Our special price $49.95 Canadian journalist and This is the second volume in academic Andy Lamey seeks The time has come for Elspeth to leave on Shane Delia, owner of award-winning Maha Bar Keneally’s unique history of to explain the rise in refugee her quest to find and stop the Sentinel from and Grill, brings us a superb collection of recipes Australia in which people numbers and the effects of unleashing a deadly arsenal. But before she showcasing his distinctive fusion of Middle can embark on her journey, she must find a lost Eastern and Mediterranean food, with a strong are at the centre of the North America and Europe’s key. And although she has long prepared for this focus on the full-flavoured dishes prepared by account. The first volume increasing reluctance to day, nothing is as she anticipated. Shane’s large Australian–Maltese family. covered the period from the admit them. With a focus origins of Australia to the on the rights of asylum- Eureka uprising. This seekers, and the routine violation of those volume picks up where he left off and rights, Lamey offers a solution to the brings us to World War I and the moment problem and a vision that is ultimately when Australia stood at the cusp of optimistic and deeply affirmative. ‘A nationhood and social maturity. This is a wonderfully readable, lucid account of the truly remarkable telling of Australia’s treatment of refugees in modern western history, with a rich cast of characters. democracies … It should be compulsory reading for our politicians.’ – Julian Looking for the Burnside Light on the Hill Troy Bramston Scribe. PB. $32.95. ebook $19.35 Bramston is a Labor party Cultural Studies insider and former Rudd A Point of View government adviser, and Clive James Fiona Dalton shows us how to make gorgeous soft Japanese craft books are loved the world over Picador. PB. $32.99 toys using natural and repurposed materials. With for their beautiful and practical design, and their here he examines how the simple patterns, step-by-step instructions and clear and meticulous instruction. Translated party has come to find itself The BBC Radio 4 series, A detailed information about sourcing and using into English for the first time, Happy Homemade in its current troubling state. Point of View, has been on sustainable materials, beginners and experienced Vol.1 contains 20 projects for beautiful apparel He argues that two issues air since 2007, and features crafters alike will find it’s easy being green. that have been adapted for Western sizing. – the loss of its intrinsic presenters speaking for ten culture of strong, bold leadership, and its minutes on anything that identity crisis over its values, philosophy captures their imagination. One of the most popular penguin.com.au and purpose – are at the core of the problem, and explores a way forward for presenters is Clive James and Labor. Includes new interviews with former this volume collects 60 of his original pieces party leaders, current and former ministers, with all new postscripts. A highly entertain- union leaders and party figures, as well as ing read in which Clive reflects on every- Start your summer early with TexT astonishing opinion-poll results commis- thing from wheelie bins to plastic surgery, sioned exclusively for this book. Harry Potter to giving up smoking, and car parks to Chinese elections. Australia and Appeasement: Imperial Foreign Policy and the Biography Origins of World War II Christopher Waters & Memoir IB Tauris. HB. $39.95 Why Be Happy When When Robert Menzies announced that You Could Be Normal? Australia was at war in September 1939, he Jeanette Winterson also explained that while every effort had Jonathan Cape. HB. Normally $29.95 been made to maintain peace, the British Our special price $24.95 ‘If Kevin Rudd had been as funny ‘I don’t think Edna has ever admired anyone Empire’s decision to become involved in the I am going to assume that if as his daughter, our nation’s history as much as she admires Marjorie Bligh.’ struggle meant that Australia was involved you are reading this review might be different.’ Barry humphries too. Focusing on the five leading figures in about the latest book by Natasha stott Despoja the Australian governments of the 30s – Joe Jeanette Winterson, then ‘Prepare to become obsessed with Lyons, Stanley Bruce, Robert Menzies, Billy you would have, at the very ‘Very good at balancing the serious side Marjorie. She’s a human fascinator— Hughes and Richard Casey – this book is least, heard of her most of politics with slapstick antics... one she made herself.’ famous first book Oranges Genuinely snort-worthy.’ an examination of their responses to the Kaz CooKe Are Not the Only Fruit. weekend australian rise of Hitler and fascism, and provides new insights into the making of imperial foreign Winterson wrote this novel when she was policy. 25 years old and it deals with the story of a young girl adopted by Pentecostal parents The Penguin Book of with high hopes for the girl to become a Australia War Writing missionary. Instead the character falls in Mark Dapin (ed.) love with another woman. Why Be Happy When You Could be Normal is written 25 Penguin. HB. $39.95 years later and is the same story to a certain This is a remarkable collection extent, except this time it is autobiographi- of letters, diaries, memoirs cal. This moving book may well be Winter- and reports by Australian son’s first ‘true’ story but her use of poetry soldiers and journalists at within her beautifully told stories remains the frontlines of war. the same. The wonderful title comes from Starting with Watkin Tench’s Winterson’s mother asking her this very observations of an Aborigi- question when she leaves home at 16 years nal war party, there are of age. Featuring new fiction from ‘A rollicking adventure story…with diverse accounts here from Australia’s Georgia Blain, Matthew Condon, interesting characters, fascinating history in wars – from the cliffs of Gallipoli The book is filled with heart-wrenching Benjamin Law, Favel Parrett, creatures and spectacular environments.’ to the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of stories of Winterson’s childhood, the pov- Chris Womersley and more. australian Bookseller + PuBlisher Afghanistan and Iraq. This is an important erty of love and the path to self-acceptance. record of our history and a poignant way of What is extraordinary is that from this remembering what happens in the wars we textpublishing.com.au childhood devoid of so much joy and an send our soldiers to fight. adulthood filled with such angst Winterson Readings Monthly November 2011 11 has become one of the most gifted storytell- Not the Last Goodbye hensible, visible in creatures and habitats ers of our time. Why Be Happy When You David Servan-Schreiber that have survived, barely touched, for Could Be Normal? is a brilliant read. After Scribe. PB. $24.95. ebook $14.95 hundreds of millions of years. A beautiful, all, her story of searching for peace is, of Nineteen years after his breathtaking book that shows us the hidden course, a shared experience. original diagnosis, David heritage of our planet’s past. FAVOURITES Chris Gordon is events coordinator at Readings Servan-Schreiber underwent an emergency MRI which AND The Letters of Samuel revealed that his brain Beckett: Vol 2 cancer had returned. In this Music FRANCE George Craig et al. (eds) book he shares how he came Love Goes to CUP. HB. $59.95 to terms with the news and Buildings on Fire: This volume begins with the examines what it is like to live with a war years and the surge of terminal illness and yet live fully and with Five Years in New letters from 1945 onwards is hope. ‘A book without pathos ... Each York That Changed matched by the outpouring word rings true.’ – Elle Music Forever and range of Beckett’s Will Hermes published work. The letters Sybil Exposed: FSG. HB. $39.95 reveal the evolution of a The Extraordinary Mid 70s New York City saw passionate yet little-known Story Behind the all the major styles of modern writer into a figure of international music reinvented – all at once, reputation, and Beckett’s response to his Famous Multiple from one block to the next, by fame. This volume also discusses Beckett’s Personality Case musicians who knew, admired situation during the war and his move into Debbie Nathan and borrowed from one writing in French, and includes translations Scribe. PB. $32.95. ebook $19.35 another. Senior Rolling Stones of the letters, explanatory notes, year-by- In the 1950s, Sybil Dorsett critic Will Hermes was there, year chronologies, profiles of correspon- was diagnosed with what was and this is his account of the creativity, drive dents and other contextual information. then a new psychiatric and amazing lust for life of the great New York condition – multiple musicians of those years, and of a time when Women of Letters personality disorder – and was the possibilities for musical exploration seemed Marieke Hardy & believed to have 16 separate limitless. Michaela McGuire (eds) personalities living within her. Penguin. PB. $29.95 Her case became a pop-cul- Listen To This Marieke Hardy and Michae- ture phenomenon, and was the subject of a Alex Ross la McGuire are the creators bestselling book in 1973. In Sybil Exposed, Picador. PB. $24.95 and curators of one of journalist Debbie Nathan reveals the elaborate A collection of Ross’s finest Melbourne’s newest literary fraud behind the case and exposes the trio of writing since 1994, these events – Women of Letters women – a Manhattan psychiatrist, a diverse essays describe his own – an afternoon that cel- glamorous magazine writer, and a troubled belated discovery of pop, ebrates strong female talent young woman – behind the story. explore canonical composers Ray Martin has interviewed and the lost art of letter- such as Schubert and Verdi, thousands of people over his writing. The women (and some men) retell hundreds of years of successful career in journalism. deliver missives on a series of themes and music history, and much Ray Martin’s Favourites brings some of these have been collected in this Science more. ‘Ross veers effortlessly from Mozart to together the most remarkable of hilarious yet moving volume. All royalties Among the Islands Radiohead, and from Kurt Cobain to Brahms, these interviews, offering insight from the book will go to Edgar’s Mission Tim Flannery bringing a pop fan’s enthusiasm to the into some extraordinary people— Text. PB. $32.95. ebook $14.96 animal rescue shelter. composers and treating the rock stars seriously from celebrities to ordinary folks, This is the third book in a as musicians … A joy for a pop fan or a all with stories to tell. Housewife Superstar loose trilogy about Tim classical aficionado.’ –The New York Times Book Flannery’s adventures, Review Danielle Wood AVAILABLE NOVEMBER Text. PB. $29.95. ebook $19.95 following on from Throwim A biography of Marjorie Way Leg and Country. Bligh, 94-year-old Tasma- Twenty-five years ago, nian domestic goddess, Flannery found himself on one author of advice books on of the most inaccessible islands STravelurfari topics such as household in Melanesia – Woodlark in the Trobriands Tim Baker management, health and Group – as he set out to research the fauna of Ebury. PB. Normally $34.95 beauty, poetry, gardening the Pacific Islands. With accounts of discover- Our special price $29.95 and recycling. In her home ing, naming and sometimes eating new Tim Baker, bestselling author is a museum that shows off the items she mammal species, Flannery takes us on a of Occy, High Surf and Bustin’ has created from materials such as used fascinating journey through some of the most Down the Door, takes you on a pantyhose, and she uses old-fashioned spectacular environments on earth. surfing road trip around corset brassieres as plant protectors in her Australia with his family. garden. Sensationally thrice-married, she Desert Fishing Lessons: Inspired by the dreams of his counts Barry Humphries amongst her fans Adventures in youth, Baker hits the road in and this book is sure to make her a Australia’s Rivers search of the perfect wave, and household name. Adam Kerezsy to escape the daily grind. Along the way, he UWAP. PB. $34.95. ebook $19.95 documents the state of surf culture and HergÉ: The Genius Adam Kerezsy is a freshwater introduces us to the many colourful characters of Tintin fish scientist who, for years, he meets. This is a lively account of what Raphaël Taylor lived next to Lake Cargelligo happens when you trade in a busy, micro- Icon. PB. $32.99 right in the middle of the scheduled existence to follow your dreams. This is a comprehensive new Murray-Darling Basin where biography of Hergé, the he witnessed firsthand the man who created Tintin. many problems that affected Drawing on private archives, the river system. In Desert History A personal guide to fine dining exclusive interviews and Fishing Lessons, Kerezsy takes us on a journey Bloodlands: Europe extensive research, Raphaël through our arid-zone waterways and shows in regional France, Shannon Taylor not only examines us how we have much to learn from our Between Hitler and Bennett’s France is the perfect way Hergé’s private life – his healthy desert rivers and the ‘tough-as-nails Stalin to start planning a dream holiday youth, his controversial life in Nazi-occu- critters’ that live in them. Tim Snyder in the country that is unsurpassed pied Brussels, his depression, the break-up Vintage. PB. $27.95 for its fine culinary experiences. of his first marriage – but also searches for Relics: Travels in Between 1933 and 1945, 14 million civilians the inspiration behind his work. Taylor also Nature’s Time Machine were killed by the Soviet and Nazi regimes AVAILABLE NOVEMBER looks at each Tintin story in turn, describ- Piotr Naskrecki in the bloodlands – the area between Berlin and Moscow that comprises present-day ing the secrets of Hergé’s workshop, and University of Chicago Press. HB. $65 Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, western Rus- focuses especially on Tintin in Tibet, World-renowned zoologist sia and the eastern Baltic coast. This is a Hergé’s most personal Tintin story. For and photographer Piotr groundbreaking study of the motives and fans, Taylor’s painstakingly researched Naskrecki takes us on an methods of Hitler and Stalin, and the biography will bring many new insights; for unbelievable journey through relationship between their two regimes. those who know less about Herge, this is a the lingering traces of a lost Tim Snyder pays special attention to the beautifully written, sympathetic portrait of world. Travelling the globe, testimony of the victims, making this a a fascinating writer and artist whose work he creates a words and profoundly humane and original account of has enchanted millions. pictures portrait of our this tragedy. www.mup.com.au planet that renders its colossal age compre- 12 Readings Monthly November 2011 A Train in Winter Caroline Moorehead Great new titles Chatto & Windus. PB. $32.95 Humour In January 1943, the Nazis Boganomics from Hachette sent 230 women of the E.C. McSween et al. French Resistance to Little, Brown. PB. $29.99 Auschwitz. Only 49 would From the bestselling authors survive. Drawing on of Things Bogans Like comes

ISBN 9781742582931 $26.95 interviews with the women this not quite scientific study and their families; German, tracing bogan culture back French and Polish archives; through time. Starting with and documents held by World War II an exploration of the bogan resistance organisations, biographer, of the nineteenth century, the writers move on to the inherited historian and human rights journalist Caroline Moorehead tells the story of these popularly held notion of the 80s bogan ordinary women – teachers, students, – metal, flannel and Victoria Bitter – leaping forward to the twenty-first century bogan, FOOtprINtS chemists, writers, housewives, a singer at the Paris Opera, a midwife, a dental clad in garish garb, holding their nationalism Powderfinger with surgeon – who did extraordinary things in close to their chest and slavishly following Dino Scatena order to combat evil. every celebrity trend in magazines. The inside story of Australia’s best loved amanda band - Powderfinger! For the first time, curtin The Beauty and The Household Tips Bernard, Darren, Ian, John and Jonathan the Sorrow of the Great Writers look back and tell their whole story – Peter Englund Mark Crick from childhood to their final farewell. Granta. HB. $24.99 Profile. HB. $49.99 This is a bumper omnibus Drawing on the journals and edition of Mark Crick’s letters of 20 average people three books of literary from all over Europe, the pastiche – Kafka’s Soup, United States, South Sartre’s Sink and Machia- America, Australia and New velli’s Lawn. The Household Zealand, Peter Englund has Tips of the Great Writers composed a highly engaging shows you how to prune a narrative history of World ISBN 9781742582528 $34.95 rose bush with Pablo Neruda, mend a War I. Their varied perspectives not only dripping tap with Sartre, and bake a speak for themselves and their families, but chocolate cake with Irvine Welsh – though also depict the struggle and heartbreak that MIDWINtEr SACrIFICE that’s not all he’s cooking … Brilliant, was common to all those whose lives were sparklingly funny and always pitch-perfect, by Mons Kallentoft touched by the war. In the early hours of a freezing night, this is like a Mrs Beeton for literary types! the body of a man is found hanging from a lone oak tree outside Linkoping, Leningrad Sweden. Malin Fors is assigned to the Anna Reid case and must track down the identity Bloomsbury. HB. $49.99 of the man and the reason he ended In the two and a half years Cooking up there. Kallentoft is an exceptional that Leningrad was under MoVida Cocina author and a huge Swedish success. the Nazi siege as many as Frank Camorra two million Soviets lost their & Richard Cornish lives. This book asks what Murdoch. HB. $50 would have happened if the Feel the pulse of its thriving New from city had fallen, how many tapas bars, watch the speed lives would have been saved and grace of its wait staff, if Leningrad’s leadership was better inhale the aroma of sizzling organised, how close Leningrad came to chorizo and savour the salty falling into German hands, and how those sweetness of crayfish straight who lived through it survived. off the grill. From its flagship restaurant in Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, to the opening of BAD SIGNS Mawson Peter FitzSimons its latest venture Pulpo, MoVida has always by R.J Ellory Random. HB. Normally $49.95 embodied the heart and soul of Spanish Set in the 1960s, BAD SIGNS is a tale Our special price $39.95 cuisine. of the darkness within all of us, the Peter Fitzsimons paints a inherent hope for salvation and the MoVida Cocina gives you a closer look at ultimate consequences of evil. It returns compelling portrait of the the people, venues and dishes that have to the haunting ground covered in the legendary polar explorer made the MoVida bars and restaurants award-winning, international bestseller, Mawson, and the giants of what they are today. Acclaimed chef and A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS. the heroic age of polar owner Frank Camorra takes us behind-the- exploration: Shackleton, scenes to reveal special techniques, signa- Internationally acclaimed science writer Amundsen and Scott. The ture dishes and the pure joy of cooking that Lone Frank swabs up her DNA to provide stories of their legendary infuses his life and work. He also reveals the first truly intimate account of the feats and their thrilling race to be the first 70 stunning new recipes, including his new science of consumer-led genomics. men to reach the South Pole are brought to chorizo-filled fried potato bombs, which $24.95 Pb, ISBN 9781851688333 life through in-depth research and dazzling featured in a nail-biting episode of ‘Mas- Oneworld Publications storytelling. terChef Australia’ in 2010. Double Entry Marque: A Culinary Jane Gleeson-White Adventure A&U. HB. $29.99. ebook $23.99 Mark Best BOGANOMICS Subtitled ‘How the mer- Hardie Grant. HB. $79.95 by E.C. McSween, chants of Venice shaped the The much awarded Marque E Hubbard, et al. modern world – and how in Sydney has just been their invention could make named Restaurant of the Year From the bestselling authors of or break the planet’, this is a THINGS BOGANS LIKE comes a for 2012 by Australian not-quite- scientific study of all things strangely intriguing explora- Gourmet Traveller magazine, bogan, from the bogan of the 19th tion of double-entry and this highly illustrated century to today’s archetype: clad in bookkeeping. Invented in book celebrates and reflects garish garb, holding their nationalism northern Italy in the Dark Ages by the on Marque’s successes. It also close to their chest, slavishly following Fashion designers and creatives from merchants of Venice, the perfecting of this gives you an insight into the personal every celebrity trend in magazines. many fields, including photographers, form of record-keeping made possible the journey of chef and owner Mark Best, and illustrators and film makers, talk about wealth and cultural efflorescence that was includes approximately 80 of Marque’s what they are doing differently to the Renaissance and enabled capitalism to signature recipes as well as techniques which change the fashion and media industry flourish, changing the world forever. are the backbone of the chef’s creations. from within. With a foreword from René Redzepi, this is $29.95 Pb, ISBN 9781780260419 a stunning book to treasure. New Internationalist Readings Monthly November 2011 13

Artby Margaret & Snordon, Design Readings Carlton Foodby Justine Douglas, & Readings Wine Port Melbourne A unique volume of speeches and Forty-Six Square The Country Metres of Land Cooking of Italy occasional pieces written by former Doesn’t Normally Colman Andrews Prime Minister Paul Keating Become a House Hardie Grant. HB. $59.95 Stuart Harrison A companion volume to The Country T&H. HB. $70 Cooking of France and The Country Cooking This book starts on the front of Ireland, this is a definitive collection of cover and ends on the back recipes from the Italian countryside, where with no empty pages in ‘the farm is never far away from the table’. between – to maximise After 40 years spent travelling and eating available space. With the his way around Italy, Colman Andrews has largest houses in the world collected delightful anecdotes on epicurean and ever-increasing suburban themes. His scholarship on regional cook- sprawl, we need to consider ing is illuminating but unpretentious and building smaller and more space-efficient at times very amusing. There are dozens of homes. Showcasing 45 examples, Stuart fascinating inclusions, such as Vincisgrassi, Harrison explores how the constraints of an unusual version on lasagna from the space often result in the most innovative Marche, which calls for the addition of houses – bigger is not better. chicken livers (or sweetbreads, bone marrow or calf’s brains). {Graphic Design} Australian Style Home Made Manual Yvette Van Boven Andrew Barnum et al. Murdoch. HB. Normally $50 Our special price $39.95 McGraw Hill. PB. $74.95 This is quite possibly one of An invaluable resource that my favourite cookbooks this covers the foundations of year, all about making good graphic design with a unique food with your own hands Australian/New Zealand – no special equipment perspective. The theory and required. We begin with a thought behind graphic step-by-step guide to making design in an Australian and your own jam – try the pear New Zealand context is AfterAftet r WordsWoW rdds ccontainsontains aann analyticananala ytticc commentarycommmentary on AAustralia’sustrralia’s and star anise. There are comprehensive covered, giving students and professionals recentreccent sociasociall andand economicecconomic repositioningrepositioning by,by, inin thethe mindsminds recipes for all kinds of preserving – pickled the knowledge, tools and inspiration to of many, its principal architect. The speeches go beyond vegetables, chutneys, smoked fish – and channel their creativity into professional observation, as Paul Keating sketches out new vistas easy-to-follow instructions for making your practice. This book features profiles of and points to new directions. own tea and drinks – perhaps you should try designers such as Vince Frost, Beci Orpin, a thyme, verbena and tarragon infusion. Kim Sowersby, Lara Burke/Frankie maga- These are interspersed with inventive café zine, Qube Konstrukt and the Australian OUT NOW fare (from their café ‘On the Amstel’ in Graphic Design Association (AGDA). Amsterdam) like the ‘now famous’ pork belly, which is served with fresh horseradish Interiors: Australia sauce and potato salad – yummy. and New Zealand Mitchell Oakley Smith Maha T&H. HB. $75 Shane Delia This stylish publication showcases over 65 Penguin. HB. $49.95 exemplary residences by leading designers: Maha was something of a from BKH, Carr Design Group and Hare revelation when it opened & Klein, to Arent & Pyke, Greg Natale four years ago. It continues Design and Multiplicity. Ranging from to deliver exquisite eastern coastal retreats and ecologically sustainable Mediterranean cooking and farmhouses, to renovated Victorian terraces there is no better way to and contemporary city penthouses – the best celebrate a special occasion designers are able to adapt to variables of ge- than with a pomegranate ography, climate and individual client needs sour before indulging in Shane Delia’s while maintaining the unique character of soufra. Filled with family photographs, each dwelling. Shane’s debut cookbook celebrates his Maltese heritage with a succession of Vitamin Green inherited recipes (complete with charming Phaidon. HB. $89.95 anecdotes) like his Aunty Carmen’s potato Vitamin Green provides an up-to-the-minute and tuna polpetti or Ravjul tal-Malti, ‘the look at the single most important topic in way Mum makes it’. Many of these recipes contemporary design: sustainability. This are extraordinarily sophisticated, but each new attention to the life of the things we recipe enforces the Maha philosophy Fortis hings were never quite make is changing the way design is practised et Hospitalis – strength in hospitality. Tthe same once Aunty Jack on every level and will be at the centre of roared onto our television discussions about architecture, landscape Free Range in the City screens in the 1970s, architecture and product design in the Annabel Langbein threatening to rip our bloody twenty-first century. HarperCollins. HB. $49.99 Last year Annabel cooked arms off. In this funny and It’s Lonely in the her way into the bestseller moving memoir, Grahame Modern World lists with her wildly success- Bond celebrates — and at times Molly Jane Quinn ful book Free Range Cook, curses — his most famous Chronicle. PB. $24.95 which accompanied an ABC creation and tells of how he I love an interior design book television series. Filmed in as much as the next obses- her garden on the shores of found an ‘imaginary family’ of sive, and the more decadent/ Lake Wanaka, Annabel other brilliant writers, actors, OTT/minimalist/vintage/etc. picked her own leeks and basketfuls of musicians and performers the better. But I’ve also got a plums and caught her own lobsters before along the way. sense of humour and get preparing a beautiful meal for friends. Her unwholesome entertainment new book acknowledges that while we from the follies of others (yes might aspire to that kind of authentic I laugh at myself also). So I love this book connection to our food, urban dwellers have and am thankful for the introduction to the to adapt. I have cooked endlessly out of Unhappy Hipsters website. A perfect gift for Annabel’s cookbooks – her recipes are family that special someone who practises unstud- favourites. I cannot recommend them highly ied nonchalance. Plus it’s nice to look at too enough. and quite informative. www.newsouthbooks.com.au 14 Readings Monthly November 2011

New-releasePicture Books Fantasy series,Kids’ young readers willBooks have Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Boy and no problems starting from this point, Cabin Fever though will probably be begging for Jeff Kinney the Crocodile the rest once it’s read! Puffin. PB. $14.95 Familia Hope Orphanage Holly Harper is from Readings Carlton Affirm/HE. PB. $19.95 Greg Heffley is in big The Boy and the Crocodile tells Violet Mackerel's trouble when school of the legend of East Timor property is damaged and he Natural Habitat becomes the prime suspect. and about how Anna Branford Story time for the island got its shape. But he’s innocent. Or is he? Illustrated by the children Walker. HB. $19.95 Then a surprise blizzard hits kids at Readings from the Familia Hope In book three of this town, and the Heffley family Orphanage in Gleno, East popular series, Violet is stuck indoors. When the Drop into Readings shops for Mackerel has a new theory. Timor, it is also a parable snow melts, Greg will have to face the story time for children aged 2 – 5 It is the theory of helping music, but could any punishment be worse about kindness. Every copy sold raises funds year old. These are all free events, small things. So Violet than being stuck inside with your family for the orphanage, which takes care of thirty and there’s no need to book. kids full-time and provides a drop-in facility befriends a tiny ladybird for the holidays? for many others. called Small Gloria and tries Please note: to give her a helping hand. THE Secret Garden This is not a child-minding The Highway Rat But sometimes it’s hard to know the best Frances Hodgson Burnett way to help a small thing – especially when & Lauren Child (illus.) service. We ask that parents Julia Donaldson it’s not in its natural habitat. stay with their children for Scholastic. HB. $24.99 Puffin. HB. $39.95 the reading. Another picture book by After the death of her Middle Readers parents, Mary Lennox is Julia Donaldson and Axel The New Cut Gang Carlton 9347 6633 Scheffler just in time for sent back from India to live 10.30 - 11am every Thursday Christmas! The team that Philip Pullman in her uncle’s huge, gloomy brought us so many David Fickling. HB. $27.95 house on the English Malvern 9509 1952 wonderful stories, including Here are two action-packed moors. Mary is lonely and 10.30 – 11am every Friday adventures for middle miserable until she stumbles The Gruffalo, Tabby McTat Port Melbourne 9681 9255 and Zog, has another readers from Philip Pullman, upon her disabled cousin 10.30 - 11am every Friday rhyming tale of shenanigans in the forest to award-winning author of the Colin, hidden away from the world by his entertain us. Northern Lights trilogy. The troubled father. Together they discover the St Kilda 9525 3852 stories revolve around a door to a secret garden, and open up a 10.30 - 11am every Thursday The rat of the title is a bad-tempered baddie motley group of urchins world of freedom and enchantment that dressed like one of the three musketeers calling themselves the New they could never have imagined … State Library 8664 7540 in a mask and cape, riding a downtrodden Cut Gang, solving crimes in late Victorian 11am – 11.30am every Friday horse. He steals all the food belonging to London. First published in the 1990s, these Brilliant author and designer Lauren Please call ahead to check session the animals along the highway, complaining two comic tales of stolen silver, skulldug- Childs turns her attention to another all the while how unappetising it is. He’s gery and desperadoes have now been placed children’s classic and this gorgeous edition times in December. rude and demanding and quite simply, a together in a beautiful hardcover volume, of an all-time favourite is sure to become a beast. But a clever little duck finally teaches including new illustrations from Horrible collector’s item. him an important lesson and restores order Histories illustrator, Martin Brown. in the forest. This is a delightful rhyming magazines tale that rolls off the tongue and will be Chitty Chitty Bang Early Harvest enjoyed by parents and children alike. Harvest/Pigeon Projects. PB. $16.95 Angela Crocombe is from Readings St Kilda Bang Flies Again Frank Cottrell Boyce Take a literary journal with a penchant Has Anyone Seen My Pan Macmillan. PB. $14.99 for fresh, young writing, add a dollop of Fifty years since it was first eagle-eyed young editors, fold in mentors Chihuahua? published, Chitty Chitty from the book industry and discover Early Clare Wigfall & Bang Bang finally has a Harvest – a literary magazine by children Ollie Lett (illus.) sequel! that will amaze, inspire and engage kids of Walker. HB. $27.95 all ages. This first issue delves into stories Oh, where has he gone? A Frank Cottrell Boyce has about secrets. Travel from Egypt to Merri little girl has lost her given new life to the famous Creek, unlocking doors to hidden worlds chihuahua! And he's her flying car created by Ian inhabited by spies, altruistic bugs and bestest best friend! He's soft, Fleming in his one and only pirates. With award-winning children’s au- cuddly, bouncy and has the children’s story. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang thors and illustrators such as Terry Denton most ENORMOUS ears. Flies Again has the same level of fun, quirki- and Sally Rippin, and carefully selected But none of the animals she ness and adventure as the original. works from talented young authors, this is meets resemble her lost The story centres on the Tooting family and a literary adventure you won’t want to keep Chihuahua, Fernando. Each of them is too their plans to travel around the world in an to yourself. big, too small, too green or too feathery. old camper van that has been refitted with Will she ever find him? Playful, vibrant and a new engine. The family’s plans to visit the Christmas at Readings Hawthorn highly entertaining, this is a great read- pyramids and go in search of lost cities are Roundup aloud picture book for ages two and up. interrupted when the engine decides to lead them on a different course. The Tooting Don’t miss Monica Dux (The Great junior Readers family are led on a wild adventure as the Feminist Denial ) talking with Kaz Geronimo Stilton and engine tries to locate and restore the origi- Cooke about Women’s Stuff — a nal Chitty, piece by piece. Recommended the Kingdom of new book about everything you Fantasy 3: The Amazing for ages eight and up. Voyage Daniela Perinac is from Readings Malvern need to know about confidence, Geronimo Stilton body image, eating, bosoms, and Killer Koalas Here at Readings we’ve been busy making more, without the fibs, or faff. Scholastic. HB. $19.99 From Outer Space our lists of all the books we hope Santa will On this, Geronimo Stilton’s Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton bring us. We love a festive tale or two to This is the event to share with third trip to the Kingdom of put us in the holiday mood, and these are your daughter, mother, aunt, Fantasy, the Queen of the Pan Macmillan. HB. $19.99 some of the best Christmas reads: The Lion, sister or just yourself. Fairies has been kidnapped This is a very silly book filled with very bad things. There The Unicorn and Me (Scholastic, PB, and her land plunged into $15.99) by Jeanette Winterson is a beauti- Wednesday 23 November, 6.30pm, an endless ice age. It’s up to are bad ideas like eating dead flies, and silly people ful nativity tale told from the donkey’s at Readings Hawthorn shop, the intrepid mouse reporter point of view; the team who brought us the to bring her back, but he’s like the boy who unscrews 701 Glenferrie Rd. Free, but his head and loses it forever. classic Diary of a Wombat have again come not going to do it alone: by his side are together to create Christmas Wombat please book on 9819 1917. dragons, elves, gnomes and sea creatures. Then there are very bad things like bloodsucking (Harper Collins, HB, $24.99); the new Mr These books are absolutely perfect for grannies, rocket-stealing ants and, of Men: A White Christmas is set in Australia beginner readers, boys or girls. Besides a course, killer koalas from outer space that (Penguin, PB, $4.95); and lovers of fun story and bright illustrations that kids come to earth and rip off your face. EJ12 will delight in knowing that every- will love, there are codes, maps and puzzles one’s favourite girl hero is back in EJ12: that will have them poring over the pages. Christmas Countdown (Scholastic, PB, While this is the third in the Kingdom of $12.99). HH Readings Monthly November 2011 15 Star: The life and wild times of warren beatty Peter Biskind HB. Was $50.00. Now $12.95 ReadingsBargains on the web: New books are Bargai regularly added to our nwebsite. Table Click on the Bargains tab at www.readings.com.au. In this compulsively readable and constantly surprising book, Peter Longitude European Painting Book of Exploration Biskind, author of film Dava Sobel Before 1800 in the Ray Howgego classic Easy Riders, Raging PB. Was $25. Now $9.95 National Gallery HB. Was $85. Now $29.95 Bulls, writes the most Sobel presents the dramatic of Victoria This handsome book is a intimate, revealing, and human story of an epic Ursula Hoff chronological survey of the balanced biography ever of scientific quest and of John HB. Was $84.95. Now $19.95 world’s most important and Hollywood legend Warren Beatty. Harrison’s 40-year obsession The NGV holds a fine audacious explorations, from with building the perfect collection of old master the circumnavigation of My father’s Country: timekeeper, known today as paintings. This is a compre- Africa in 600 B.C.E. to The Story of a German the chronometer. hensive catalogue of the Roald Amundsen’s conquest Family gallery’s holdings of paintings of the Northwest Passage and Wibke Bruhns well beyond. The illustrations – period by artists born before 1800. HB. Was $35.00. Now $12.95 The Finkler Question maps, journal entries, photographs – are My Father’s Country offers terrific. Howard Jacobson extraordinarily moving and HB. Was $40. Now $16.95 Paris Then and Now Gods and Heroes riveting insight into the story Howard Jacobson is a Peter and Oriel Caine of Hans Georg Klamroth, magnificent prose stylist who Matthew Reinhart officer in the German army is often at his most serious HB. Was $35. Now $13.95 & Robert Sabuda Discover the magic of the and member of the SS, who when he is being uproari- HB. Was $39.95. Now $14.95 was executed for high treason ously funny. This novel, City of Light! Tour one of Gods and Heroes takes young the most romantic cities in for his participation in the which won the Man Booker readers on an immense July 1944 plot to assassinate Hitler. Prize this year, is both a the world in this stunning pop-up adventure through send-up of some very silly collection of past-and-present the ancient world. A perfect There’s going people, and an examination of Jewish photographs that pay tribute Christmas gift for clever and to the city’s fabulous to be a baby identity in relation to rising tides of anti- inquisitive boys and girls. John Burningham Zionism and anti-Semitism. architecture and heritage. This is their gateway to the treasures of the past! & Helen Oxenbury Nine Lives In Search of Sydney Then and Now HB. Was $27.95. Now $12.95 the Sacred in Modern Caroline Mackaness Quran: A New When is the baby coming? & Caroline Butler-Bowden Translation What will we call it? We India don’t really need the baby, William Dalrymple HB. Was $35. Now $13.95 Tarif Khalidi Sydney, one of the world’s do we? This title brims with PB. Was $25. Now $12.95 PB. Was $22.95. Now $12.95 love, excitement and From the author of The Last most beautiful cities, is an Originally composed in amazing combination of reassurance as the child in Mughal comes a mesmerising Arabic in the seventh the story imagines all kinds book that explores how natural beauty and modern century, the Quran collects urbanity. Examine Sydney’s of colourful futures for the traditional religions are the divine revelations passed brother or sister he is waiting to meet. observed in today’s India, historic landmarks and down to the Prophet revealing ways of life that natural scenery as they were Muhammad. Tarif Khalidi and are today. FILM: A World History might otherwise never have conveys the powerful Daniel Borden et al. language of the text and been known. A dazzling HB. Was $19.95. Now $8.95 The Cello Suites: J.S. retains the rhythms and structure of the travelogue of both place and spirit. The ultimate guide to the film Bach, Pablo Casals, original Arabic. The Best American and the Search for a industry, taking the reader on Smithsonian Atlas a journey through all of its Short Stories 2009 Baroque Masterpiece notable eras – from Silent to Alice Sebold (ed.) Eric Siblin of World Aviation Sound, the War to the Fifties, HB. Was $42. Now $15.95 HB. Was $36. Now $16.95 Dana Bell from New Wave to Holly- Edited by critically ac- ‘This is one of the most HB. Was $59.95. Now $16.95 wood blockbusters and World claimed, best-selling author extraordinary, clever, Featuring 100 newly Cinema – it showcases all of Alice Sebold, this collection beautiful and impeccably commissioned and historic its memorable moments. boasts great variety ensuring researched books I have read maps as well as 200 related yet another rewarding, in years. A fascinating story photographs, navigation LIVES LIKE loaded guns: enduring edition of the deftly told – and, for me at charts, and historic artifacts, Emily dickinson and oldest and best-selling Best least, ideally read with Bach’s the Smithsonian Atlas of her family’s feuds American. thirty-six movements playing World Aviation charts the Lyndall Gordon softly in the background; a recipe for literary awe-inspiring history of PB. Was $28.00. Now $9.95 rapture.’ – Simon Winchester flight around the world. The War That Killed In 1882, Emily Dickinson’s Achilles: The True brother Austin began a Story of the Iliad Kevin McCloud's Grand New Fowlers Modern English Usage/ passionate love affair with a Caroline Alexander Tour of Europe married woman. The feud HB. Was $50. Now $15.95 Kevin McCloud Oxford Dictionary of that erupted has continued The dramatic events of the HB. Was $65. Now $16.95 Thematic Quotations for over a century. Trojan War are legend but Loosely following in the Leatherbound Set A startling portrayal of one Homer’s epic poem, The footsteps of the most HB. Leatherbound. Slipcased. of America’s most significant Iliad, is devoted entirely to a notorious grand tourists $19.95 literary figures that will change the way we few mundane weeks at the Kevin clambers in, on and Two indispensible reference view her life and legacy. end of a debilitating, waning amongst the greatest books in beautiful leather- ten-year campaign. The buildings, ruins and cities in bound editions. The modern Goldilocks story’s focus is not on drama Europe and also veers English usage guide is a Emma Chichester Clark but on a bitter truth: both armies want drastically off the official classic, offering clear PB. Was $29.95. Now $9.95 nothing more than to stop fighting and go path to visit the brothels, bathhouses and recommendations on issues ‘What a superb rendition of home. drinking dens which formed the other half of grammar, pronunciation, an old favourite this is. of the grand tourists’ experiences. spelling, and written style. Emma Chichester Clark has 123 Olly and Me Book Examples drawn from literary sources, done something incredibly and Frieze Yellow Square: newspapers and magazines, and the Internet. difficult while making it Shirley Hughes A Pop-Up Book for appear easy: present a HB. Was $29.95. Now $10.95 Children of All Ages How I cook straightforward telling that Learning to count is fun and David Carter Skye Gyngell has a fresh modern feel. easy with Katie and her baby HB. Was $29.95. Now $12.95 HB. Was $49.95. Now $16.95 Into this large format book she has worked brother, Olly. At the seaside, A yellow square hides in Award-winning chef and a wealth of detail and delicious touches.’ on the bus, playing with plain sight in or within the food writer Skye Gyngell – The Word Pool. friends or just home with paper engineering on each reveals the secrets of how she Mum – anytime, anywhere, spread; sometimes, the cooks at home for friends PLUS there’s always a chance to creation of the yellow square and family. With an original We’ve just had a big shipment of new practice numbers. is entirely up to the reader. collection of over 100 recipes bargain books arrive, and you can browse for everyday meals as well as them all at www.readings.com.au. special occasions. 16 Readings Monthly November 2011

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‘‘Silence should be approached with senses attuned to the sounds, images and emotions that are evoked so vividly by this master storyteller’ Bookseller + Publisher

‘Writing this rawly self-conscious has no business captivating you, let alone moving you. That it manages to do it anyway is a testament to Mr Cody’s talent, honesty and singularity’ JONATHAN FRANZEN

The young composer Joshua Cody was about to receive his PhD when he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. [sic] is his searing memoir about life, death, sex, drugs and 30-something life in New York. Readings Monthly November 2011 17 Maurice George Harrison: $24.95 Living in the E.M. Forster’s posthumously Material World published novel was a story Released 24 November. $39.95 New DVDs with Mike Paterson of coming to terms with Following his magnificent sexuality and identity in the documentary on Dylan, No face of disapproval and Direction Home, Martin Special Offer Underbelly: Razor misunderstanding. Masters Scorsese takes a unique and Warner Bros Classic Released 10 November. $69.95 of the literary adaptation exclusive look into the life of Hollywood Movies Sydney, 1927. Police James Ivory and Ismail the most enigmatic Beatle, $12.95 each or 2 for $20 enforcement is rudimentary Merchant give the quadrangles of Cam- George Harrison. ‘Martha, show the guests and razor gangs rule the bridge and the autumnal stately homes a where we keep the streets. Welcome to the vivid lushness like sinking into velvet. A euphemism.’* decadent and deadly world of distinguished cast, including a young Hugh Grant, adds a dignified grace to the Tweed Also released From the screwball com- Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine, this month edies Bringing Up Baby and two legendary vice queens in repression. Arsenic and Old Lace to the competing criminal empires, lurid melodrama of Whatever like flappers with flick-knives bound by their Fire in Babylon Happened to Baby Jane? and Who’s Afraid hatred for each other. From Melbourne’s $29.95 of Virginia Woolf?, the Warner Bros col- Goodfellas to Sydney’s Cotton Club, the From the mid 70s, the West lection of classic movies is unprecedented Underbelly story continues. Indies strode the cricket in its range of magnificent light and dark, world with imperious drama and comedy. Featuring some potent United States of swagger, defiant against the chemical mixes to melt the screen – Burton Tara: Season 1 colonialist arrogance of their Cars 2 former masters. Taking & Taylor, Grant & Hepburn, Davies & $39.95 $39.95 inspiration from the Black Crawford, Bogart & Bacall, Newman & Tara is a mother, a housewife Lightning McQueen was only supposed to Power movement in the era boiled eggs – these films constitute cinematic and a psychological mael- blow the blinking doors off! entertainment of the highest quality. We’ve strom. Inside her, straining to of apartheid and led by Clive Lloyd, Viv chosen 20 of the best from the Golden Age escape, are six personalities Richards, and the fury of their fast bowlers, Harry Potter & the of comedy to the reinvention of the Western. each distinct and alive. Can they utterly destroyed the opposition and changed the game forever. Deathly Hallows: It’s a theatre of drama in your home. Tara balance the demands of Part 2 ‘I didn’t bring you breakfast cause you didn’t family and mental equilib- eat your din-din.’ ** rium, or will she be consumed Bridesmaids Released 16 November. $44.95 Includes The Philadelphia Story, Cool Hand by the men, women and children inside her? $39.95 The epic story comes to its magnificent, Luke, Unforgiven, Giant, The Big Sleep, Cat Diablo Cody’s wonderful series, like a When down-and-out Annie (Kristen Wiig) emotional end. is asked to be bridesmaid to her best pal Lil- on a Hot Tin Roof and many more. whip-smart indie film in half-hour segments, The Tempest * Richard Burton, has a big heart and a hip ear. As dissociative lian, she struggles with keeping her jealousy Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? identity disorders go, Tara’s is one that at the success of the bride and her party (in- $39.95 ** Bette Davies, provides a template for some excellent human cluding a radiantly insufferable Rose Byrne) Helen Mirren and Russell Brand in Julie Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? drama and humour as well as a showcase for in check. It sounds grim, but Bridesmaids Taymor’s lush Shakespeare adaptation. the remarkable talents of Toni Collette. is one of the funniest movies of the year: THE TRIP eminently quotable, occasionally gross, and a Cane Toads: $34.95 The Dame Edna convincing argument for eloping. The Conquest In advance of the release next Experience: Series 1 Fiona Hardy is from Readings Carlton $29.95 year of the original BBC Released 16 November. $29.95 The original twisted documentary has series in six parts arrives the Groundbreaking, unparal- Of Gods and Men spawned a sequel. cinema version (like a leled, much imitated but Released 23 November. $39.95 degustation tasting menu) of never equalled (I’m looking at Eight French Christian Judy Garland Duets Michael Winterbottom’s you, Graham Norton) The monks live in harmony with $14.95 bucolic road comedy. Steve Dame Edna Experience was their Muslim brothers until A never before-released collection featuring Coogan and Rob Brydon, the first ironic chat show. fundamentalists enter the Judy Garland with Barbra Streisand, Peggy commissioned to write restaurant reviews, Never before available, this region spreading fear, threat Lee and Liza Minnelli, and more. travel England’s Lake District trading quips, 2-disc set includes every and menace forcing them to barbs and impersonations across the dining episode from the first series filled to the brim make a choice between Art of Germany tables of Cumbria as they embrace the with innuendo-laden goodness. Gasp as Sean accepting a horrible fate and $19.95 glorious landscape of Wordsworth and Connery, Liza Minnelli and Mel Gibson play rejecting their chosen path. ‘One of the most A three-part epic journey through a 500-year Coleridge while channelling Michael Caine, second fiddle to a housewife superstar called sensational things I have seen on the big artistic legacy with renowned art historian Al Pacino and Alan Bennett. Poignant, Edna. Also available,The Dame Edna screen.’ – The Guardian Andrew Graham-Dixon. hilarious and delicious. Christmas Specials. 18 Readings Monthly November 2011

Alexandra Palace in 2008. Recorded over The Smile Sessions two nights the live CD has been mixed by The Beach Boys Sigur Rós’ in-house studio engineer Birgir Standard edition $21.95 New Release CDs Jón Birgisson. The black-and-white film 2CD special limited edition box set $34.95 was directed by Vincent Morisset (Arcade Limited edition super deluxe box set Fire’s Miroir Noir) and unlike their first 5CD/vinyl/book $174.95 Play the Blues (and remarkable) live tour documentary Way back in 1966–67 the legendary Brian Wynton Marsalis film Heima, which positioned the group in Wilson was hard at work on the follow-up to the context of their Icelandic homeland, GeCDntle of Sp theirit Month & Eric Clapton the phenomenal Pet Sounds. Smile was, how- CD/DVD $24.95 Inni focuses purely on the intimacy and raw ever, shelved amid infighting, nervous break- Jonathan Wilson Recorded live at the experience of band’s performance. downs, drug abuse, and probably various Normally $26.95 Lincoln Centre in April Miranda La Fleur is from Readings St Kilda other reasons. For the past 40-odd years, it Our special price $14.95 this year, these two artists has become somewhat of a bootleg holy grail. Having garnered an need no introduction. Ilo Veyou Several years ago Brian released a re-recorded impressive reputation as a With a masterful orchestra Camille version, but now Capitol is releasing Smile in producer and gun musician and added percussion, Normally $26.95 all its glory and in several formats – double for hire, Jonathan Wilson these guys cruise through a collection of Our special price $21.95 CD, double LP, limited edition box set. has delivered an incredibly dixielandmeets-creole influenced classics. A Camille is an artist who is Rightly regarded by the rock aficionados at assured and frankly at times surprisingly good version of Layla is here, a renowned for her innova- Rolling Stone as ‘the most famous unfinished gob-smacking debut with Gentle Spirit. track that I was dreading hearing because tive vocal effects, dexterous album in rock & roll history’, every home Hailing from North Carolina but now how could you better the original? But fear body percussion and her should have one! residing in the infamous Laurel Canyon, not, it’s different but it works, as does Joe ability to create catchy Melissa Whebell is from Readings Hawthorn Wilson is clearly a man who likes to soak up Turner’s Blues and Careless Love. Taj Mahal unconventional tunes that his surroundings. The canyon circa 1972 is is a guest vocalist on Just A Closer Walk effortlessly drift between English and Ex Tropical all over this record (check out the totally With Thee and does it so well. If you want French. In her fourth album Ilo Veyou Lost Animal gnarly artwork!) and the spirits of everyone to imagine you were there it’s really easy (which Camille produced herself) we find $24.95 from CSNY, Jackson Browne and Pink Floyd with this album; just pump up the volume her also using recording spaces as instru- Debut album from Jarrod echo with glorious reverence through Wilson’s and applause. AB ments to her production. Recorded in two tunes. With such epics as Desert Raven and Quarrell, formerly of St wood-floor studios, three church chapels Helens. On paper it seems Natural Rhapsody the overall mood is mellow Josh Rouse and in the Abbey of Noirlac in the French to say the least but it’s Wilson’s vision, sheer the key elements of this & the Long Vacations countryside, Camille allows listeners of Ilo album would not necessar- ambition, impeccable production and the Veyou to ‘hear the rooms and relive what all-star musical talent on display that make Josh Rouse ily sit well together – shades & the Long Vacations went on’ in her new compelling collection of of calypso, horns, marimba, the occasional this record transcend pastiche and work in tracks. MLF such a spectacular way. I’d been reading great $21.95 guitar and his dark lyricism held together by things about this record in the UK music Interesting title for Josh Ceremonials a minimalist electronica element running mags months ago and feared it would be one Rouse’s new record; it does throughout. Yet somehow he makes it all fit have a light restful feel to Florence & the Machine together in a unique and sad-yet-beautiful more great piece of work denied a local release Standard edition $21.95 but lo and behold … Highly, highly recom- it. Nebraskan born Rouse way; the darkness of his vocals carefully has lived in many parts of Deluxe 2CD set edition $24.95 counterbalanced by an underlying summery mended and can’t wait for the vinyl. Few can bust out a torch Declan Murphy is from Readings St Kilda the US and has recently vibe. It’s an album I find difficult to describe, relocated to Spain with his new wife and song as well as Florence multi-layered and revealing more with each musical partner Paz Suay. Long Vacations is and her accompanying listen. MW their third collaboration. Rouse continues Machine – her voice rings to work with producer Brad Jones who give with as much passion as Pop/Rock his work a pleasant tonal sound. Rouse has her hair colour. After 1969 always been a poetic – this new taking over the world with 2009’s Lungs, Country Pink Martini & Saori Yuki record blends his earlier Americana sound she returns with Ceremonials, and upon its Time $26.95 with his more recent Latin-tinged works, release millions of people worldwide will be Sara Tindley miming the swelling lead track Shake It Out With all of the 12 members with beautiful results. MAS $29.95 of Pink Martini having into their hairbrushes within three days, or staring introspectively out the window to Rootsy, folky, melodic, rambling, gentle. studied different languages In Your Dreams There are many words to describe this long- and different music styles Ryan Adams What the Water Gave Me. It’s goosebump- inducing pop, hard not to enjoy, its awaited third release from the talented Aus- from around the world, it’s Normally $26.95 tralian. Comparisons have been made with a no wonder their songwrit- instrumental backdrops the perfect canvas Our special price $21.95 for Florence, otherworldly in scope and list of the who’s who of alt-country darlings ing is wildly diverse. Aiming to inspire a Is anyone out there (Lucinda, Kasey and Gillian … I would culture that sings and dances, they merge fervour. genuinely surprised that Fiona Hardy is from Readings Carlton throw in a dash of Iris De Ment as well) but nostalgia with delightful rhythms and Ryan Adams’ supposed there is something distinctly unique in her beautiful melodies. This latest offering retirement from music has To The Horses style just as there is in all those mentioned. features Saori Yuki, dubbed the Barbra not panned out? The man Time is helped by the fact that it is indeed Streisand of Japan, in a collection of songs has plenty of detractors Lanie Lane time that was taken to craft this great selec- that were all released in 1969. Most are hits but haters be damned: I say you can’t keep $24.95 tion of numbers. Sara is a storyteller of the from her native Japan, but there are a few a good man down and welcome back with Get out your winged highest order and all of the songs on show familiar international songs here as well open arms one of the finest songwriters of eyeliner, jaunty cowboy here have their own life lessons to tell. The including Puff The Magic Dragon and Jorge his generation. With legendary producer boots and slap that double songs are both joyous and raw, emoting a Ben’s Mas Gue Nada. Glyn Johns (father of Adams’ previous bass: as soon as Australian narrative style that puts you into the heart of Alice Bisits is from Readings Malvern go-to guy Ethan) at the helm, Adams has Lanie Lane launches her world. Golden and Time are but two of produced a gorgeous record full of songs merrily into opening track the many highlights. Reverie that rank alongside the best of his masterful Bang Bang, it’s hard not to tap your toes Lou Fulco is from Readings Carlton Joe Henry past glories. Opening track Dirty Rain is a and shake your shoulders. This style of Normally $26.95 meandering, slow-burning stunner while saucy, upbeat country is a favourite of Our special price $21.95 Lucky Now is positively soaked in irresist- mine, and Lane’s strong voice brings a I came to the artist Joe ible harmonies. Elsewhere Norah Jones touch of Duffy to Betty Baby, sexes things Henry with the release of provides piano and vocals to great effect on right up in Like Me Meaner, pares things OrvietJazz o 2003’s Tiny Voices. I had no several tracks, such as the lovely ballad Save back beautifully in What Trouble Is, generally rockabillies the hell out and will Chick Corea & Stefano Bollani idea who he was; I just Me. All of which adds up to one of Adams’ $24.95 heard he was a much most cohesive and beautiful works to date. be played relentlessly when I need some perking up. FH Chick Corea and Stefano sought after producer of DM Bollani rewrite, or at the some great artists like Solomon Bourke, very least extend, the jazz Aimee Mann, Allen Toussaint and Betty Inni Live CD/ DVD Anar Marketa Irglova piano rulebook at a historic Lavette. Reverie is the fourth release on the Sigur Rós duo performance at $24.95 Anti label for Joe Henry. The album was Standard CD/DVD $21.95 Umbria’s Teatro Mancinelli. Like Tori Amos, Irglova – keyboardist half recorded earlier this year in Henry's Base- Special edition CD/DVD/book $24.95 Corea forged his reputation as perhaps of The Swell Season and star of the movie ment studio with his regular crew of Inni is a very exciting acoustic piano’s bravest improviser with a Once – plays the piano like an extension of musicians with guest artists Marc Ribot and release and a definitive string of ECM masterpieces before leaving her body. Listening to Anar is an enchant- Lisa Hannigan. It has a rustic old-time feel Sigur Rós live experience the label for greenbacker pasture$. In his ing, soothing experience, something which is in keeping with his recent albums. released on the band’s own first ECM disc in 25 years he may be passing comforting and exquisite to listen to as the Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine was also label ‘krunk’. This release the torch to Bollani, the young Italian longer days draw the evenings out into a produced by Joe Henry, and Detweiler’s comprises a double live polymath.The unstoppable program is long, soft glow. Standout track Crossroads influence is apparent on this record, particu- album (the first live CD release for the basically one unbroken stream of almost isn’t in English, but you’ll still feel her larly on the track Piano Furnace. Reverie will band) which covers a wide spectrum of cheeky creativity, covering Jobim, Waller, intentions through the raised hair on your continue to enchant Joe Henry devotees and Sigur Rós releases and a 75-minute live film Miles, straight blues, spacey avant-improv arms; Anar benefits from the influence of a gain new converts. on DVD of their performance at the close and more. Serious fun. variety of cultures, as ancient as Persia and Michael Awosoga-Samuel is from Readings of the world tour of their last album Með Richard Mohr is from Readings Carlton Carlton suð í eyrum við spilum endalaus at London’s modern as Sufjan Stevens. FH Readings Monthly November 2011 19

1737). I must profess myself to have only 2-CD set from ABC Classics you can have just discovered him, however with the first the joy of these favourite arias whenever you brilliant violin chords I was hooked. By the want. Featuring the usual favourites – Nessun time Kirkby’s soaring voice joined the Dorma, Song of the Moon – it also has some Classical CDs bright and startlingly joyous harpsichord I lesser-known gems – Korngold's Die tote was thrilled to have discovered a new Stadt, Bononcini's Griselda and more. KR have produced a stunning recording that composer to add to my library. There are pays homage to the greatness of Reich’s five cantatas of varying sacred and secular Classical CD compositional style. If you haven’t already nature that each tell a story that will allow guessed I am a huge fan of Steve Reich. All you to while away a very enjoyable after- Classical Specials of the Month works are beautifully performed, from the noon. KR Mozart: Piano opening Triple Quartet with its nervous of the Month Concertos 6/8/9 energy to the hypnotic beauty of Piano Walton: J.S. Bach: Cello Suites Angela Hewitt/Orchestra Da Counterpoint, which is a new scoring of Symphonies 1 and 2 Steven Isserlis Camera Di Mantova Reich’s Six Pianos, and ending with the very BBS Scottish Symphony Hyperion CDA 300012. Normally $29.95 moving Different Trains. For those music Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins Our special price $19.95. While stocks last. Hyperion CDA 67840. Normally $33.95 lovers who have never ventured into the Our special price $19.95 Hyperion CDA 67794. $19.95 There is not a lot that can wonderful world of Steve Reich, this is a be said about this record- After brilliantly tackling great place to start. PR Written during the 30s, the world of J.S. Bach, Walton’s first symphony, full ing that hasn’t been said Hewitt turns her consid- of emotional turbulence and before. Isserlis demon- What’s in a Name? strates that he is arguably erable talent to Wolfgang Classical Music’s Most orchestral ferocity, must Amadeus Mozart. If this have resonated deeply with the finest classical cellist new recording is any Famous Nicknames its inter-war audience. going around at the moment. He gives a indication then the classical record buying Various Brabbins and the BBC Scottish Symphony passionate, intelligent and technically public is in for a treat. Hewitt plays with a ABC Classics 4805666. $24.95 bring deep understanding and character to superb performance that brings a whole beautiful touch; she never bludgeons the ABC Classics compilations every emotional turn in this work and unleash new dimension to these works. Winner of a listener with her playing. She is one of are terrific ways to discover their full and considerable might on its Gramophone magazine award in 2007 for those rare musicians who can convey a new things about classical climaxes (the end of the first movement will Best Instrumental Performance. PR feeling of strength and sensuality in the music.Their latest release is blast you away). The second symphony, more music at the same time. The early piano aptly named. What's in a subtle and complex, was seen as merely Debussy: Piano Works concertos of Mozart would be unfamiliar name? looks at the famous conservative when it premiered decades later, Nelson Freire to a lot of classical music lovers but there works with nicknames and leaves it up to but today the music seems exciting and full of Decca 4781111. Normally $26.95 is no doubt, these are works that should be you to decide whether or not the nickname Walton’s characteristic sense of personal Our special price $9.95 on all music lovers’ CD shelves. Highly fits the music. It’s all the works we love and narrative. These are absolutely top-notch In the liner notes of this recommended. adore, Beethoven’s Eroica, Chopin’s Rain- performances of both works. CD, Freire says that he has Philip Richards is from Readings Carlton drops, Dvorak’s New World and so many Evan Meagher is from Readings Hawthorn special empathy for the more. If you don’t know the nickname, you music of Debussy and after Entertaining Miss most certainly will know the music and be Monteverdi: Vespro listening to his playing of Austen thrilled with this wonderful collection. KR della beata Vergine these works you would be Amanda Pitt/John Lofthouse/ L’Arpeggiata/Christina Pluhar hard pressed to disagree with him. This is Schubert: Piano Trios/ Virgin 6419940. $19.95 truly beautiful music and in Freire’s skillful David Owen Norris Arpeggione Sonata/ hands the strength of Debussy’s composing Dutton CDLX7271. $19.95 Christina Pluhar and her Fantasie for Violin French-based ensemble is indisputable. The entire disc has a To be perfectly honest I’m dreamy and magical quality and in this on a bit of an Austen bender & Piano L’Arpeggiata have long been favourites with Readings reviewer’s opinion is one of the best CDs at the moment, so when I Trio Dali we have ever offered in Readings Classical saw the new release in our Fuga FUG584. $32.95 customers for their invigo- rating and innovative Specials. PR Collector’s Corner Collec- Trio Dali were here in May on the Mu- Please note there is limited stock at this price. tion I was terribly excited. sica Viva tour and we are lucky enough to performances of early music, particularly Entertaining Miss Austen features the music have them remaining in where improvisation is involved. Here they Phénoménal that Jane Austen herself played and listened to Australia in the form of a turn to well-covered ground, taking on Vengerov! with her family. It’s a lovely collection of little new recording of Schubert Monteverdi’s great masterpiece and, unsur- works mainly for piano or voice and piano. Trios and other chamber prisingly, offering a fresh perspective on this Maxim Vengerov So terribly old-fashioned in musical style it is music. Very French, and much-loved music. The vocal ensemble is EMI 0264772. Normally $29.95 simply the most terrific soundtrack to listen named after the Chinese kept small, producing a sound that has a Our special price $14.95 3CD set to when you're reading any of the classics. marble and not the painter, Trio Dali acquit compelling intimacy and immediacy. Tempi Russian violinist Maxim Kate Rockstrom is from Readings Carlton themselves admirably, with flair and style. are relatively brisk and the instrumental parts Vengerov, still in his 30s, This recording will be well appreciated by crisp, bright and energetic. All in all, Pluhar has had an exceptional and Reich: Triple Quartet/ any chamber music aficionado. KR directs a performance that is full of life, and densely packed career in sits easily with the greatest recordings of the both concert and record- Piano Counterpoint ing, winning numerous (Six Pianos)/ Monteclair: Vespers, while bringing a freshness we have Solo Voice Cantatas come to expect from these artists. EM accolades including a Gramophone Artist of Different Trains the Year and a Grammy award. This new Vincent Corver/Kevin Griffiths/ Emma Kirkby/London Baroque The Opera Show 3-disc retrospective collection features London Steve Reich Ensemble BISCD1865. $29.95 Various highlights from his EMI career, including Emma Kirkby is a musi- complete recordings of the Beethoven EMI 0873192. $19.95 cian I have long respected, ABC Classics 4805629. $24.95 In the year of his 75th The weekend afternoons on Violin Concerto and Romances, Saint- not just for the purity and Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3, Lalo’s Sym- birthday Steve Reich has quality of her voice but ABC Classic FM are remained at the forefront regularly filled with the phonie Espagnole, and a host of violin favou- also her beautiful sense of rites and encores including Rachmaninov’s of classical composition. musicianship. In this new infectious joy of Mairi On this new recording Nicolson. The Opera Show Vocalise and Kreisler’s Liebesleid and release with the London Baroque she Liebesfreud. EM from EMI, the composer- focuses on the compositions of Frenchman is a favourite of many endorsed London Steve Reich Ensemble Michel Pignolet de Monteclair (1667– listeners and with a new

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