Free july 2012 Readings Monthly

Alice Pung on Majok Tulba • Nick Earls ee review p.7 from cover of john banville's Ancient light . S ee review p.7 image: detail

John Banville’s new novel Ancient Light

July book, CD & DVD new releases. More new releases inside.

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$32.99 $19.95 e $16.82 $29.95 $24.95 $24.95 $39.95 b $49.95 $19.95 $26.95 $21.95 >> p7 >> p5 >> p11 >> p5 >> p15 >> p17 >> p18 >> p19

July event highlights : Ita Buttrose at Cinema Nova; Kylie Kwong at Hawthorn; Simone Felice & Josh Ritter at Carlton. More inside.

All shops open 7 days, except the State Library shop which is open Monday – Saturday, and the Brain Centre shop which is open Monday – Friday. Carlton 309 Lygon St 9347 6633 Hawthorn 701 Glenferrie Rd 9819 1917 Malvern 185 Glenferrie Rd 9509 1952 St Kilda 112 Acland St 9525 3852 Readings at the State Library of Victoria 328 Swanston St 8664 7540 Readings at the Brain Centre, Parkville 30 Royal Parade 9347 1749 See more new books, music and film, read news and reviews, check event details, and browse and buy online at www.readings.com.au

FIRST GLANCE PROGRAM AND PASSES ONLINE NOW 2 Readings Monthly July 2012

From the Books Desk Mark’s Say

By the time you read this column, the News and views from Readings’ managing Miles Franklin prize will have been awarded VThisisit the Mel bourneMonth’s mIFf News director Mark Rubbo for 2012. Always a horse race – goodness Brain Centre The Melbourne Interna- A number of years ago gracious, Mr Waterhouse was even offer- tiona Film Festival’s First (and our new shop) Jamie Byng, of the ing some (surprisingly generous) odds on it Glance of its 2012 program during Open House Scottish publishing house this time around! – I detected a great deal has been revealed! Ahead of Melbourne Cannongate, was talking of goodwill from the literary community the full program announce- Explore 100 incredible with Canadian author towards the shortlist this year: it’s clear the ment on 13 July, First buildings for free over the Margaret Atwood. The judges allowed their subjective opinions to Glance offers a preview of weekend of 28 and 29 July talk got around to favourite books and roam freely, and the choices reflect their the Festival with highlights 2012. Open House Mel- Attwood in her distinctive Canadian passionate engagement with some of the drawn from a cross-section of the pro- bourne allows you to explore drawl said that the book that she had given fine fine work that was produced over the gram. ‘We’ve been keeping mum up until great contemporary, historic away most copies of in her life was The last 12 months. now so it’s good to let at least a few little and sustainable buildings and Gift by Lewis Hyde. Hyde’s book is a cats out of the bag,’ said Festival Director But every month we see a new or emerging spaces that you would not cultural study of giving. Atwood told Byng Michelle Carey. ‘We're thrilled to be fiction writer knocking on the door normally get to access. that she would send him a copy and that if bringing Michael Haneke’s stunning for our attention, and July is no exception. he liked it, he must promise to publish it Amour (image above) from Cannes to In this issue, my colleague Jess Au finds Join a special tour of the Melbourne Brain in the UK. “How could I refuse her?” Melbourne as well as the latest work from much to admire in Jennifer Mills’s short- Centre and take the rare opportunity to Cannongate did indeed go on to publish the always delightful Wes Anderson and story collection The Rest is Weight. Already go behind the scenes where cutting edge The Gift and it became one of their best festival favourite Werner Herzog … with a couple of books under her belt, here neuroscience research takes place. Visitors selling titles but one thing they did, Byng I think it’s going to be the best MIFF is a writer that one senses is only going to are welcome to explore the Dax Centre, told a recent meeting of Australian book- yet!’ Visit MIFF at miff.com.au for First grow in stature in the years to come. home of the Cunningham Dax Collection. sellers was to give away 1000 copies – 500 Glance; full program released on 13 July. And Nick Earls, with his own collection The gallery comprises of creative works by in Edinburgh and 500 in London. “It was Welcome to Normal, proves that it doesn’t people with mental illness and/or emo- rEADINGS miff DVD SALE an amazing experience. Reaction ranged matter how many times you’ve gone tional trauma. Younger visitors might like to from suspicion to great pleasure. I had around the track as an author, you’re only observe cool demonstrations of a strawberry Readings is a proud sponsor this amazing range of conversations with as good as your last work. DNA extraction lab. You will also be able to of MIFF and to celebrate complete strangers about the book, about browse in our new bookshop next to the cafe this year’s festival we are giving and about the power of books.” Now although publishers do like to trum- (Dr Dax Kitchen) over this Open House holding a sale of extraordi- pet their powers of divination in terms of weekend. nary DVDs at all Readings A number of years later in discussions recognising bullion in the slush pile and the shops and online at with book industry colleagues about the The Melbourne Brain Centre houses research- like, sometimes they are just damn seren- readings.com.au from importance of books and literacy in the ers of the Florey Neuroscience Institutes, the dipitous with their publishing programmes. 13 July to 19 August. community the discussion turned to Mental Health Research Institute and the Dear old Black Inc. must be in a state of Turn to page p17 for details. England’s World Book Day and its role in glee over the recent Fifty Shades phenom- University of Melbourne. It enables col- generating interest in children’s books - enon – for who’s publishing a book this laboration in new, purpose-built facilities in YA Readers’ Group was there something equivalent that could month called The Sex Lives of Australians? Parkville. This centre is the focus of Are you interested in joining be done for adult readers? It was then that Move over Christian Grey – the real ques- a $225 million project that incorporates three our Young Adult Readers’ he recalled his experiences giving copies of tion is: were the Kelly Gang gay? And not sites and is the largest neuroscience Group? If you are a broad The Gift away and wondered what would missing a beat either is Text with Nicki facility of its kind in the southern hemi- reader between the ages of happen if this was done on a massive scale Reed’s debut novel Unzipped – a somewhat sphere. It accommodates research on brain 13–17 and are interested in around the country and so the idea of saucy number I understand from Chris disorders that affect one in seven people, getting your hands on new World Book Night came into being. Gordon, who seems to have gotten rather including stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkin- books before they hit the a warm glow reviewing it for us. son’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy Studies show that reading and literacy are and mental illness. The centre is located at 30 shelves and discussing the intrinsically linked to success in work, Finally, to a grab-bag of mid-winter good- Royal Parade, cnr Genetics Lane, Parkville. books you read the previous month with a careers and many other areas of life. Byng’s ies: an important debut, Majok Tulba’s Be- Opening Hours:10am to 4pm, Saturday and small group, contact Alexa Dretzke at alexa. group argued that if they could get books neath the Darkening Sky, which Alice Pung Sunday. Tours run every 15 minutes, 15 to 20 [email protected]. Meetings are to those who hadn’t read, or who had introduces here; a stunning new edition of minutes duration. Last tour at 3.40pm. held upstairs in the new event space at forgotten the rewards and pleasures of the increasingly award-encrusted 1832 by Readings Hawthorn, 701Glenferrie Rd reading then that must surely be beneficial James Boyce; some fine Australian crime For more information on the Open House at 1pm on the 1st Sunday of the month and, not to be timid, they decided they writing on debut from Jessie Cole (Darkness Melbourne and to sign-up for updates visit commencing Sunday 5 August. wanted to give one million books away on on the Edge of Town) and Andrew Grimes www.openhousemelbourne.org one night. Authors and publishers agreed (The Richmond Conspiracy); Dancing with to forgo royalties and other fees, printers Empty Pockets, a history of Australian agreed to print the books at cost and the bohemianism by Tony Moore (which I’m BBC agreed to massively back the project. sure must unearth a lot of very entertaining The issue then was how to physically tales); and the inimitable Bill Leak returns distribute 1 million books, 40000 each with Unaustralian of the Year, which I un- of 25 titles, across the country to the right derstand will include not just the cartoons people. They argued that readers are the that typically don’t hold back, but some best advocates for books; passionate rather controversial writing by Bill as well. readers like to impart their passions – they —Martin Shaw are books best advocates. So they called for 20,000 volunteers to each give 50 books away on World Book Night. They gave them away in housing estates, prisons, Readings Monthly hospitals and on the streets. It was an Readings Monthly is a free independent unqualified success. World Book Night monthly newspaper published by Readings has spread to the US and Germany and Books, Music & Film. has just had its third year in the UK. The Australian Booksellers Association brought Editorial enquiries: Jessica Au at Mr Byng to Australia to convince us that [email protected] it was an idea we couldn’t ignore – the Advertising enquiries: Ingrid Josephine at assembled booksellers and publishers [email protected] or did need much convincing of the merits call 03 9341 7739. scheme. “I’d dearly love to see this happen Thank you to Readings staff members in Australia.” Hopefully we’ll be calling and contributors for your reviews. Oslo Davis www.oslodavis.com for volunteer givers soon!

CINEMA NOVA RECOMMENDS Visit the Cinema Nova Bar Pick a side: From Oscar winning filmmaker Kevin McDonald book or film! (Touching The Void, The Last King Of Scotland) comes an They’re A Weird Mob (G) Wednesday July 4: 6.45pm incredible insight into one of the 20th century’s most Cinema Nova & Text Publishing present the latest in a series of discussions on book influential musicians. to film adaptations of selected novels from the newly released Text Classics series. 380 LYGON ST CARLTON John O’Grady’s first novel under the pseudonym ‘Nino Culotta’ is an hilarious www.cinemanova.com.au snapshot of the immigrant experience in Menzies-era Australia. The 1966 film Online bookings available starred early Australian stars including Chips Rafferty and John Meillon. “An ambitious thriller assisted Join our e-news for updates on the Met Opera, SERIES SCREENING FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH National Theatre and other stage spectaculars. by excellent★★★★★ performances”Empire EmpireNOW SHOWING Readings Monthly July 2012 3

26 Brown Brothers Meet the bookseller Pages to Poetry with … Winter Festival Will Heyward, Readings St Kilda JulyAll our Readings book Events and music events are Bonny Cassidy’s long awaited entry by gold coin donation to The Readings 10 first collection Certain Foundation, unless otherwise stated. Please Tastes of Margaret Fathoms (Puncher & note that bookings do not guarantee a seat, River Wattman, PB, $24) has just but rather indicate to us the number of people Have you been? In celebra- been published. She’ll be to expect. To see more events or for updates tion of two new wonderful joined by poet, scholar and on new events please visit the events page at books, the authors of Chefs editor, Ann Vickery, and www.readings.com.au. of the Margaret River Region emerging poet and editor, (Margaret River Press, HB, Will Druce. Thursday 26 July, 6.30pm, gold coin donations $55) and Things That are Readings Carlton. Free, no need to book. Found in Trees and Other at Readings Events Stories: Margaret River Short We’re now asking for people who attend Stories (Margaret River Press, PB, $13.99) 28 our events to please make a small donation, join us for some Margaret River cheese and Father John Misty when possible, to the Readings Foundation. wine and take us on a journey through the J. Tillman, formerly of The The Readings Foundation was established by region. Tuesday 10 July, 6.30pm, Readings Fleet Foxes, is touring Why do you work in books? Readings’ managing director Mark Rubbo in Hawthorn. Free, but please book on 9819 Australia with his new band 1. The only reason I work at all: for money. 2008 to make donations to individuals and 1917. Father John Misty, and we 2. For enjoyment. I go to bookshops a lot organisations that do good work for com- are chuffed that he and buy a lot of books so being employed munity, literacy, or the arts. Donations are will be performing in-store. by one is a good way to rationalise my funded from a percentage of Readings’ profits, 12 They have released an album time. I come across a lot of new authors and from Readings customers, who make do- of new material (Fear Fun) David Nyuol Vincent and titles, and, in that way, working in a nations in return for gift wrapping – and now that infuses the harmony-laden hymns of To coincide with the first bookshop is its own kind of education. And events as well. There will be a tin for gold coin Tillman’s former band with a patina of Gram anniversary of Southern chatting with customers can be fascinating. donations at each event. All contributions Parsons and Harry Nilsson-informed, Laurel Sudanese Independence, 3. My colleagues are funny and knowl- to the Foundation over $2 are tax deduct- Canyon-inspired, neo-psychedelia. Saturday please join us to hear David’s edgeable, and the management team are ible and can be made at any Readings shop. 28 July, 3pm, Readings Carlton. Free, no story. His book, The Boy humane, generous and pragmatic. Thank you for your support. need to book. Who Wouldn’t Die (A&U, 4. The staff discount is a bonus. PB, $29.99) tells of the 4 horror of war-ravaged south What’s the best book you’ve read lately? Sudan. Now based in Melbourne, Vincent A History of Books by Gerald Murnane. ita Buttrose has become an advocate for the Sudanese Don’t miss this special event Launches A few others worth mentioning whilst community and The Age recently voted him Dr Nick Carr I’m at it: A Death in the Family by Karl with the extraordinary Ita as one of Victoria’s 100 most influential Michael Leunig will launch Carr’s new book Ove Knausgaard, Wildlife by Eliot Wein- Buttrose, founding editor of people. Thursday 12 July, 6.30pm, Readings What Happens Now? (ACER, PB, $24.95). berger, and Leaving the Atocha Station by Cleo, and later editor of the Carlton. Free, but please book on 9347 Leunig has also written the foreword and Ben Lerner were all great, and I’m looking Australian Women's Weekly. 6633. Join us as we celebrate the the book contains illustrations by Andrew forward to flicking through As Conscious- release of her new memoir, Weldon. Thursday 5 July, 6.30pm, Readings ness is Harnessed to Flesh by Susan Sontag, which has just been published. A Passionate Life (Penguin, 16 Carlton. Free, no need to book. PB, $29.95). Wednesday 4 July, 6.30pm, Tony Kevin What have you noticed people buying lately? Cinema Nova. $10 per person, redeemable Tai Snaith Reluctant Rescuers (Self-published, PB, against the book on the night. Bookings Wonderful Melbourne-based illustrator, Tai Fifty Shades of Grey x 50 000 000. Also $24.95) will interest anyone concerned with essential: book online at readings.com.au, Snaith is launching her sweet, funny and Suicide by Edouard Levé, which hasn’t Australian border security. Tony Kevin is a or please call 9347 6633 engaging children’s book The Family Hour sold nearly as many as the Fifty Shades former Australian ambassador whose coura- in Australia (T&H, HB, $24.95) tonight! series, but has done pretty well for a small geous questions in 2002 sparked off the Come and help celebrate. Thursday 5 July, press title in translation. People seem to be 4 Senate inquiry into the sinking of SIEV X. 6.30pm, Readings St Kilda. Free, no need to compelled to buy it after reading the blurb Kylie Kwong Monday 16 July, 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. book. (Levé killed himself four days after turning Free, but please book on 9347 6633. the manuscript into his publisher in Paris). Wonderful chef Kylie Kwong Jacqueline Peel A really unusual book. It’s written very is back in our fair town with clinically and in the second person, but her new book, Kylie Kwong’s Jacqueline Peel is co-author of a recently 18 released third edition of Principles of In- there is something very affecting about the Simple Chinese Cooking Class The Horror of Syria voice of the narrator. (Lantern, HB, normally ternational Environmental Law (CUP, PB, We are fortunate to have activist Nina $59.95, our special price $89.95). Wednesday 18 July, 6.30pm, Read- Haider; spokesperson for Australians for What’s the strangest experience you’ve had $49.95). Join us for a glass of ings Carlton. Free, no need to book. Syria Robert Bekhazi; and blogger Susan in a bookshop? Brown Brothers wine, tastes Dirgham to talk to us about what is happen- A guy came to the counter of the shop in St from the cookbook and an opportunity to ing in Syria and why. Wednesday 18 July, Kilda and asked, very earnestly, if he could chat with Kylie. Wednesday 4 July, 6.30pm, 6.30pm, Kenneth Myer Building Theatre, borrow some money from the cash register Readings Hawthorn. $20 per person. University of Melbourne, Genetics Lane, off Coming in August because he needed to buy an engagement Bookings essential: 9819 1917 Royal Parade, Parkville. Bookings essential: L.A.Larkin ring so that he could ask his girlfriend to please call 9347 1749. in conversation marry him. 7 with Carmel Shute There have also been celebrity sightings and Tai Snaith This is a Sisters in Crime tantrums from customers, but this romantic 21 event. Hear L.A. Larkin guy who thought that the bookshop could Bring your kids down Heather Taylor talk about her latest lend him cash sticks in my mind the most. for a reading by the Johnson environmental thriller, I’ve concluded that he must really think of author of The Family Thirst (Murdoch, PB, bookshops as benevolent and loving places. Hour in Australia Heather is the poetry editor for Wet Ink $29.99). She will be in Or that booksellers are gullible and bad (T&H, HB, $24.95). magazine and will be reading from her conversation with Sisters with money … Saturday 7 July, 3pm, second collection Letters to my Lover from a Small Mountain Town (IP, PB, $25). in Crime national convenor, Readings St Kilda. Carmel Shute. Thursday 2 August, 6.30pm, What’s the best experience you’ve had Free, no need to book. Monday 21 July, 6.30pm, Readings Carlton. Free, but please book on 9347 6633. Readings Hawthorn. Free, but book in a bookshop? on 9819 1917. Discovering new books – it happens all the time. 9 26 Danny Katz Simone Felice Gerald Murnane Well-loved Age columnist, What was your favourite book as a kid? & Josh Ritter in conversation with children’s book author and Tintin and the Goosebumps series are my Simone Felice is the author Wayne Macauley all round funny man is two earliest reading memories. After that of Black Jesus. His latest CD signing copies of his new there are a handful of books that I can re- Join us as Gerald Murnane book, SCUM (A&U, PB, member reading with total wonder, such as is Simone Felice. Josh Ritter is talks about the re-release of the author of Bright’s Passage. $15.99) – a book aimed at The Day of the Triffidsby John Wyndham, his classic Australian novel teenagers. Saturday 4 August, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, His Dark His latest CD is So Runs the The Plains (Text, PB, 11am, Readings Hawthorn. Materials series by Phillip Pullman, and World Away. Both artists will $12.95). Thursday 26 July, be appearing in-store. Free, no need to book. Roald Dahl’s short stories – a mixed list. 6.30pm, Readings St Kilda. I didn’t realise it at the time but these are Monday 9 July, 6pm, Free, but please book on Readings Carlton. Free, no need to book. the books that led to my discovery of the 9525 3852. pleasure of reading. 4 Readings Monthly July 2012 New Australian Writing Feature

HowAlice Pung interviews Majokwe Tulba aboutsurvive his new book Beneath the Darkening Sky

not cold. If Levi wrote If This Is a Man, then Majok has written a story that could very well be alternately titled If This Is a Boy – there are none of the ‘childhood’ traits we would like to superimpose on his children characters, particularly not in- nocence. Living in Sydney since 2001, Majok came to Australia as a refugee, and also works as a filmmaker. Interestingly enough, the novel reads like a finely crafted film script, so vivid were its descriptions and settings. As a director though, his hand is unwavering. In Sudan, storytelling is not based on the written word. ‘My family have no idea that stories can be told in a medium other than oral, and oral storytelling is unpaid job in my country,’ Majok states. ‘My family want me to work in the bank or become a doctor. A writer is an unknown career in Southern Sudan. The other jobs would give high status in the community, whereas as a storyteller is a fun, passing the time activity with no pay and no status.’ Yet this is not a ‘fun’ book. It is an adven- turous story, a daring one, a necessary tale to tell. Unlike Dave Eggers’s What is the Majok Tulba arrived in light, it made the greens on the hills so What, another vivid and compelling narra- Australia from Sudan in much greener and the sky was always that tive about a boy soldier, Majok’s story does 2001, having narrowly perfect blue.’ ‘Obinna’s story is not extend to arrival in a new country – missed out on being it is set firmly in the war zone. However, recruited as a child Born and raised in Pacong, a village by the waters of the White Nile in Southern Sudan, his own, and the Majok is focused on bridging an under- solder for a rebel army. standing between the newly arrived African His debut novel, Majok was once measured against the length of an AK-47 rifle – the height test used by a fictional gap refugee communities and the wider one. Beneath the Darkening He believes that there is very little positive Sky (Penguin, PB, marauding army for recruiting boy soldiers – and fortunately fell short. However, he lived enriches it, gives representation of Sudanese in Australian $24.95), is a harrowing mainstream media, and that many of the reimagining of what might have been – he through a country that was in the maelstrom of a civil war. This is how he came to be able it room to inhale problems reported are due to a lack of talks to Alice Pung about confronting the insight into ‘refugee trauma reactions and worst of violence and despair. to write about Obinna, a boy whose Nigerian name means ‘Strong Hearted’, and and exhale before the psychological impact of past experience Obinna’s attempts to stay alive through luck on the present’. and prudence. Yet his beginning to There are novels that bore into a reader’s hen Susan Sontag wrote is a luck that is truly vagarious, and a psyche long after the last page, leaving Regarding the Pain of prudence that relies on animal instincts. document the behind a residual smear of dark feelings. Yet Others, about portray- Beneath the Darkening Sky is a work of lives of the dark does not necessarily mean bad – you ing hell through art, she fiction, not autobiography, but Majok says do not feel, while reading the story, a sense said that this portrayal that every child in Sudan would have seen South Sudanese.’ of inchoate despair. It is more terrible to was not intended ‘to tell many of the things he has written about: not acknowledge that such darkness exists. us anything about how to extract people ‘There are far more vivid images I have seen, Sontag warns against this type of willful blindness in Regarding the Pain of Others: from that hell, how to moderate hell’s and I had to scale back the reality of much And document it he does. The visceral Wflames’. Portraying hell does not mean the that occurs there, because the Western reader ‘Someone who is perennially surprised descriptions of looting, pillaging, rape, am- portrayal will make things good. Yet Son- would be appalled.’ putation, massacre and depraved violence that depravity exists, who continues to tag recognises that it seems a good in itself It is interesting that Majok refers to the which occur throughout two thirds of this feel disillusioned (even incredulous) when to acknowledge how much of our human book could seem unrelenting, but for the confronted with evidence of what humans suffering is caused by human wickedness. ‘Western reader’. Although this reference is not one of contempt but respect for sensibili- narrator’s convincing humour and adoles- are capable of inflicting in the way of Majok Tulba’s Beneath the Darkening Sky ties that have not been exposed to the sheer cent awkwardness – amazingly enough, gruesome, hands-on cruelties upon other is about such human cruelty, told through banality of brutality, Majok has understood Obinna is a wry and funny storyteller, even humans, has not reached moral or psycho- the voice of a child. What is striking about that some of the things he has witnessed in in the midst of getting beaten up. The mi- logical adulthood.’ this powerful book is that there is no over- his life seem too atrocious to be credulous – sogyny of the soldiers is documented with Beneath the Darkening Sky is a devastating arching framework of morality as we would though real they are. no overriding redemption, and the steady book, but after reading it, it is not a book understand here – only survival through slide into a universe of the hunter and the that leaves a reader feeling devastated. It is a eternal vigilance. ‘You had to be aware of Perhaps fiction from a first-person per- hunted appears inevitable considering the spective offers a way to portray that truth book about growing up that leaves us clear- danger and we were confronted by death psychological torments to which the boys er about what to feel regarding the pain of and evil in our world and this was desensi- without opening up personal traumas, are subject. and to avoid too many probing ques- others, with an understanding about how tising,’ explains Majok. Much of this story You cannot see a war through a filter, you human beings can regenerate, slowly. is about the rapid loss of a short-lived in- tions about his own experience. It is also a good way to prevent being heralded cannot look at darkness through rose- As Majok concludes during our interview: nocence, an innocence paralleled with the coloured glasses because all you get is the author’s recollections of his childhood: as a personal ambassador for political or ‘I don’t want to change the world but I social commentary, or representation of colour of clotted blood. I understand this look forward to the day when humankind ‘My village was a paradise. As a boy, I loved a diverse ethnic group. Obinna’s story is from my own family experience as a child awakes and sees the world as it is, a staying outdoors; tending goats, hunting his own, and the fictional gap enriches it, of a genocide-survivor; Majok has written beautiful place.’ in the woods and playing with my friends gives it room to inhale and exhale before about war in a way that does not glorify in the fields. Mornings were the best. It beginning to document the lives of the anything. He has the unflinching simplicity Alice Pung’s latest book is Her Father’s was my favorite time of day, that morning South Sudanese. of Primo Levi, set in a world of heat and Daughter (Black Inc., PB, $29.95). Readings Monthly July 2012 5

Book of the Month A TRIBUTE TO New FictionUnzipped THE RACING the rest is weight Nicki Reed Jennifer Mills Australian Fiction Text. PB. $29.99. Ebook $19.74. BIKE Beneath the Here is a love story for all UQP. PB. $19.95. Ebook $16.82. Darkening Sky of us that live on the north One of the problems Majok Tulba side of the river. Unzipped with many short story Hamish Hamilton. PB. $24.95 is Reed’s first novel set collections – particu- Majok Tulba was nine when around our inner northern larly those that gather the Sudanese Armed Forces suburbs, and what a saucy together the disparate invaded his village, killing number it is! The story works of a single many people including some centres on Peta, a woman author over time – is of his family. Most of the caught in the trap of being someone she the tendency to repeat young boys were forced to isn’t until she falls in love with someone the same few notes. Finding one’s join the SAF but Tulba was she meets on an alcohol-driven evening voice, or fine-tuning a tried and true exempted because he was out. So far, not so complicated. But Peta is formula over several different publica- shorter than the AK-47 that the SAF used to married and her life is already sorted. Her tions, can lead to a dangerous sense of measure recruits. He escaped with his younger new love throws all old assumptions out of repetition when amassed together in brother and, after years of living in refugee the window. The wonderful Melbourne novel-length. camps, came to Australia at the age of 16. setting (I really enjoy reading about our Jennifer Mills is the author of several Beneath the Darkening Sky is the ‘what if?’ own fair city), is a wonderful extra in this books – including Gone (2011) and version of Tulba’s experiences. What if he tale of two women falling in love. Peta’s The Diamond Anchor (2009). The Rest had been taller than that AK-47? What if he story, I’m sure, is not so uncommon. The is Weight casts a wide net, pulling had been recruited by the SAF and made to writing is reminiscent of a Bridget Jones together stories from venerated pub- join the war raging in his homeland? What style, albeit without the diary entries. The lications such as Overland, Meanjin if he had become one of the tens of thou- quirky humour is there as are the lists of and Black Inc’s Best-ofs over the years, sands of child soldiers roaming the country, dos and don’ts and the moments of and it’s a sign of Mills’s strength as a inducted into a life of violence? hilarious humility. It all ends well as, the writer, and the breadth and courage of romantic in me would like to believe, is so Completed by sublime her range, that the collections falls into Tulba tells the story of 11-year-old Obinna, of all love stories. none of these common traps. whose village is attacked and who is forced photography and graphic to join the SAF along with his older brother. This is a light fun easy read with genuine timelines, Bike! is the most Rather, this is a publication that leaps It is the moving story of a compassionate erotic passages that should delight most striking tribute ever created from perspective to perspective in young boy who tries to resist the savagery he women readers. octaves. We open with the haunting Chris Gordon is events coordinator at Readings to the craftsmanship, precision is faced with, even as his brother succumbs, and speed of the racing bicycle. story of a young boy and his quiet but I found the novel most remarkable for its empathy both for the horses in his Welcome to Normal subtle portrayal of how even the most inno- OUT NOW care and the criminal in their midst, cent can be corrupted when pushed too far. Nick Earls the telling managing to be both con- Random. PB. $29.95 temporary, mournful and archaic at Beneath the Darkening Sky is an impor- Eight stories make up the same time. The concluding piece tant addition to Australian literature, not Nick Earls’s most recent couldn’t be further from this begin- only because of its eloquent and heartfelt collection, Welcome to ning – a Russian cloud-seeding pilot examination of humanity under duress, but Normal – each of them STORIES FROM seeking to atone for his last mistake also for the insights it might offer us into the vivid, self-contained – in a story that walks to the edge of lives of some of our newest Australians. examples of what longform THE VINEYARD TO futurism and back again. Kabita Dhara is editor of the Readings storytelling can achieve. Monthly Between these brackets we are taken Caught somewhere between a novella and short fiction, these pieces THE CELLAR DOOR from Beijing to Shanghai, from urban The Oldest Song Adelaide to rural Australia, from give something of the depth and detail Russia to the desperate borders of in the World of full-length work, with all the Mexico. Mills has travelled widely, Sue Woolfe necessary sparseness and brevity of a short including taking part in an Asialink HarperCollins. PB. Normally $29.95 story, and personally, it’s a genre I’d love residency in Beijing in 2010, and cur- Our special price $24.95. to see more of. Ebook $14.99. rently lives in South Australia. Earls is a veteran writer of 12 novels, Kate is a linguistics student amongst them 48 Shades of Brown, The True Her background as a poet also comes from Sydney and she is asked Story of Butterfish and Zigzag Street, and through strongly. There’s a precision by her lecturer to travel to a there’s a completeness to his writing that and coolness to the words, as well as remote Aboriginal community shows. Or, to talk of the reverse, a skill that a palette of moods and tones, that go in the Northern Territory to means you never feel the labour of it. towards creating beautifully varied record the song of a dying old worlds. Several of the stories read woman. Each of these stories manages to stand apart more like vignettes – tiny glimpses of from the other, yet within an arms-reach The language spoken in this a life or slice of time: cowboys, per- of all is a keen eye for the most explosive, community is endangered and the song is formers and feathered boy-angels in invisible moments in everyday life – the believed to be from the Dreaming so there is ‘The taxi driver’; oxygen tanks, aban- realisation that you will never be young evidence that there may be ancient grammar doned sons, hatchbacks and quiet again, that your parents too are flawed, preserved within it ‘like an extinct butterfly suburban imaginings in ‘The air you dissatisfied and tragically human, and that preserved in amber’. The pretext of Kate’s need’; troopers, rifles, ropes, tobacco partnership is as much about love as it is selection for the trip is pretty implausible; she and wine in ‘Look down with me’. the imperfections that you’ve melded long is one of the worst students academically but ago. The characters here are all expats of a Yet the stronger pieces are undoubt- the lecturer has seen something unique in her kind, forced to react when thrown out of edly those that combine this flair with and has chosen Kate in the hope that she will their comfort zones, through travel, separa- narrative weight: ‘Aperture’, which fulfil the lifelong dream of a teacher to change In The History of Australian tion or unwanted company. Each of them follows the gradual drifting apart of a the life of a student. Wine award-winning writer mixed-raced couple in modern China, undergoing seismic shifts that take place There’s a fair bit of implausibility to get around internally, without anyone noticing and Max Allen provides a unique ‘The jungle will swallow anything’, inside account of the Australian about a young girl’s awakening to in this novel and there is much speculation that within the blink of an eye. the invitation from the community to record wine industry’s development a much more adult world as she Standouts for me were the title piece, ‘Wel- the song has coincidentally come from some- observes her mother and her clients at come to Normal’, and ‘The Heart of Robert throughout the 20th century. one from Kate’s lonely and tragic childhood. a roadside diner, and ‘The milk in the the Bruce’. The former is a quietly power- I didn’t feel there was much original insight in sky’, the saddest story of two women ful story of attraction and mismatches, AVAILABLE AUGUST this novel and the landscape felt incompletely and the reasons they break apart. when an employee finds himself sharing imagined. Kate is an odd character, her motiva- an evening with the wife of his boss’s best Incidentally, Mills has recently been tions were often a mystery and some of the friend in small town Illinois. The latter announced as the new fiction editor periphery characters were dangerously one follows two lovers who decide to tell a lie of Overland, a welcome move and dimensional. Thankfully the novel is somewhat about each other every night to their fellow perhaps another indication of the redeemed by an ending that is not predict- holidaymakers while in Spain, making for vitalness of our independent journals able and in the last moments the story comes sharply executed comic moments, as well as and anthologies to the growing and together and has something worthwhile to say saying much about their prejudices, empa- supporting of the local writing scene. about the importance of language and thy and mutual flaws. Jessica Au is from Readings St Kilda a sense of belonging. Jessica Au is from Readings St Kilda Kara Nicholson is from Readings Carlton www.mup.com.au 6 Readings Monthly July 2012

Q&A with Nick Earls Jessica Au interviews Nick Earls about Welcome to Normal (Random, PB, $29.95). Equally, in ‘Grass Valley’, a young boy becomes an unwitting accessory to his father’s deception. Why does this rite of passage hold such an emotional twist? It’s a holiday almost overtly set up by the father as a rite of passage, but perhaps the true rite of passage for the central Beneath the Darkening Sky describes a life Ancient Light is the story of a life rendered brilliantly character comes from learning that adults unimaginably different from our own, but one that vivid: the obsession and selfishness of young love is the experience of tens of thousands of child and the terrifying shock of grief. It is a dazzling – specifically your parents – have their soldiers. Uncompromising, vivid and raw, it is an novel, funny, utterly pleasurable and devastatingly failings but still work earnestly at getting astonishing portrait of a mind trying to make sense moving in the same moment. by and holding things together. For years, of a senseless world. one of the things you rely on your parents for most of all is certainty or constancy. At some point something can come along to make you question that, and you’re forced to accommodate what you find You have a sharp eye for and recalibrate things a bit. the revelatory moments in everyday life – what It’s also a chance for the son to witness draws you to document- his father attempting to recapture a lost ing this? moment from his youth – perhaps even a moment that never was – but then, I realised that was when he’s taken himself right there, to something that some back clumsily away. Not that the son of my favourite fiction can be certain of what happens, but he did and I tried to learn from it. Some gets to see his father being something of the biggest moments in life and in other than a father. It’s almost as if the the fiction that appeals most to me are father feels he might have missed some practically silent and could pass un- of his own rite-of-passage business or Anna Barnes’ guide for girls 12+ discusses In Eric’s house there were too many elephants – in noticed without the right light hitting not got it quite right, or failed to live friendships, self-esteem, going green and making the living room, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, even them. The people behind the stories up to expectations, and he needs to go creative change. Discover what makes you tick and in his bedroom! The elephants take up a lot of space, I’ve loved know where the switch is back and work through it again. how to make the most of who your are in this ultimate but Eric loves every one of them. So when his mum and they know how to angle the light, how-to guide for modern girls. says they have to go, Eric comes up with a clever There are some wonderful comic notes in solution to a very BIG problem... and they can get it right without the reader even noticing that a writer has the collection too – what in your mind is been in the room. the trick to writing humour? penguin.com.au I think life can appear to work one When it comes to writing humour way on the surface, but deeper to in fiction, don’t try to be a comedian. that and often undeclared there are Stick to your story and the people other issues playing themselves out. in it, and they’ll bring you what you I wanted to see if I could do that need. It’s not about the punchlines, it’s in fiction – send a character off on about the people. I was on Good News some kind of journey, often liter- Week once and the writer told me they ally on a physical journey, but use needed a laugh every two and a half that to throw something their way lines, and that’s teleprompt lines, which that allowed a glimpse or two at the have room for about four words each. unspoken stuff that really counted. It’s not like that when you’re writing fiction, or at least that shouldn’t be the Some of the characters seem to bond way you’re thinking. In fiction, sure, not over goodness, but over what they some lines are funny – because they just lack – two reluctant acquaintances are – but a lot of the comedy comes struck with the ‘narrowing of possibili- from the context and the set-up, and ties’ and aging at an achingly hip cof- the rush of reader empathy for the fee shop for example. Is there a strange crushing, non-fatal embarrassment the comfort in this? character has just stumbled through. I think so. I hope so. There needs It’s rare to read a great comic novel to be something for us when we’re written by a comedian, because too no longer achingly hip, or no longer often they spend their energy on the legitimately in a position to hope we comedy and not the novel. There might ‘For Australians, Drift has a particular A riveting exposé of the vast global might be one day. Certainly you can be a stack of punchlines, many of them significance: citizens of a country so financial system whose fundamental bond with someone because you ap- very funny, but how much did you inclined to march arm in arm with our flaws are the source of our current peal to each other, or because you’ve care? I’m sure there are comedians who both collected an awesome number powerful ally need to understand how economic malaise. could – and perhaps do – write great of ceramic frogs or whatever, but comic novels, but if you keep your foot and why the US decides to wage war.’ I think you can also connect over down on the funny pedal and don’t — Paul Barratt a shared grasp of regular human pause for breath and some thought frailty – of having lived enough to about your characters, you risk ending know how it feels to be enduringly up with just a stack of good punchlines. imperfect. Which is fine, but a novel offers you a If you were born anywhere close to chance to do a lot more than that. when I was, you reach a point where The converse also applies, at least in you’re made up of your own set of my case. I shouldn’t try to do stand up, aches and pains, and good and bad because it’s insanely hard to do well and 80s songs that mean something to the deaths you die are many, public and you and your kind, and the blunders ugly. It’s a different skill, as I have some- you’ve made and survived and per- times wished publishers would realise In a Kabul ravaged by violence A new collection of the art A captivating journey into the haps emerged from a little wiser. Per- when twisting the arms of successful and corruption, the chase is and observations of cartoonist, inner lives of plants – from haps. It gives you a kind of common comedians and asking them to write a on for a murderer, a shadowy painter, and all-round the colours they see to the ground that’s often not talked about, book. It’s entirely possible some people organisation, and a dangerous contrarian — the incomparable schedules they keep. but it can still count for something. do have both those skills, but most of us should feel lucky if we’re given opportu- truth. Bill Leak. So I decided to send two incom- patible guys out for coffee with an nities to work on one of them. undercurrent of that. Full interview at www.readings.com.au Readings Monthly July 2012 7 Vicky Swanky and hunting grounds, the hard-won The year is 1978: teenager Phoebe is a Beauty understanding between the Becketts and the O’Connor remains obsessed with the sudden Diane Williams Wiradjuri is shattered and the shocking passing of her beautiful, idealistic elder sister, events that follow will torment Young James Faith, whose death seven years earlier while Transit Lounge. HB. $23.95 for the rest of his life. travelling in Italy, still remains a mystery. Williams lays bare the Learn Determined to discover the truth, and a urgency and weariness that little more about her own self along the shape our lives in stories There Should be way, Phoebe sets out to retrace her sister’s honed sharper than ever. Her More Dancing footsteps, from their childhood home in unsettling stories – a cryptic Rosalie Ham San Francisco all the way to Europe. It is a French meeting between neighbours, Random. PB. $19.95. Ebook $16.95. complex journey, one which unveils some a woman’s sexual worries, a Margery Blandon was always rather disquieting revelations about love, graveside discussion, a a principled woman who family and Faith’s quixotic generation; there Courses for Adults, chimney on fire – are narrated with razor- found guidance from the is certainly a strong thread of sixties radical- HigH sCHool students sharp tongues and naked, uproarious wisdom of desktop calendars. ism flowing through the story, as Phoebe is irreverence. ‘Diane Williams is one of the She lived quietly in Gold And CHildren lured by the seductive pull of the era. true living heroes of the American avant- Street, Brunswick for 60 garde. Her fiction makes very familiar things years until events drove her While Egan’s first major work lacks the very, very weird.’ —Jonathan Franzen to the 43rd floor of the cleverness of Goon Squad’s structure, zealous Next sessioN Tropic Hotel. As she waits for the crowds in fans shouldn’t be disappointed. Her prose Watching the Climbers the atrium far below to disperse, she has its usual assurance and clarity, and there starts 16 July on the Mountain contemplates what went wrong. ‘Ham is no question regarding her talent at creat- Alex Miller combines the tartness of vinegar in her tone, ing believable teenagers; one can’t help but tempered by the mellowing compassion of a A&U. PB. $23.99. Ebook $13.19. empathise with Phoebe’s confusion, with her nice cup of tea.’ —The Age Ward Rankin had not angst and rebelliousness. Egan also does a wanted to be tied to the brilliant job of illustrating Phoebe’s journey: station; he'd imagined a life the descriptions of each city – London, Am- of travel and experience. sterdam, Paris, Munich – are palpable. There When his mother died, it International may be some very coincidental moments in came to him – owner and the plot, making certain events seem rather a manager, now in his fifties, a Fiction little too convenient; and the story does also frustrated man. Ida, his Ancient Light attempt to cover a lot of ground, as Egan sets out to depict an entire generation, rather young wife, sees a solution to her own John Banville THE than to simply tell a story. Nonetheless, this Only languag discontent in her growing feelings for the Viking. PB. $29.95 cE nTr young English stockman Robert Crofts. Set Ancient Light is a moving is fine writing, earnest to its heart. E accr E by THE E read, the latest from Man- Nicole Mansour is from Readings St Kilda Fr diTE in the remote Central Highlands, this is a gOv Enc d Ernm H reissue of one of Miller’s earliest novels. Booker Prize-winning John En Banville. With subtlety and the Truth T No Sex in the City grace, he lets us into the Michael Palin Randa Abdel-Fattah world of Alex Cleave, an Orion. PB. $32.99 Pan. PB. $27.99. Ebook $9.99. ageing actor recalling a Michael Palin has long been AllianceFrançaise Twenty-eight-year old Esma boyhood affair with the a respected comic, TV de Melbourne has a Masters in Human mother of his best friend. personality and diarist. We teach French Having presented many Resources Management, is Years later, he and his wife are struggling travel programs and in so well-travelled, has The to come to terms with the suicide of their www.afmelbourne.com.au doing becoming attracted to Guardian saved as an app on daughter, and his meditations on the love India, in 2010 he was moved her iPhone, knows all the affair that shaped his adolescence gently in- to send a message of support two-letter words in Scrabble troduce us to the rest of his life. As his recol- to Dongria Kondh, a tribe on the eastern and can tell the difference lections grow to their climax, his present life coast of India who are resisting a mine on between a Ford and Holden. She’s on the throws up plot-twists of its own. Cast in the their land. The Truth may well be influenced hunt for Mr Right, who must be Muslim. lead of a biopic, he befriends the film’s lonely by this experience. It tells the story of Keith Along with her three friends Lisa, who works starlet. With her help, he begins to better Mabbut, a middle-aged environmental with refugees, lawyer Ruby, and midwife understand his daughter and uncover clues journalist who was once a champion of the Nirvana, they form the No Sex in the City surrounding her death, lending the novel a underdog, writing stories about big company club. Filled with humour, intelligence and hint of mystery and conspiracy. insight, this is the first adult novel from the pollution and chemical spills. In recent times award-winning YA author of Does My Head Banville’s portrayal of rainy small-town Mabbut has reached an impasse in all areas Look Big in This? Irish life is strongly evocative, and char- of his life. His marriage is ending perhaps as acters and scenes are recalled in wry and a result of his desire to leave his social The Beloved affectionate detail. It’s a wonderful explora- activism and align himself with Big Com- Annah Faulkner tion of adolescent (and adult) desire, with pany money. its odd mixture of impulse and selfishness. Pan. PB. $27.99. Ebook $9.99. Mabbut gets the chance to redeem himself Cleave’s ageing memories of the affair are When Bertie is crippled by when he is given a handsome commission both powerful and evasive, and Banville’s polio, her world collapses. to write a biography of the famed environ- fascination with the unreliability of mem- But Mama doesn't tolerate mental crusader Hamish Melville. Mabbutt ory becomes ours. The ‘present-day’ grief Writers Victoria self-pity, and Bertie is her feels compromised by the fact that it is a of Cleave and his wife is also perceptively mother’s daughter – until she big publishing house commissioning him explored, a delicate story in its own right. is hotting up! sets her heart on becoming but eventually takes the commission, telling an artist. While her father is Despite the heady subject matter, this steady, himself he must do justice to the truth of Courses featuring happy enough with Bertie’s calm novel is a great chance to enjoy what this man whom he idolises whilst regaining passion, her mother will not let art get in the Banville does best: careful, beautiful prose. his own moral compass. But can Mabbut get Van Badham way of a professional career. In 1955 the What stands out to me is Banville’s tender this book written or will Melville continue family moves to post-colonial Port Moresby, respect for his characters. Despite his sharp to evade him? Amanda Brotchie where Bertie rebels against her mother, sense of humour, he never reduces them to Palin writes with great compassion and the secretly learning drawing and painting from something sordid or ridiculous. The pages of Paddy O’Reilly twists and turns in this story keep you guess- her mother's arch rival. Tender and witty, the novel are illuminated with poignancy and ing as to its outcome. Thought-provoking The Beloved is a moving debut novel which elegance, along with the odd moment of joy. Tony Birch and genuinely entertaining. paints a vivid portrait of both the beauty and For those new to Banville, it’s a bit Winton, a Michael Awosoga-Samuel is from Readings Carrie Tiffany the burden of unconditional love. bit Tóibín – and a bit something else entirely. Carlton Imogen Dewey is from Readings Carlton Arnold Zable The Yalda Crossing The Invisible Circus Where’d You go, Adrian Hyland Noel Beddoe Bernadette? UQP. PB. $32.95 Jennifer Egan Toni Jordan New South Wales, 1832. Murdoch. PB. $19.99. Ebook $9.99. Maria Semple Captain James Beckett and After her Pulitzer Prize-win- Orion. PB. Normally $30 and more... his lover, Harriette, leave ning success with A Visit from Our special price $24.95 behind Sydney society and the Goon Squad, Jennifer Bernadette Fox is notorious. writersvictoria.org.au pioneer far west of the Blue Egan’s ever expanding fan To Elgie Branch, a Microsoft Mountains to the Morrom- club has flocked to read her wunderkind, she’s his bidgee River, deep into the earlier work. Novels Look at hilarious, volatile, talented, lands of the Wiradjuri. Me and The Keep, as well as wife. To fellow mothers at Harriette’s daughter, Emily, and the Cap- short story collection the school gate, she’s a tain’s son, Young James, join their parents' Emerald City have all been re-issued; now menace. To design experts, struggle to establish a life in alien country. comes this most recent re-release, her debut she’s a revolutionary archi- But when new settlers destroy sacred sites novel, The Invisible Circus. tect. And to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best 8 Readings Monthly July 2012 friend and, quite simply, mum.Then delights. On the other, the ‘Vertical Farm’, it isn’t so easy to leave the daughter they still Victorian tiles, he starts to unravel the one Bernadette disappears. And Bee must take who prepare nothing but organic, vegetarian, love, even as they waste away from her equation that’s eluded him: that of his own a trip to the end of the earth to find her. macrobiotic dishes. Into this maelstrom malevolent speech. On the eve of their life. Witty, poignant, darkly comic The A compulsively readable, deeply touching steps Jiro, a renegade and ruthless sushi chef, departure, Claire mysteriously disappears, Happy Numbers of Julius Miles is a triumph novel about misplaced genius and a mother known to decapitate patrons who dare and Sam, determined to find a cure for this of linguistic inventiveness and a timely tale and daughter’s place in the world. request a California Roll. Both sides want new toxic language, presses on alone into a of personal relationships in a modern Jiro to join their factions. Jiro, however has world beyond recognition. metropolis. The Long Earth bigger ideas, and in the end, no chef may be Stephen Baxter left alive! In the Kingdom of Men The Age of Doubt & Terry Pratchett Kim Barnes Andrea Camilleri Random. PB. Normally $32.95 When the Devil Drives Random. PB. $29.95 Penguin. PB. $22.95 Our special price $27.95 Christopher Brookmyre When Mason takes a job in The day after a storm, 2015: Madison, Wisconsin. Little, Brown. PB. $29.99 Saudi Arabia, Gin finds Inspector Montalbano Junior policewoman Sally The much anticipated follow herself a company wife. Her encounters a strange woman Jansson is called out to the up to Where the Bodies are new life is one of private who expresses interest in a house of Willis Lynsey, a Buried. When private clubs, dressing for dinner and certain yacht scheduled to reclusive scientist. There, she investigator Jasmine Sharp is the illusion of freedom – she dock that afternoon. Not finds a kind of home-made hired to find Tessa Garrion, a learns to drink discreetly, flirt long after she’s gone, the utility belt. When she straps young woman who has safely and to pretend that her yacht’s crew reports finding a it on she ‘steps’ sideways into vanished without a trace, it marriage isn't changing. But as Gin tires of disfigured corpse. Also at anchor is a luxury an America covered with virgin forest. Willis becomes increasingly clear this life, she realizes that the glamour and vessel with a somewhat shady crew. Both came here meaning to explore and colonise. that there are those who want her to stay the wealth inside the gates are bought with boats will have to stay in Vigàta until the And when Sally gets back, she finds Willis that way. What begins as a simple search the corruption beyond them. And when a investigation is over. Montalbano begins to has put the secret of the belt on the internet. awakens a malevolence that has lain dormant young Bedouin woman is discovered dead, think the occupants of the yacht might The great migration has begun … for three decades, putting Jasmine in the she begins to ask dangerous questions. know more about the man’s death than crosshairs of those who would stop at they’re letting on. the Woman who nothing to keep their secrets buried. Park Lane Died a Lot Frances Osborne Jasper Fforde Honour Little, Brown. PB. $29.99 Hodder. PB. Normally $30 Elif Shafak It is 1914 and 18-year-old Our special price $24.95 Viking. PB. $29.95 Grace Campbell arrives in BPoetryraiding the Voices Fforde’s latest Thursday Next Leaving her twin sister London to find that the only Peter Steele novel sees the BookWorld’s behind, Pembe leaves Turkey job she can get is as a John Leonard. PB. $36.95 leading enforcement officer for love – following her housemaid in the mansion at A book of essays on poetry four months into an enforced husband Adem to London. 35 Park Lane. Upstairs, a from eminent poet and semi-retirement following an There they hope to make jilted and humiliated academic Peter Steele, assassination attempt. new lives for themselves and Beatrice Masters is deter- Braiding the Voices continues Thursday returns home for a their children. Yet, no matter mined not to return to the New York of her to investigate some of the time of recuperation but is how far they travel, the childhood before she has salvaged her pride. ways in which individual faced with an array of family problems. With traditions and beliefs they left behind stay She secretly joins Emmeline Pankhurst's poets have sought, firstly, to Goliath attempting to replace Thursday at with them – carried in the blood. A power- militant suffragettes. But Grace and Bea- find out what they most every opportunity with synthetic Thursdays, ful novel set in Turkey and London in the trice’s existences are not as parallel as they wanted to say, and, secondly, how their art is and a looming meteorite that could destroy 70s, Honour explores pain and loss, loyalty seem. Little do they realise that their lives to take its place in the general conversation all human life on earth, Thursday’s retire- and betrayal, the trials of the immigrant, the and emotions will soon be revolving around of humanity itself. ment is going to be anything but easy. clash of tradition and modernity, as well as the same man – or that the coming war will the love and heartbreak that too often tears change both their worlds forever. Travelling Through Get Jiro! families apart. the Family Anthony Bourdain The Happy Numbers Brendan Ryan & Joel Rose The Flame Alphabet of Julius Miles Ben Marcus Hunter. PB. $19.95 DC Comics. HB. $34.95 Jim Keeble Travelling Through the Family In a not-too-distant future Granta. HB. $29.99 Bloomsbury. PB. $29.99 brings rural Australia to life L.A. where master chefs rule A brilliant, dark new novel in Julius Miles is a mathemati- through a clear-eyed and the town like crime lords and which the speech of children cal genius, but he is hefty of provocative vision of the way people literally kill for a seat is killing their parents. All frame, awkward with the the land and our treatment at the best restaurants, a Sam and Claire need to do is opposite sex and struggling of animals moulds the people bloody culinary war is look around the neighbor- to bring his existence into who work with them. An raging. On one side, the hood to see that people are balance. When he stumbles assured and beautifully Internationalists, who blend going into hiding to escape across the girl next door crafted new book from one of Australia’s foods from all over the world into exotic their children. But they find naked and dead on her finest contemporary poets.

Lust and murder Unconventional, A brave and in the back streets hilarious and beautifully Love. of Depression-era downright sexy. written Nightmares. Angels. Melbourne. ‘A KNOCKOUT.’ testament to a ‘COMPELLING.’ TONI JORDAN mother’s love. War. PETER CORRIS ‘GRIPPING.’ JACINTA TYNAN

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But when her mother mind-bending new series . . . secret . . . until now. the end of the world, some very well-connect- tells her that she can’t apply ed and dangerous people want him dead. The for the prestigious National only chance he has at survival is to find the Ballet School, and she other three riders – Strife, Famine and Death. secretly auditions as a dancer in a video clip, But how can he hope to succeed against the two very different worlds are set to collide. god-like Protector and his Chosen? This is a fascinating insight into the ambi- tion and sheer hard work required from Doom Rider is a truly original take on the young dancers and also a realistic portrayal horsemen of the apocalypse tale, and one of the temptations that every teenager will framed by a world of religion taken to face at one time or another – alcohol, extremes. As with Gatward’s previous series, marijuana and party drugs. While Scarlett The Dead trilogy, this is high-action stuff, and does flirt with the dark side of the rock star definitely for the horror fans out there. The lifestyle, it doesn’t take her long to realise the scary elements are sure to hook even the most price of partying is her ambitions. Scarlett’s reluctant readers, and the compelling story will difficult relationship with her mother is also keep them going. well drawn and their eventual reconciliation Holly Harper is from Readings Carlton feels authentic. This novel is recommended There’s so much more at for girls age 14 and up, particularly those /randomhouseau randomhouse.com.au the LAST LITTLE BLUE who are focused on dance, music or other ENVELOPE performing arts. Brand identity usage Maureen Johnson Angela Crocombe is from Readings St Kilda Harper. PB. $14.99 Despite its trashy, unrepresen- the TREASURE HOUSE tative cover, Thirteen Little Blue Linda Newbery Envelopes has been a favourite Hachette. PB. $19.99 at Readings, so we were excited When Nina’s mother mysteri- but hesitant at the appearance ously runs off leaving only a of The Last Little Blue Envelope. short note and a few texts, Would it be as good? If not, Nina is determined to find out would it sully the memory of where her mother has gone New ebooks the first one? Such a quandary; to read or not? and what made her leave so Well, on a cold, wet winter’s eve, temptation suddenly. Strange clues begin got the better and I am glad it did. But you to turn up at the second hand know what, I really can’t tell you much about store run by Nina’s two great-aunts while Nina the story because you may not have read the is helping out there, and she embarks on a Inventive Labs: Bookish Brand Identity first one, so trust me, get your hands on a copy mission involving treasures, secrets, recycled and get reading. Then you are ready for this, fashions and even llamas! This is a nice story lucky you! Ginny’s aunt may still be dead but about family with charming characters and a that woman has more joie de vivre than a lot of great plot. living people and the journey she takes her Kim Gruschow is from Readings Hawthorn niece on illuminates her uniqueness. So do yourself a favour, you won’t be disappointed. above Between the Lines No Sex in the City Destined to Play For ages 11 and up. Leah Bobet Jodi Picoult Randa Abdel-Fattah Indigo Bloome Alexa Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn Scholastic. PB. $24.99 Paperback $24.95 Paperback $24.95 Paperback $15.99 Safe is a secret community ebook $14.99 ebook $9.99 ebook $9.99 Shadowfell underground where freaks and Juliet Marillier outcasts are safe from Pan Macmillan. PB. $16.99. Ebook $4.99. persecution by the Whitecoats, Alban is a land ruled by a who want to do tests on them dangerous king, a man who and keep them locked up. But has outlawed any contact with Safe is no longer a haven when the fairy-like Good Folk who it is invaded by mad Corner are now invisible to most and his crew of shadows. Safe’s leader is killed humans. Neryn, though, can and the survivors escape to the world known see them all-too-well, and only as Above, where they must attempt to while she tries hard to blend pass as normal humans. Matthew was born in, she can’t ignore the fact that she has a very underground, and looks normal, but his dangerous gift. mother had gills and his father had lion’s feet. The Invisible Circus The Boy Who Wouldn’t Die Watching the Climbers After her father gambles her away to a stranger, He has been entrusted with the stories of all Jennifer Egan David Nyuol Vincent on the Mountain Neryn narrowly avoids death only to face an the people of Safe, along with responsibility for Paperback $21.95 Paperback $29.99 Alex Miller uncertain future: she is now an orphan with no the traumatised but beautiful shapeshifter, Ariel. How he manages to discover the truth ebook $9.99 ebook $11.99 Paperback $23.99 money and no prospects in an unfriendly land, ebook $13.19 where even the merest hint of rebellion will about his beloved Ariel and uncover the stories set the king’s Enforcers on her trail. When she of Safe is a strange, unique, but highly discovers that Alban’s liberation might lie with engaging story. This unusual book is suitable Now available at readings.com.au her and her gifts, Neryn has no choice but to for readers 12 and up. AC 10 Readings Monthly July 2012

with Fiona Hardy New CrimeGods Dead and Beasts WriteDisgrace Black Skies Denise Mina Jussi Adler Olsen Arnaldur Indridason Book of the Month Orion. PB. $29.99 Michael Joseph. PB. $29.95 Harvill. PB. Normally $32.95 Darkness on the Edge DS Alex Morrow, back at Detective Carl Mørck works Our special price $27.95 of Town work after recently giving in Department Q, on cold Indridason’s tenth Detective Jessie Cole birth to twins (and after cases, and does his very best Erlendur book sees Erlendur HarperCollins. PB. $24.99. Ebook $11.99. having recently given birth to to do not much. Currently, himself still missing, and One dark night, Vincent just one kid myself, can I just however, a file appears on his gives his colleague Sigurdur drives home from an evening say I’m impressed), is tasked desk with no indication of Óli the opportunity to shine. out and finds an upturned car with investigating the death who put it there, and this He’s unsatisfied with his job in front of his house. of a man during a post office time he feels compelled to in the force, and his own Standing beside it is a woman heist. The man put himself in the path of a investigate, not least because it’s already been actions – visiting blackmail- with a baby, limp in her arms. torrent of bullets in front of his young solved. With a sharp eye on class culture and ers off the books – may find his wishes Paramedics take them away, grandson, and Morrow wants to know why the lifestyles of your average wealthy Danish coming true. Oli’s visit winds up as the but days later she hitchhikes – and how it links to politician Davie socialites, his search back into the murder of subject of a murder case, and soon all back to his house, and soon his efforts to Gillespie, accused of an affair and with big two siblings 20 years earlier uncovers killers manner of crimes – drugs, extortion, and assist her see the ever-willing Vincent and his plans to defend himself. that did not stop at just one crime. worse – have fallen into his lap, with teenage daughter Gemma – both telling their Iceland’s financial ruin a backdrop to this story in an interlocking narrative – emotion- the Lost Girls of Rome The Saint Zita Society riveting story. ally stripped bare. Donato Carrisi Ruth Rendell As someone who had a baby only a couple of Little, Brown. PB. Normally $29.95 Random. PB. Normally $32.95 Strindberg’s Star months ago, reading about someone suffer- Our special price $24.95 Our special price $27.95 Jan Wallentin ing through the loss of a child was painful – I A thriller for those (like Saint Zita is the patron saint Atlantic. PB. $29.99 put this book down at first, but found myself myself) who love the slightly of servants, and will be called An adventure thriller that coming back to it, wanting to know what scandalous feel of reading a upon plenty in Rendell’s new starts with a well-preserved happened to Rachel in her grief, and Vincent crime involving the Vatican, standalone crime novel as it body discovered in a cave and Gemma as they offer their friendship to The Lost Girls of Rome follows tackles the class divide of and traverses Europe, the her. Cole’s writing is evocative in its simplici- the path of Marcus, a crime Hexam Place. With the rich North Pole, and time itself, ty, the characters’ dialogue – sometimes grimy scene investigator of sorts, full of secrets (including the Strindberg’s Star is an ankh – as honest and real as Australia can be. Gem- working without memory deliciously named Lord Stud- that sees the diver who ma’s struggles brought my own teenage years after an accident a year before, and Sandra, a ley, clearly not living up to his name as his discovered it dead, and the into sharp relief, and the need for Vincent to forensic photographer whose husband died a wife is having it off with the valet) and their historian he met on the media circuit ‘mend’ the women he meets is touching and year before. Both are working on the domestic staff planning schemes from accused of the murder. Our flawed hero Don well-intentioned, but not always successful. kidnapping of a young girl in Italy’s atmo- blackmail to unionisation, and, possibly, to Titelman – an expert in the symbols that Not a crime book in the sense that most of spheric capital city, and both have unan- murder. Rendell is consistently satisfying and now lead to these troubles – realises the Dead Write’s titles are, there is nevertheless an swered questions about their past. always enthralling. danger he’s now in and goes on the run with undercurrent of violence that will leave you his enormous stash of drugs and his lawyer, tense. A gripping and heartbreaking read. the Kings of Cool the Killer in My Eyes who is not entirely flawless either. Don Winslow Giorgio Faletti The Richmond Heinemann. PB. Normally $32.95 Murdoch. PB. $29.99. Ebook $9.99 The Woman Before Me Conspiracy Our special price $27.95 Before becoming an interna- Ruth Dugdall Andrew Grimes With Oliver Stone’s movie tionally bestselling author, Text. PB. $29.99. Ebook $19.47 Text. PB. $29.99. Ebook $19.47 version of Winslow’s book Giorgio Faletti was a man of Emotionally engaging – With a touch of Agatha Savages coming to cinemas many careers, including an perhaps too much so – Christie to it – a man is soonish, the release of this unexpected one in car racing. The Woman Before Me traces dead, but everyone he knows – a prequel – has been timed His aptitude at speed the obsessive motivations be- is coolly flippant about it – well. Winslow is as awesome translates well into suspense- hind Rose Wilks, imprisoned this 1930s-set tale sees Victor as this title himself, and this ful thrillers you can rip for five years for killing her Radcliffe found in one of his explains how the heroes (so through during these cold weekends. In The best friend’s child. Probation warehouses, killed with a to speak) of Savages, Ben, Chon and O, Killer in My Eyes, a murderer leaves bodies Officer Cate is tasked with practised twist of his own became embroiled in the drug trade, and arranged like those in Snoopy cartoons. One deciding if Rose is able to re-enter society. bayonet. Police Inspector James Maclaine, how, before they were born, the trade itself grisly example: soaked in blood, thumb in While horrified, we switch back and forth like many others, is grateful to have survived became what it was. Witty, acerbic, and mouth, holding onto a blanket. The victim’s from sympathy to loathing as the personali- the war but not for the memories and unlike some prequels, it fits neatly in the uncle, along with a detective whose medical ties of Rose and those who surround her are nightmares that plague him. But investigate timeline. past is giving her visions, race to find this revealed, with the kind of shocking conclu- he must, with a cast of secretive characters to particularly odd killer. sion you’ll want to tell all your friends to attempt to elicit information from, and a The Mandrake File discover as well. shady organisation called The Praetorian Cedric Bannel the Nightmare Guard lurking in the background. Scribe. PB. Normally $29.95 Lars Kepler Night Watch Our special price $24.95 Blue Door. PB. Normally $29.95 Linda Fairstein the Neruda Case Ebook $19.99 Our special price $24.95 Little, Brown. PB. $32.99 Roberto Ampuero When an ex-diplomat writes Since Kepler’s word-of-mouth With Dominique Strauss- Riverhead Books. HB. $37.95 a crime book, you like to bestseller The Hypnotist (a free Kahn’s recent sexual assault Ampuero’s first English- think they’ve based it on true copy of which is yours when case fresh in readers’ minds, language book sees poet stories of the world they were you buy Nightmare) made its Fairstein has sent prosecutor Pablo Neruda recruit private in. There’s a secret organisa- way onto every crime lover’s Alex Cooper after the head of eye Cayetano Brulé to solve a tion called The Entity, who bookshelf a year ago, the World Economic Bureau, mystery before he dies. It’s are trying to prevent Kabul’s excitement has built for a new accused by a maid of rape. Brulé’s first case, and he’s not Murder Squad chief Osama book. DI Joona Linna returns News-hungry journalists are quite up to scratch yet, not Kandar from investigating a suicide any with two crimes – a woman who appears to the last thing Alex wants to deal with when least because Neruda is not further, though Entity analyst Nick Snee has have drowned despite being found on a her romantic holiday to France was cut short being entirely honest. Set during the heated found a connection between the death and a floating boat and completely dry, and a man by this case – though the trip itself proved political climate of 1970s Chile, and man he’s been searching for, named Man- Linna believes is a suicide, hanging from his less than ideal for some when a body washes showing a side of the poet that is raw and drake. Kabul has its fair share of violence ceiling but with no furniture around to have up in a pond, and a connection is found to not always pleasant, The Neruda Case is already, and there are people who are willing aided him. This is just the start of a complex the lover she was in France to see. lively satire written beautifully. to destroy anyone to keep these secrets. and fascinating case.

Join the adventure! The Brown Brothers Epicurean Club is free to join! Sign up today at www.brownbrothers.com.au Readings Monthly July 2012 11

your mind that it might know way too much fighter pilot, Hinkler’s exploits thrilled the about you? Come with guide and host of world. But behind the headlines was a more Radio National’s Future Tense, Antony private and more complex man, who Funnell, as he unravels the mysteries of the juggled two relationships with two different world we’ve created, cuts through the women on two continents. New Non-Fiction mumbo jumbo, warns of the dangers and cartooning and his commitment to free laughs at the hype. expression; portrait painting and the Australian contemporary art scene. From Here to There Cultural Studies Non-Fiction The Boy who Jon Faine & Jack Faine the Blind Giant A PAssionate Life Loved Apples HarperCollins. PB. $19.99. Ebook $10.99 Nick Harkaway Ita Buttrose Now in paperback, this is the Hodder. PB. $29.99 Amanda Webster intelligent and funny account Viking. PB. $29.95 Text. PB. $32.99. Ebook $19.79 Novelist and tech blogger In A Passionate Life, Buttrose of Jon and Jack Faine’s Nick Harkaway draws When it became clear that journey overland to London – known and loved by Webster's 11-year-old son together fascinating and Australians as the editor of in their rusty four-wheel- disparate ideas to challenge Riche was not just a little too drive. In April 2008, Jon The Australian Women's skinny but dangerously ill, the notion that digital Weekly throughout the Faine and his son Jack closed culture is the source of all people were often surprised. their door on their Mel- second half of the 70s – Do boys get anorexia? they our modern ills, while at the traces her working career. She bourne home and leaving jobs, studies, same time showing where the would ask. And then: how family and friends, took six months to gives us glimpses of the inner did he get it? Brave, honest dangers are real and suggesting how they can workings of the Australian media, politics, complete this trip. This is the story of the be combated. Ultimately, the choice is ours: and ultimately uplifting, The Boy Who Loved countries they visited, people they met and the arts, and the lives and personalities of Apples is a compelling and beautifully engage with the machines that we have many of the people she has met and worked trouble they got into, but also the story of a created, or risk creating a world which is written account of life with an eating tender father-son relationship. with including Kerry Packer and Rupert disorder, and a gritty, moving testament to a designed for corporations and computers Murdoch. With great courage and honesty, mother's love. rather than people. This is an essential she also allows us into the more personal handbook for everyone trying to be human aspects of her life as a working mother The Sweetest Thing in a digital age. during these years. Mischa Merz Biography & the Golden Door Gina Rinehart Hunter. PB. $24.95 A.A. Gill Journalist and amateur boxer Memoir Adele Ferguson Mischa Merz travelled across the Wolf and Orion. PB. $32.99 Pan. PB. $34.99. Ebook $19.99 the United States and the Watchman Where were you when John Gina Rinehart is the richest competed in a series of Scott Johnson F. Kennedy was shot? A person in Australia and part amateur boxing tourna- Scribe. PB. $29.95. Ebook $17.99 generation later, you could of a family known as much ments. On this wild and Growing up, Johnson always ask the same question about for its front-page legal fascinating journey she met suspected that his dad was the World Trade Centre. stoushes as for its business some of the pioneers of different. Only as a teenager Where were you when the acumen. With her reported women's boxing as well as some of the did he discover that his father plane hit the twin towers on wealth doubling in the last young stars hoping to make it onto the first was a spy, one of the CIA’s 11 September 2001? This 12 months, Gina is begin- women's boxing team in the 2012 Olympic most trusted officers, and book is about what happened to America ning to flex the enormous power her wealth Games. had been living a double life. and the world’s perception of America gives, buying large shareholdings in Channel The Wolf and the Watchman is between those two moments. Through 10 and Fairfax in moves that look set to give 1835 a provocative, meditative reckoning on linked essays based around places that will her and her controversial views a major James Boyce truth, deception, and manipulation. It is also open up truths and mythologies about America and Americans, Gill writes about influence in Australian life and public affairs. Black Inc. PB. $29.95 an intensely personal story of a bond This is an extraordinary biography of the things he's always found admirable and With the founding of between father and son that endured in the Rinehart, the family she came from, and the optimistic about the United States and its Melbourne in 1835, a flood shadow of one of the world’s most secretive wealth and power she wields, by award- citizens. of settlers began spreading and unforgiving institutions. winning journalist Adele Ferguson. out across the Australian the Good Life continent. In three years Just Send me Word the Sex Lives more land weas conquered Orlando Figes Cheryl Mendelson of Australians than in the preceding 50. Allen Lane. HB. $35 Bloomsbury. PB. $29.99. Ebook $24.99 Frank Bongiorno Boyce asks the poignant Figes tells the extraordinary The Good Lifeis a deeply Black Inc. PB. Normally $32.95 question largely ignored for 175 years: could love story of two Muscovites, reasoned look at how the Our special price $29.95 it have been different? ‘Boyce is a graceful Lev and Svetlana. Kept apart notion of morality has been Bongiorno charts the and robust stylist and a fine storyteller and for 14 years by WWII and co-opted by the political right. changing sex lives of he organises his material beautifully. His the Gulag, they stayed true Mendelson, who is for gay Australians and shows how a book … deserves a wide audience.’—The to each other and left behind rights, sexual equality, labor predominantly male penal Sunday Age. them an astonishing monu- unions, and the strong colony gave rise to a rough ment to their love: a remark- regulation of business and and ready culture. In the Dancing with Empty able cache of 1500 letters exchanged finance, is decidedly conservative when it Victorian era, fears of between them as Lev battled to survive in comes to personal morality. She believes that Pockets while the right manages to portray its oppo- sodomy helped bring an end Tony Moore one of Stalin's most notorious labour camps. to the transportation of convicts, while in nents as amoral or even immoral, it promotes Murdoch. PB. $29.99 policies that lack any real compassion. more modern times, the contraceptive pill The word ‘bohemians’ Charles Dickens: A Life changed so much. He also deals with some initially conjured the Claire Tomalin intriguing questions – were the Kelly gang Penguin. PB. $22.95 The Antidote primitive, exotic and Oliver Burkeman gay? why did the law ignore lesbianism for mysterious power of gypsies, Claire Tomalin paints an Text. PB. $32.99. Ebook $19.79 so long? – and introduces some remarkable but came to be used to unforgettable portrait of This is an exploration of a characters, both reformers and radicals. With describe any nomadic or Dickens the phenomenon: a radically new path to a foreword by Michael Kirby, AC CMG. vagabond character – with demonically hardworking happiness. In an approach strong overtones of poverty journalist, the father of ten that turns decades of Unaustralian and even criminality. In Australia, bohemi- children, a tireless walker and self-help advice on its head, of the Year ans have been associated with subcultures, traveller, a supporter of Burkeman explains why Bill Leak and movements across most creative arts and liberal social causes, but most positive thinking serves only Scribe. PB. $29.95. Ebook $9.99 media for more than 150 years. Dancing of all, a great novelist. ‘No question: you put to make us more miserable, UnAustralian of the Year with Empty Pockets is an exploration of Tomalin’s book down knowing that you have and why ‘getting motivated’ can exacerbate contains Leak’s best editorial Australia’s bohemians, from Marcus Clarke met a living author.’— Miriam Margolyes, procrastination. Hilarious and compulsively cartoons since 2007 and is a through to the 21st century. The Times. readable, The Antidote will have you on the satirical history of an road to happiness in no time. extraordinary period in the Future and Bert Hinkler Australian politics: from the Related Nonsense Grantlee Kieza enthusiastic popular mandate HarperCollins. PB. $32.99 Resilience Antony Funnell Andrew Zolli & Ann Healy enjoyed by Kevin Rudd’s ABC. PB. $24.99 Once upon a time, Bert Labor after the 2007 federal election to the Hinkler, a small, unprepos- Hodder. PB. $32.99 Do you really understand the Resilience is a dazzling brutal merry-go-round of party leaders world around you? Do you sessing man from Bundaberg culminating in the rancour and instability was feted as one of the most exposition of fresh thinking know how crowdsourcing about how the world works. surrounding Julia Gillard’s minority works, what terraforming daring aviators in the world. government. Leak also writes about his Mussolini’s favourite pilot, It covers business, economic, does, and what alternative geographic and social systems recent accident and recovery from brain currency is? Do you believe Hinkler was an adventurer damage; the blessings of manic-depression who flew single handed in a thrillingly readable Google is great – or is there a narrative. A wealth of absorb- for the creative artist; the art of editorial sneaky feeling in the back of across countries, continents and oceans. Whether as an aerial showman or as a WWI ing examples are covered, 12 Readings Monthly July 2012

from the link between US oil prices and the recent ‘tortilla riots’ in Mexico, to what was really happening when the US government History decided not to bail out Lehman Bros. the Battle for Lone Pine Thinking, Fast David Cameron and slow Viking. PB. $29.95 Daniel Kahneman Surprisingly, as we near the Penguin. PB. $22.95 100th anniversary of the Why is there more chance Gallipoli campaign, this is we'll believe something if it’s the first book solely dedi- in a bold type face? Why do cated to one of its key battles we assume a good-looking – that at Lone Pine, where person will be more compe- Australian and Turkish tent? The answer lies in the soldiers fought an ultimately two ways we make choices: futile battle that claimed thousands of lives fast, intuitive thinking, and in incredibly close quarters. Cameron has slow, rational thinking. This book reveals pulled together firsthand accounts from the how our minds are tripped up by error and men and women involved (including from prejudice, even when we think we are being the Turkish army) to detail what transpired logical, and gives you practical techniques and to follow some of their personal stories for slower, smarter thinking. ‘A masterpiece throughout the ordeal. … one of the greatest and most engaging collections of insights into the human mind Orderly and Humane I have read.’— Financial Times. R.M. Douglas Yale. HB. $49.95 Freeloading Immediately after WWII, the Chris Ruen victorious Allies helped to Scribe. PB. $27.95. Ebook $18.99 carry out the forced reloca- tion of German speakers Freeloading attempts to get at from their homes across the true nature of our still central and southern Europe nascent relationship with to Germany. The numbers digital content by examining and losses were almost how its dysfunctional history unimaginable – at least 500 000 people and unfolded. Writer and blogger perhaps many more died while detained in Ruen has interviewed major A powerful, f l sometimes i heart-breaking, h b ki often f funny, f always l honest h former concentration camps, while locked in players in the independent and ultimately uplifting account of life on the medical frontline trains en route, or after arriving in Germany music scene so that readers have a chance to in Angola, Mozambique and South Sudan. It is also a moving exhausted, malnourished, and homeless. hear the unvarnished opinions of those This book is the first in any language to tell testimony of the work done by medical humanitarian groups and the directly affected by freeloading. The book the full story of this immense catastrophe. extraordinary and sometimes eccentric people who work for them. offers new rhetoric and symbols to navigate the digital unknown and sorts out fact from fallacy until the dire consequences of freeloading become all too obvious. Ebook also available BCurrenturma Affairs Benedict Rogers Random. PB. $32.95 ComScienceing of Age For more than 50 years, Burma has been ruled by a on Zoloft succession of military WILD POSTCOLONIAL BOYS Katherine Sharpe regimes which rank among HarperCollins. PB. $19.99. Ebook $10.99 the most oppressive dictator- A compelling exploration of ships in the world. Yet in the a generation raised on antide- last couple of years, and in pressants, this is an impor- spite of sham elections, the tant study of one of Ameri- pace of change has been breathtaking. ca’s most pressing issues: the Drawing heavily on his many fact-finding growing reliance on prescrip- visits both inside Burma and along its tion drugs. Sharpe addresses frontiers, Rogers gives a unique appraisal of the questions that millions of the current ethnic situation and its implica- young men and women are struggling with. tions for the nation as a whole. ‘Where does my personality end and my prescription begin?’, ‘Do I have a disease?’, On China ‘Can I get better on my own?’ She combines Henry Kissinger scientific acumen with first-person experi- Penguin. PB. $22.95 ence gained through her own struggle with Now in paperback, On China antidepressants to lead the reader through a distils Henry Kissinger's complex subject. thoughts on China. After reopening relations between What a Plant Knows China and the West in 1971, Daniel Chamowitz Kissinger has been more 9781921888090 PB 9781921888090 PB Scribe. PB. $27.95. Ebook $18.99 intimately connected with Randolph Stow won the Miles Franklin Literary Award in 1958 and the Patrick White Award How does a Venus flytrap the country at the highest in 1979. This is the most comprehensive collection of his poetry ever published. know when to snap shut? level than any other western figure. Can a fern get jet lag? Do ‘Fascinating, shrewd … informed by Og is the last survivor of roses remember the romance Kissinger's intimate first-hand knowledge the giant races of the Old springtime? Renowned of several generations of Chinese leaders.’ Testament. Og is the monster biologist Daniel Chamovitz —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times. within. Philip Salom calls presents a beguiling explora- Og ‘wonderfully primal and tion of how plants experi- unexpected’. ence our shared Earth – in terms of sight, smell, touch, hearing, memory and even awareness. Combining cutting-edge Have you had a gutful of TMusiche Rolling Stones: 50 Ned Kelly? Find out what research with lively storytelling, he explains Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, made Moondyne Joe an the intimate details of plant behaviour. Charlie Watts & Ronnie Wood internationally renowned T&H. HB. $49.95 escape artist and why we all Curated, introduced and

9781921888830 PB but forgot him. 9781921888526 PB narrated by the band themselves, this is the only

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byNeuroscience Kate O’Mara, Readings at the Brain Centre byArt Margaret & Snowdon, Design Readings Carlton Aping Mankind: vitamin green: Neuromania, an inspirational Darwinitis and the overview of global Misrepresentation contemporary of Humanity sustainable design Raymond Tallis and architecture Acumen. PB. $32.95 Phaidon. HB. $89.95 Tallis directs his guns at The latest in the ‘vitamin’ neuroscience’s dark compan- series is an extremely interest- ion – ‘Neuromania’ – the ing showcase for the above. If belief that brain activity is not you are interested in this area merely a necessary but a you may have seen some of sufficient condition for human the products/projects before, consciousness and that but this fascinating combina- consequently our everyday tion of beauty, functionality, behaviour can be entirely understood in neural practicality and desirability is completely terms. Tallis dismantles the idea that ‘we are moreish. Many of the items that come from arquis is accused of our brains’, which has given rise to a plethora the third world are just as viable/desirable in of neuro-prefixed pseudo-disciplines laying developed countries (for different reasons Minvolvement in the claim to explain everything from art and perhaps); for example, the BioLite Stove and murder of a man from a rival literature to criminality and religious belief. Bow Bins, and everyone should start taking neighbourhood. Darren has been up the sustainable architectural practices. found guilty of murdering a The Brain: Big Bangs, petrol station attendant. Charles Behaviors and Beliefs Draw Me A House has been charged with the Rob DeSalle, Ian Tattersall Thibaud Herem murder of a homeless teenage & Patricia J. Wynne Cicada. PB. $25.95 Yale. HB. $39.95 Draw Me a House is a girl. All of them are potentially After several million years of playbook for budding facing the death penalty in jostling for ecological space, architects and anyone California. Australian-born only one survivor from a host interested in the built Rachel Sommerville is a private of hominid species remains environment. Illustrated by investigator whose job is to help standing: us. In this delight- Thibaud Herem, it invites lawyers convince a jury or appeal fully accessible book, the people of all ages to colour authors present the first full, in, think about, doodle and court to let these men live. Her search for the step-by-step account of the engage with architectural elements. Both evidence that may stop the imposition of a evolution of the brain and nervous system. educational and entertaining, Draw Me a death sentence takes her to some of the most Tapping the very latest findings in evolution- House takes the reader on a journey through disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the US. ary biology, the authors explain how the architectural styles from Gothic church cognitive gulf that separates us from all other spires, to contemporary eco-design and out living creatures could have occurred. the other side to the world of fantasy. www.newsouthbooks.com.au The Developing Mind: Living As Form: How Relationships and Socially Engaged Art the Brain Interact to From 1991–2011 Shape who we are Nato Thompson (ed.) Daniel J. Siegel MIT Press. HB. $57.95 Guilford. HB. $78 The story goes that a In this fully revised and battalion of soldiers in France updated second edition of his during WWI was the first bestselling book, Siegel action of the Dada Art explores the role of interper- Movement. Many artists sonal relationships in forging around the world today, key connections in the brain. analogously to that moment, He presents a groundbreak- are taking their art practice ing new way of thinking out of their studios and becoming engaged about the emergence of the human mind with current culture, community and and the process by which each of us becomes politics, working as individuals, in groups, a feeling, thinking, remembering individual. with communities, or as collectives, with Illuminating how and why neurobiology subtlety or outrageous confrontation. matters, this book is essential reading for Reading about the actions, performances ‘... a riveting tale of clinicians, educators, researchers, and and projects in this book is moving, deception and desperation...’ students interested in promoting healthy inspiring, occasionally puzzling, but mostly development and resilience. inspires admiration for the ability of these - ABC RADIO artists to take their creative processes and use Everyone Loves them so poetically and constructively. ‘... evocative... atmospheric’ a Good Train Wreck: - THE SUN-HERALD Why we can't Up On the Roof: look away New York’s Hidden Eric G. Wilson skylines Spaces FSG. HB. $29.95 Alex MacLean Whether we admit it or not, Princeton Architectural Press. HB. $77.50 we’re fascinated by evil. Dark In Up on the Roof, architect fantasies, morbid curiosities, turned photographer Schadenfreude; as conven- MacLean, directs his lens at tional wisdom has it, these the rarely seen ‘top floor’ of are the symptoms of our New York City and reveals a wicked side, and we succumb hidden world of amazing to them at our own peril. complexity, diversity, and life. We’re still compelled to look whenever we Alongside the city’s famous pass a grisly accident on the highway, and water towers are pools, sunbathers, tennis there’s no slaking our thirst for gory courts, art, restaurants, gardens, and solar entertainments like horror movies and police panels. MacLeanés photographs leave little procedurals. What makes these spectacles so doubt about New York City’s ‘green’ potential irresistible? Wilson sets out to discover the and the belief that improved outdoor spaces source of our attraction to the caustic, above lead to more livable cities below. Maps drawing on the findings of biologists, and captions help the reader to easily identify sociologists, pasychologists, anthropologists, the photographs. This fascinating look at philosophers, theologians and artists. hidden New York will be a revelation. PanteraPress.com 14 Readings Monthly July 2012

Foodby Chris Gordon, & Readings Wine Carlton Kylie Kwong's Simple Chinese Cooking Class Q&A with Kylie Kwong Kylie Kwong Chris Gordon interviews Kylie Kwong about Kylie Kwong’s Simple Chinese Lantern. HB. Normally $59.95 Cooking Class (Lantern, HB, Normally $59.95, Our special price $49.95). Our special price $49.95 There are many reasons to enjoy Kylie Kwong’s latest cookbook, and why I consider her to be one of the finest chefs in Australia at this time: The cookbook is beautiful to look at. The photos, which include step by step Darkness on the instructions on tricky business (I’m thinking Edge of Town in particular deboning chicken wings) are practical and lush. By JeSSie Cole The recipes are, and I’m really not kidding, 9780732293192 | RRP: $24.99 easy to make. a haunting tale that beguiles Her descriptions of ingredients and equip- the reader with its gripping and ment are accessible. unrelenting tensions, and its She believes in time honoured techniques. disturbing yet tender observations, featuring an accidental hero, She’s fun and her food has integrity and his daughter and a tragic interloper comes from a generosity of spirit. who crashes into their lives in a northern nSW country town with She believes in sustainable practice. this beautiful, healthy, wholesome and unexpected consequences... The title of the book is in no way mislead- flavoursome, interesting cuisine. We ing. have all the Chinese ingredients read- ily available to us, not to mention an She has suggestions for mid-week meals, abundance of stunningly fresh Asian crowd pleasers and a sweet romantic night vegetables. Offering these step-by-step in. instructions along with matching im- Actually, that’s my description of a particular ages completely takes the ‘guesswork’ fine evening I spent with my bloke making out of my recipes, and ensures that steamed scallops with ginger and spring on- every single person, when following my ions that were so good that we didn’t bother recipes, will end up making a beauti- with plates and ate standing up at the stove, ful dish and feel really good about glass in one hand, seafood in the other, greed that. I want people to ‘enjoy’ cooking and glee in our eyes. Firstly a couple of questions about your Chinese, and to enjoy eating what they glorious books. Your cookbooks are have made, rather than seeing it as You can read more about why she wrote always so vivid and colourful. something difficult, unreachable and laborious. Rotten Gods this cookbook in the Q&A on this page or Do you have much say in the design? you could come and chat with Kylie at our Julie Gibbs, my publisher with her Kylie, as one of the most well known By GreG Barron very special Readings Hawthorn event on very own strong sense of personal of our female chefs, why do you reckon Wednesday 4 July. There will be tastes from 9780732294342 | RRP $29.99 style, and innovative and talented there are not more women in the the book for us to all enjoy – think dump- graphic designer Daniel New always commercial kitchen? a new wave of terror threatens lings galore – and there will be wine supplied come up with the overall concept and Just from my own personal experi- the world as presidents and prime by Brown Brothers. After the event, you may ‘look and feel’ of my books, based on ence, many women get to a certain ministers alike are taken hostage be inspired to go home and whip up a quick their understanding and knowledge age and choose to leave commercial at a global summit. rotten Gods is stir-fry of potato and black bean in chilli of what I kind of like, what they both kitchens because they simply wish to both an imaginative tour de force sauce. It takes approximately 10 minutes to like, and obviously based on the actual start a family. I totally understand this and a dire warning, holding the make and is wonderfully aromatic and sim- overall specific message and style of the of course. Then, when they consider reader spellbound until the last ply delicious. Sounds like a perfect Wednes- book. The photographer Earl Carter breathtaking page. day evening to me. See you there! returning at a later stage, for many, has his say which we always welcome the unsociable hours of working in a immensely. Then I am given the op- commercial kitchen just do not work Alex Mackay's portunity to offer my opinion, and add Cookbook for in at all with family life. When I was in my own voice, my own style. It has an apprentice chef under Neil Perry Everybody Everyday always been a wonderful collaboration for six years (almost 18 years ago!) I Alex Mackay between Julie, the graphic designer at never had any issues with the fact that Bloomsbury. HB. $39.99 the time and the chosen photographer. I was a woman in a traditionally male- Here’s a book with a title that On all of my books, and fortunately, dominated profession. In the kitchen, makes a huge claim. Forgive on each book, we have all seemed Neil and the staff always treated me me, but I was suspicious. to like the same aesthetic. Now that and other females with great respect. Everybody? Everyday? I think certainly helps! So, from my experience, I have always not. Clearly though, Mackay I find your cookbooks use such enjoyed working in commercial kitch- knows what he’s about and ens. In my Billy Kwong kitchen, I have fair enough – the man has wonderful plain language, and certainly this one in particular shows three women (including myself) and The Oldest Song in the World been cooking and teaching four men. cooking all over the world for years. Here, he how easy Chinese cooking can be! By Sue Woolfe has come up with an excellent plan so What inspired you to break down Friday night and you are throwing a actually I can now see how this could be the recipes into baby steps? huge dinner party for your mates: 9780732294991 | RRP $29.99 indeed a book for us in every situation. Let In the past there has been so much what one pot dish do you cook? Kate, a lonely city woman and me explain: take, say, pesto – the how and mystery and therefore fear around (And what page is that recipe on reluctant student, is asked by her whys are there, and then there are the cooking Chinese food, not to men- because I’m copying you!) teacher to travel to the middle of alternatives. So once pesto is mastered, you tion choosing which brands of soys Northern-style braised lamb with spices the australian desert to record a could make beef rump with pesto, you could and sauces etc. And because I actually (page 99). You can make it earlier and dying aboriginal woman singing an make meatballs with mozzarella and pesto cook simply myself, both at home and just reheat upon serving with bowls of ancient song. This is a brave and – and on it goes. in my restaurant, I really wanted to jasmine rice. controversial story that will make share how easy it is to cook Chinese This is a bold book, but it’s easy to fol- readers question everything we have food, with the general public. Chinese And finally it’s Sunday night and you’re low. The most important part is, of course, ever felt about our country. food is so popular in this country and I knackered: what are you cooking for establishing whether the recipes actually think it only appropriate that every- dinner at home? work. I cooked salmon fillets with fennel. one has the opportunity then to learn Clearly I’m part of the great population Definitely my mother's braised chicken how to cook Chinese confidently and mass because it was easy to make, and it was wings with fresh pineapple (page 77)! without anxiety, to have fun and enjoy absolutely delicious. To everyone out there – Mackay is not misleading us with that title. Readings Monthly July 2012 15 that made me eager to get moving, but this NON-FICtion story had a very authentic voice in young Egg GIRL! THE ULTIMATE and some fabulous characters that kept me GUIDE TO BEING YOU reading on. It’s perfect for pirate and adven- ture mad boys and girls from 8 to 12. AC Anna Barnes PicNewture Boo ksKids’ Booksto go, Eric comes up with a clever solution to Penguin. PB. $19.95 This is a how-to guide for the FAMILY HOUR a very BIG problem . . . From the creators of artemis fowl and The Terrible Plop comes this delightfully the LAST GUARDIAN modern girls that gives them IN AUSTRALIA energetic story, full of fun and exuberance. the gumption to try lots of Tai Snaith Eoin Colfer fun things that will benefit T&H. HB. $24.95 Big Bad Bill on Penguin. PB. $19.95 the world, their community There are so many In the final Artemis Fowl title, and themselves. It has heaps the Naughty step Opal Koboi, power-crazed delicious elements to Mark Sperring & Tom of ideas to help girls make this new Australian pixie, is plotting to extermi- and grow things, manage picture book that it’s McLaughlin nate mankind and become friendships and their emotions, glimpse life hard to know where Puffin. PB. $14.99 fairy queen. If she succeeds, from different girls’ perspectives, and find out to begin. Perhaps Uh-oh! Sam’s on the naughty the spirits of long-dead fairy about stuff happening on the other side of the with the gorgeous step again, and Captain warriors will rise from the world and in our own backyard. Young native animals Buckleboots too! But it earth, inhabit the nearest author and blogger Anna Barnes doesn't have engaging in typical behaviours, the stylish begins to get mighty crowded available bodies and wreak mass destruction. all the answers but she shares some of her references to retro furniture and design, but when Big Bad Bill rides into But what happens if those nearest bodies experiences, dreams and funny stories. For also the unusual facts (did you know a baby town. Big Bad Bill is wanted include two curious little boys by the names readers aged 11 and up. echidna is called a puggle and drinks pink for all sorts of badness. They of Myles and Beckett Fowl? Yes, Artemis milk until it can eat ants?), the clock to be all know they’ve done Fowl's four-year-old brothers could be CLASSICs discovered on every page, and finally, the something naughty, but how are they ever involved in destroying the human race. Can the OWL AND THE matte cover and thick pages that complete going to say sorry? Artemis and Captain Holly Short of the PUSSYCAT AND this gorgeous publication. Tai Snaith is a Lower Elements Police stop Opal and prevent MIDDLE readers the end of the world? OTHER NONSENSE writer, curator and artist with an impressive Edward Lear CV. Her drawing style is realistic but with a CODE CRIMSON: quirky, stylised edge and her animals look ARKIE SPARKLE SMALL CHANGE & Robert Ingpen (illus.) very authentic while also anthropomorphised TREASURE HUNTER FOR STUART Walker. HB. $29.95 to appeal to young children. The story follows Lissa Evans In celebration of the bicente- Petra James nary of Edward Lear’s birth in families on a regular day, beginning with the Macmillan. PB. $6.99. Ebook $4.99 Random. PB. $14.95 Gouldian finch family eating breakfast, This is a ripper little adven- May this year comes this The contradiction of Arkie wonderful collection of his termites for morning tea with the baby Sparkle’s dilemma is she may ture that has magic, mystery numbats, and so on, through to the hairy- and family intrigue. Stuart best loved nonsense poems. have access to amazing Think ‘The Owl and the nosed wombats, which awaken just as the rest technology but it is to the and his family have moved of the world is going to bed. Various family back to his Dad’s hometown Pussycat’, ‘The Jumblies’, ‘The ancient world she has to Dong with the Luminous units are represented from same sex parents return to in a bid to find her where he finds out that a great and single mums, to multiple families living uncle, whose disappearance Nose’, and all those childhood favourites that kidnapped parents. Along with stay in the mind’s eye for life. Every poem is together. Some pages have simple bold lines, her friend TJ and Cleo the has never been solved, was whereas others are filled with intricate detail also a magician. Almost immediately Stuart illustrated by award-winning artist Robert dog, she has seven days in seven continents to Ingpen and the book also contains Lear’s and these in particular invite poring over by find ancient treasures that will hopefully enable stumbles on clues to his vanishing but curious children. Many of the animals are annoyingly is intercepted by three neighbour- limericks, his original artwork and some of her parents’ return. Illustrated throughout, this his beautiful ornithological drawings for endangered and all of the unusual anecdotes fun mystery will appeal to readers seven and up ing sisters, one who turns out to be intrusively are true, which provides a fascinating persistent and a surprisingly good detective, which he was first famous. It is a real tribute but particularly those who are intimidated by to his unusual genius. educational experience for both parent and thick books. The great introductory price of even for a girl! Quirky, funny and baffling, child. In every way, this book is an absolute $6.99 is an added bonus. For ages 7–11. this is a marvelous read for ages 8–12. AD Part of the Ingpen illustrated classics series, delight to be enjoyed time and time again. Alexa Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn which includes The Jungle Book, The Wind Angela Crocombe is from Readings St Kilda Caesar the War Dog in the Willows andTom Sawyer, it would be CITY OF LIES: Stephen Dando-Collins a great way of starting a child’s collection of the MAGNIFICENT TREE THE KEEPERS BOOK TWO Random. PB. $16.95 special books. KK Nicholas Bland Lian Tanner Caesar doesn't look special. Scholastic. HB. $24.99 A&U. PB. Normally $15.99 But Corporal Ben Fulton sees Goodnight Mister Tom ‘What we need is a tree!’ said Our special price $9.99 something different – an Michelle Magorian Bonny. ‘I completely agree,’ Ebook $9.99 intelligent dog who will make Puffin. PB. $16.95 said Pop. Bonny and Pop are The exciting sequel to him an excellent sniffer dog in Set at the beginning of bursting with ideas. Pop’s Museum of Thieves. Six the Australian Army. Caesar WWII, this story about Willie ideas are big and brave and months have passed since the the War Dog is based on the Beech, a deprived child Bonny’s ideas are simple and Great Storm, and Goldie true story of Australian evacuee, and Old Mister Tom clever. When they decide to Roth is trapped at home military dog Sarbi, combined with the factual with whom he is billeted has make something that will again, this time by the experiences of Endal, the devoted British dog real heart. Gripping plot, full attract the birds, they come up with ideas for invisible chains of love and who cared for his wheelchair-bound ex-ser- blown characters to love and a tree. A brave tree, a clever tree – a magnifi- guilt. But when her friend viceman master and became the most hate and an unforgettable cent tree. Toadspit’s sister Bonnie is abducted by a decorated dog in history. For ages 9 and up. story. For ages 10+ and the whole family. KK mysterious criminal called Harrow, Goldie the TERRIBLE SUITCASE must leave home in a bold attempt to rescue NOVELTY ladybird Classics Emma Allen her friends. She and Toadspit follow the ENORMOuS CROCODILE Ladybird. HB. $9.95 each & Freya Blackwood (illus.) child-stealers to the neighbouring city of BOOK & TOY GIFT SET Ladybird have reissued five Scholastic. HB. $24.99 Spoke. Along the way, Toadspit is also ROALD DAHL classics – Oliver Twist, Black What do you do when it’s captured, and Goldie discovers some Penguin. $19.95 Beauty, The Secret Graden, your first day of school and dangerous secrets – secrets that the child- The Enormous Crocodile is a Gulliver's Travels and Treasure your mum gives you a terrible stealers will kill to protect. greedy, grumptious brute who Island – with beautiful new suitcase instead of a red loves to guzzle up little boys illustrations throughout and backpack with yellow rockets DEADWEATHER and girls. The other jungle in a gorgeous larger format and a silver zipper? Well, first & SUNRISE: animals have had enough of with ribbon marker. Each is you get mad. MAD! Then the CHRONICLES OF EGG his nasty tricks so Trunky the an abridged retelling of a classic, making it you use your imagination to Geoff Rodkey Elephant decides to teach him perfect for introducing these stories to build a rocket ship and escape with all your a lesson he’ll never forget! younger children. new friends. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Penguin. PB. $14.95 If you like the swashbuckling Snippets thrills of pirates on the high IN THE FOREST TOO MANY ELEPHANTS A couple of milestones: seas, villains at every turn, and Anouk Boisrobert, Louis it’s 25 years since John IN THIS HOUSE the power of true love, then Rigaud & Sophie Strady Marsden’s So Much To Ursula Dubosarsky this story is for you. The first Tate. HB. $25.95 Tell You got everyone in & Andrew Joyner in a series of books about In a lush green forest, a sloth YA literature talking. Less Penguin. HB. $24.95 young Egbert, quickly sleeps. Can you see him? confrontational, Mem Fox’s In Eric's house there were too renamed Egg, this is the story CLANG! Machines come to New Hat has been around for many elephants – in the living of how he loses his family, meets the entranc- tear down the trees, but the 10 years and the Readings’ room, in the kitchen, in the ing Millicent, encounters numerous Pirates, sloth still sleeps. Will he wake kids’ buyers were lucky enough to hear her bathroom, even in his both good and bad, befriends a strange, up? Turn the pages of this at this year’s CBCA Conference in Adelaide. bedroom! The elephants take one-handed boy, and discovers a map to some ingenious and stylish pop-up Ever passionate about picture books, she up a lot of space, but Eric ancient treasure, all without getting killed. book, which tells the story of read from her new book Two Little Monkeys loves every one of them. So Phew! This book is just the first in a trilogy, so one lazy sloth who hangs on in there as the (Penguin, HB, $19.95) out this month. when his mum says they have there was a lot of set-up in the early chapters forest is destroyed and then reborn. You could have heard a pin drop. 16 Readings Monthly July 2012

BargainsReadings on the web: New books are Bargai regularly added to our website.n Table Click on the Bargains tab at www.readings.com.au.

Good Living Street Solar Brideshead Revisited The Superior Person’s Tim Bonyhady Ian McEwan Evelyn Waugh Second Book of Words PB. Was $35. Now $14.95 HB. Was $35. Now $15 HB. Was $35. Now $15.95 Peter Bowler From high society in Vienna Can a man who has made a The most nostalgic and HB. Was $29.95. Now $10 to a small flat in Sydney; mess of his life clean up the reflective of Evelyn Waugh's Words are not only tools; from patrons of the arts to messes of humanity? A novels, Brideshead Revisited they are also weapons. The refugees from the Holocaust; complex novel that brilliantly looks back to the golden age secret to being a truly this is the enthralling story of traces the arc of one man's before WWII. It tells the Superior Person is to use three generations of women ambitions and deceptions, story of Charles Ryder's really superior words. This spanning a century of Solar is a startling, witty new infatuation with the March- book offers 500 words to upheaval. work from the author of On mains and the rapidly help you wiggle out of sticky Chesil Beach and Atonement. disappearing world of privilege they inhabit. debates, deal with obnoxious The Big Sleep In a fine commemorative hardback edition. dinner guests and fill in sick leave applica- Raymond Chandler The Peasant Prince: tion forms with panache. HB. Was $29.95. Now $12.95 Thaddeus Kosciuszko Rivered Earth Old man Sternwood, and the Age of Vikram Seth New York in the 70s crippled and wheelchair- Revolution HB. Was $29.95. Now $13.95 Allan Tannenbaum bound, is being given the Alex Storozynski Contains four libretti that are HB. Was $69.95. Now $15 squeeze by a blackmailer and PB. Was $22.95. Now $12.95 to be set to music. This title A personal collection of he wants Los Angeles PI Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a includes: ‘Songs in Time of photographs documenting an Philip Marlowe to make the Polish-Lithuanian, was one War’, ‘Shared Ground’, ‘The exciting chapter in New problem go away. But with of the most important figures Traveller’ and ‘Seven York's history and a remark- Sternwood's two wild, of the modern world. Fleeing Elements’, that take us all able body of work produced devil-may-care daughters prowling LA's his homeland after a death over the world – from by photographer Allan seedy backstreets, Marlowe's got his work sentence was placed on his Chinese and Indian poetry to Tannenbaum while he was a cut out! Cool little hardback edition. head, he went to America a the beauty of the Salisbury house where the photo editor in Manhattan. month after the signing of poet George Herbert lived and died. The photographs capture the heady exuber- How Proust Can the Declaration of Independence, with little ance of the era. Save Your Life more than a revolutionary spirit and a genius Philosophy: Alain De Botton for engineering. A Beginners Guide Island Beneath the Sea PB. Was $24.95. Now $12.95 HB. Was $33.95. Now $10 Isabelle Allende ‘What a marvellous book this Complete Book From philosophy's founding HB. Was $42. Now $12 is ... de Botton dissects what of Vegetables fathers to the great minds of From the sugar plantations of [Proust] had to say about Matthew Biggs the post-modern era this Saint-Domingue to the lavish concise new guide presents friendship, reading, looking PB. Was $46.95. Now $15 parlours of New Orleans at 100 of the world's most carefully, paying attention Matthew Biggs has been a the turn of the 19th century, influential thinkers. Arranged taking your time, being alive professional gardener for over Allende's latest novel tells the from the ancient world to the and adds his own delicious 20 years. In this comprehen- story of a mulatta woman, a present day, each philoso- commentary. The result is an sive book, Matthew Biggs slave and concubine, pher's key ideas, notable works and pro- intoxicating as it is wise, amusing as well as shares his extensive knowl- determined to take control of nouncements are encapsulated in a series of stimulating, and presented in so fresh a edge of a wide variety of her own destiny. succinct biographies, accompanied by fashion as to be unique.’—Brian Masters. vegetables and inspires the illustrations. gardener to take on the Italian Design Inner Workings Essays fulfilling activity of vegetable growing. Giampiero Bosoni 2000--2005 Heston's Fantastical PB. Was $49.95. Now $12 J.M. Coetzee Catch 22 Feasts Beyond any romantic PB. Was $34.95. Now $10 Anniversary Edition Heston Blumenthal declaration of Italians’ secret In addition to being one of Joseph Heller HB. Was $39.95. Now $15 to success is the exceptional Once upon a time there was effectiveness of Italian the most acclaimed and PB. Was $45. Now $12.95 a Chef called Heston who modern design. This book accomplished fiction writers This fiftieth-anniversary opened a small restaurant provides an overview of in the world, Nobel Prize edition celebrates Heller's called the Fat Duck. At first, Italy's design culture; an winner Coetzee is also a masterpiece with an intro- he served only simple French essay by Giampiero Bosoni literary critic of the highest duction by Howard Jacob- classics but gradually, the illuminates the masterpieces of modern calibre. In this collection of son, rare images from Chef's curiosity got the Italian design reproduced in the volume's 20 essays, Coetzee examines Heller's personal archive and better of him and he began plate section. the work of some of the twentieth-century's essays by the likes of Norman thinking up more unusual dishes, such as greatest writers. Mailer, Anthony Burgess and Snail Porridge and Chocolate Wine. The Celebrated Christopher Hitchens. Into the Wild Pedestrian and Other John Krakauer Earth Flight Atlantic Historical Curiosities PB. Was $20.95. Now $10 Jonathon Littell Simon Winchester Dave Musgrove HB. Was $35. Now $15 By examining the true story HB. Was $69.95. Now $15.95 HB. Was $37.95. Now $12 For thousands of years the of Chris McCandless who A collection of over 200 Who is the Downing of Atlantic ocean was viewed by walked deep into the Alaskan stunning photographs from Downing Street? What did mariners with a mixture of wilderness and whose SOS the landmark BBC series that the first illuminated adverts awe, terror and amazement. note and corpse were found takes you across the world to in Piccadilly Circus advertise? In recent times, as we fly four months later, Krakauer experience some of the Was Oliver Cromwell high above it without so explores the obsession which spectacles on earth. It actually Welsh? Questions much as bothering to look leads some people to explore unlocks the secrets of the like these and many more are down, this vast sea has been the outer limits of self, leave civilisation skies and offers a glimpse answered in this, the first reduced to the status of a mere passageway behind and seek enlightenment through into a previously inaccessible world. ever miscellany from the editors of BBC between continents. solitude and contact with nature. History Magazine. Stranger Magic The Ninth - Beethoven Darwin's Armada Armageddon and the World in 1824 Marina Warner Iain McCalman HB. Was $45. Now $14.95 Paul Daley & Michael Bowers HB. Was $22.95. Now $15 Harvey Sachs Magic is not simply a matter PB. Was $49.99. Now $12 Darwin's Armada tells the HB. Was $35.00. Now $14 of the occult arts, but a Paul Daley and Michael stories of Charles Darwin, Explains how the premiere whole way of thinking, of Bowers follow in the Thomas Huxley, Joseph of Beethoven's staggering dreaming the impossible. footsteps of the Australian Hooker and Alfred Wallace, last symphony was emblem- In this book, the author Light Horse divisions. As four young amateur natural- atic of its time - a work of explores the figure of the they pick up shrapnel, bullet ists from Britain who art unlike any other - and a dark magician or magus; casings and even the odd voyaged to the southern magisterial, humanistic from Solomon to the wicked human bone, the musings hemisphere during the first statement that remains a uncle in Aladdin; the complex vitality of the and black humour of these half of the 19th century in search of challenge down to our own jinn, or genies; animal metamorphoses and two mates recall the laconic spirit of the adventure and scientific fame. day and for future generations. flying carpets. diggers. Readings Monthly July 2012 17

comparisons to the Coen brothers at their wicked best. ‘A superbly crafted, cunningly with Gerard Elson untrustworthy and utterly irresistible new New Release DVDs thriller from Norway of all places? You better believe it.’ – Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun. DVD of the Month Mabo Woody Allen: the artist $19.95 A Documentary Yellow Submarine $39.95. Blu-ray $49.95 Torres Strait Islander Eddie $39.95 $29.95, Blu-ray $34.95 Silence was golden at this Mabo led the long and Following winning screenings Following years of unavail- year’s Oscars, with this arduous legal battle that at the Sydney Film Festival ability, this psychedelic charming throwback to culminated with the and ACMI, this documentary animated favourite is Hollywood’s black-and- overturning of ‘terra nullius’ examines the creative life of re-issued on DVD and white heyday soft-shoeing in 1992 and granted legal the filmmaker who elevated blu-ray, sourced from a brand away with statuettes for recognition of traditional neurosis to the level of art. new digitally restored 4K Best Picture, Best Director land rights to Australia’s Copious excerpts from Allen’s master. Furnished with a (Michel Hazanavicius) and Indigenous citizens. Directed by Rachel four-decades-and-counting comprehensive suite of extras Best Actor (Jean Dujardin). Dashingly Perkins (Art + Soul) and written by Sue career illustrate not only his incredible – including an all-new essay from Pixar moustachioed Dujardin stars as George Smith (Bastard Boys), this ABC production prolificacy, but the extent of his influence. doyen John Lasseter – Pepperland has never Valentin, early film heartthrob and silent stars Jim Bani, Deborah Mailman, Miranda looked, nor sounded, so far out. ‘Pop art at cinema purist, who soon finds himself Otto and Colin Friels. ‘[A] fine telemovie.’ Dexter: Season 6 its finest.’ – Empire magazine. relegated to relic status with the advent of — Richard Watts, Arts Hub. $59.95 the talkies. With mounting bitterness he’s With season five’s shocking In Search of Haydn left to watch the meteoric rise of the The Borgias: Season 1 conclusion behind him, $34.95 beautiful young ingénue Peppy Miller $59.95 Michael C. Hall’s charismatic From Phil Grabsky, the (Bérénice Bejo), whose career he initially Few families throughout serial killer faces off with his award-winning director of In assisted. It’s easy to see why this riches-to- history have held as much most formidable adversary Search of Mozart and In rags-and-back-again tale resonated with sway as the The House of yet: a delusional and Search of Beethoven, comes the AMPAS: with the ‘digital revolution’ Borgia did in the 15th and unbudging Bible-thumping this final film in the lauded necessitating major changes to film 16th centuries. This first zealot. Full of twists, turns, documentary trilogy that delivery and distribution methods, the season of the hit Showtime ghastly laughs and shock reveals, long-time investigates the lives of these modern industry faces a radical paradigm series chips off the varnish fans will most relish the way this season fêted composers. Close friend shift of its own. The Artist reassures that of history to expose the culminates – not to spoil anything – in a of Mozart and educator of Beethoven, although modes and formats might conniving and corruption that led to moment they’ve long awaited … Joseph Haydn is the less-known bridge change, cinema goes on. Dujardin and Rodrigo Borgia’s election to the papacy to between these two titans of classical music. Miller have old-fashioned, screen-illumi- become Pope Alexander VI. Created by My Week With Marilyn ‘Grabsky [has] a great gift for showing how a nating chemistry, but the playful Jack Neil Jordan (Interview with a Vampire) and $39.95. Blu-ray $49.95 piece is put together. The music is the thing.’ Russell Terrier Uggie steals every scene. starring Sir Jeremy Irons, ‘the Borgias … As the screen’s most iconic – Sandra Hall, Sydney Morning Herald. A delight. were a family made for TV’ according to actress, Michelle Williams The New York Times. achieves the near-impossible Prophets of in this accomplished Science Fiction Ray Bradbury Theatre snapshot biopic by delivering $34.95 $59.95 a performance that never J.Also Edgar available Having recently screened on The late Ray Bradbury was approaches simple mimicry Chronicle SBS1, this eight-part series one of science fiction’s most or impression. Kenneth Buck investigates the lives of lyrical voices, though his Branagh, too, inhabits his big shoes – those Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (27 June) science fiction’s most visions more often than not of the mighty Laurence Olivier – with The Grey (27 June) influential figures. Mary came tinged with alarm. aplomb. For David Stratton, this ‘very John Carter (4 July) Shelley, Philip K. Dick, Available on DVD for the enjoyable film’ was a four-star experience. Carnage (4 July) H.G. Wells, Arthur C. first time, this seminal Baboons with Bill Bailey (4 July) Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Jules anthology series comprises Headhunters Coriolanus (11 July) Verne, Robert Heinlein and George Lucas 65 episodes, all scripted by Bradbury $39.95 Life in Movement (11 July) are each expounded. Produced by Ridley himself, with many based on his own short Adapted from Jo Nesbø’s Like Crazy (11 July) Scott (Blade Runner, Alien), these enlight- fiction and novels. Bradbury’s fantastical bestseller, this latest addition ening documentaries dispel once and for all tales are enacted by an aptly stellar cast, to cinema’s burgeoning the myth that sci-fi is foremost the stuff of including Shelley Duvall, Jeff Goldblum, canon of Scandi noir follows escapism by highlighting the genre’s sure Peter O’Toole, Drew Barrymore, David an accomplished corporate Coming soon footing in the heres and nows that have Carradine and William Shatner, to name recruiter who moonlights as A Separation, Le Quattro Volte, The Hunger prompted it, in its manifold forms, in the but a few. an art thief. The film’s streak Games, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, two centuries since its invention. of jet-black wit has courted The Kid with a Bike

Extraordinary films on sale now at Readings And more! See the full list of available titles at readings.com.au.

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Sale on from 13 July to 19 August at all Readings shops and online 18 Readings Monthly July 2012

from the theme from Jaws but remember here there is just one cello playing the part of rhythm section and string section combined. Jazz/Blues When listened through headphones this unity band New Release CDs music is incredibly powerful and equal parts Pat Metheny beautiful and disturbing but utterly compel- $24.95 contains outtakes, one of which ‘Diamonds ling and will generate strong emotions. Not Pat Metheny's Unity Band is on the Soles of Her Shoes’ is jaw-droppingly recommended for background listening. a wave to his fine album CD of the Month beautiful with just a bass guitar and Simon’s Paul Barr is from Readings Carlton 80/81, which featured the Boys don't cry voice. And finally another DVD contains a late Michael Brecker and Rumer concert in Zimbabwe from 1987. Among the Leaves Dewey Redman on saxes. $19.95 Alice Bisits is from Readings Malvern Sun Kil Moon Their roles are merged here On Boys Don’t Cry, the 2 CD set. $29.95 on a batch of new Metheny pieces by the follow-up to her million- Words and Music This is the fifth piece from versatile recent visitor Chris Potter, accompa- selling debut Seasons of My Saint Etienne California-based singer/ nied by regular drummer Antonio Sanchez Soul, Rumer has recorded $21.95 songwriter Mark Kozelek and gifted bass newcomer Ben Williams. The versions of tracks written by Hard to believe this is under the Sun Kil Moon themes are typical Metheny: sensuous Latin men in the 1970s. In almost already their eighth album, moniker. Among The Leaves grooves, synth-guitar fusion, folksy ballads, a every instance she inhabits the songs to such and this time I feel it’s one retains many elements of its good deal of jazz swing – and the rhythm an extent that they feel like her own composi- of the best. So full of impressive predecessor Admiral Fell Promises section is mindboggling. tions, even when the titles at first seem nostalgic themes, with with its gentle pace, reflective lyrics and its inappropriate. Rumer’s performances are often melancholic and beautiful (nylon) acoustic guitar work, ISLE OF MANX uniformly technically flawless and models of introspective lyrics. Musically positioned which is reminiscent of that of Nick Drake’s. Harry Manx restraint. Boys Don't Cry works superbly as a firmly in the ‘pop’ world, Saint Etienne What differs in this album is that Kozelek $29.95 companion piece to Seasons … the harmonic express themselves with nuanced melodies has sprinkled some (rather incongruous) The essential ‘desert island’ richness of the music and lush chord sequenc- that can be just as comfortable on the dance biting and humorous tracks into the mix, collection, these fifteen es showing exactly where her allegiances lie. It floor as in a smoky bar (remember those?). such as ‘The Moderately Talented Yet tunes represent a ten year, posits Rumer as a throwback, albeit a glorious Highly recommended. AB Attractive Young Woman vs. the Exception- nine album career, painting one, to a bygone era, when the songwriting ally Talented Yet Not So Attractive Middle a clear picture of a highly verities of the Brill Building were transposed Idea of Happiness Aged Man’, ‘Not Much Rhymes With unique musical style that to LA’s Laurel Canyon. Fabulous stuff. Van She Everything’s Awesome At All Times’ and fuses Eastern sounds, Western blues and Normally $26.95 ‘UK Blues’. An intimate and engaging acoustic folk. A very regular and popular Our special price $21.95 album to immerse yourself in this winter. visitor to Australia, this is the perfect way to Sydney synth pop expo- Miranda La Fleur is from Readings St Kilda introduce yourself to his wonderful albums. Pop/Rock nents Van She return with Lil Band Plays Fats their much anticipated LEX HIVES Lil’ Band O’ Gold second long player. Idea of Hives $21.95 Happiness was produced $21.95. Vinyl also available Soul/Funk For those not familiar with and engineered by the band What better way could Bravest Man this super group of in Sydney’s Kings Cross. The lead single and there possibly be for The in the Universe Louisiana swamp rockers, title track has played on high rotation on Hives to end their four- Bobby Womack this could be the start of a triple j. Idea of Happiness is an uplifting and-a-half year absence $21.95. Vinyl also available very special love affair. record which will impress to no end. than with a song called Bobby Womack has Mixing everything includ- Michael Awosoga-Samuel is from Readings ‘Come On!’ that hurtles survived everything from ing blues, Cajun, country and rock these Carlton along at a million miles an hour, lasts one poverty to drug addiction guys represent the absolute cream of the crop minute, eight seconds and features just the to being shot by an when it comes to steamin’ hot, born on the cherry thing title shouted over and over again? Answer: infuriated wife. Now almost bayou grooves, and the line up of guests Neneh Cherry & The Thing there is no better way. The message is clear: 70, the soul legend has along for the ride shows just how much $24.95 The Hives are back, and this time it’s … poured the emotional fallout from such pulling power is on display. Robert Plant, Neneh Cherry’s new record exactly the same as the last time. experiences into his first album of new Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco and our is a collaboration with material since 1994. Producers Damon very own Jimmy Barnes and Tim Rogers Norwegian jazz trio, The idler wheel Albarn and XL’s Richard Russell have framed provide some of the guest vocals on this Thing. The Thing take their Fiona Apple Womack’s lived-in vocals in stark, urbane, rollicking tribute to the indomitable Fats name from a Don Cherry $19.95. Vinyl also available. minimalist beats. He hits extraordinary notes Domino. Great stuff. (Neneh’s stepdad) song. Fiona Apple recorded her as he sings of struggles with fading memories Declan Murphy is from Readings St Kilda After meeting in London in 2010, things first LP in 1996 at the age of long-lost better days. Womack claims this clicked and they toured the next year. This of 19. At the time, she was is the best album he’s made, and you Spirit Bird new album is a coming together of a season compared to Tori Amos wouldn’t argue because he'd punch you. But Xavier Rudd free jazz band and a legendary frontwoman, who led the charge of the it’s an album he could only have made in the $21.95 with interpretations by diverse artists such as 90s introverted singer/ autumn of his life, at the apex of his game. Album number seven for Suicide and Ornette Coleman to give it a songwriters. Fiona’s new record has been a Xavier sees him in a fairly real zing. MAS long time coming, seven years in fact. Idler stripped back mode. He Wheel is well worth the wait. It finds the incorporates percussion, Into the Trees artist mature and trusting of her own bird calls, yidakis (didgeri- Zoe Keating instincts. Her many fans will be impressed as ASCountryHES & ROSES doos), harmonica and slide $24.95 will new converts. MAS Mary Chapin Carpenter guitar with his own brand of blues, reggae This is rapidly becoming a $24.95 and indigenous folk music, all with a deeply late night favourite at Fear Fun Songwriter Mary Chapin personal and socially-conscious lyrical slant. Readings Carlton, but Father John Misty Carpenter offers the most Clearly he cares a great deal for the environ- where do you file it? $19.95. Vinyl also available confessional record of her ment as well as the plight of Aboriginal Classically trained cellist J Tillman has been a career. She examines peoples. And yet he manages to get his point and northern California favourite of the music staff heartbreak, grief, loneliness, across without it feeling preachy; you can resident Zoe Keating toured here very at Readings for some years, yearning, acceptance, feel how much he believes that we can all recently and, if these two CDs are anything for his most recent solo gratitude, and new possibility with a gaze have a brighter future if we try. It’s an album to go by, must have delivered some amazing albums and of course his brimming with self-respect and compassion. with many beautiful moments, well worth performances. Keating has suffered chronic work with The Fleet Foxes The album is devastating in its quiet yet the price of admission. stage fright and worked in the software (2008-2011). But now his new project dignified and fierce vulnerability. Its courage industry. Somewhere along the way she has Father John Misty has arrived and it is makes it something singularly beautiful. Graceland 25th created a living for herself with skilful use of possibly the best thing he has done. Musi- Musically and lyrically, it is likely to be Anniversary Edition the internet and YouTube and bypassed the cally, Fear Fun consists of such disparate among her most enduring recordings. Paul Simon music business. With the use of an acoustic elements as Waylon Jennings, Harry Nilsson, $14.95. CD/DVD $19.95. Deluxe box set cello, foot pedals and a laptop, and an Arthur Russell, ‘All Things Must Pass’, and ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES $124.95. Vinyl also available incredibly fertile imagination, Keating has ‘Physical Graffiti’, often within the same PROMO Besides the luminously produced these sonic wonders. Through her song. Tillman’s voice has never been better 5CD set. Normally $24.95 re-mastered original considerable traditional and unorthodox and often sounds like Roy Orbison, while Our special price $19.95 Graceland, the CD/DVD cello technique and looping abilities, the music maintains a dark, mysterious and This is a a great way to edition includes a treasure Keating provides percussive and rhythmic yet conversely playful, almost Dionysian introduce yourself to an trove of details that shed effects and melodies that fade in and out and quality. You can catch Father John Misty artist you have always been light on the entire project build layer upon layers of sound that never performing live at Readings Carlton on curious about. Five original that became Graceland. The controversy that descend into noise or chaos. Musical Saturday 28 July at 3pm. albums in one handy box surrounded Simon following the release of reference points, although useless here, Dave Clarke is from Readings Carlton for under $20 = BAR- this album is included in a fascinating DVD would be some of the more out there GAIN. Artists include; Tom Waits, , Aretha documentary Under African Skies. The cello-driven pieces from The Penguin Cafe Franklin, Emmylou Harris, John Coltrane, deluxe edition has a second CD which Orchestra and the menacing opening bars Linda Ronstadt, The Pogues, and more. Readings Monthly July 2012 19

Jeremy Denk might be better known to Mozart: Piano Australian's as the musical partner of Joshua Concertos 20 & 21 Bell, however in the US he's well known for Jan Lisiecki/Christian Zacharias his commitment to new music without DG. 4790061. Normally $26.95 neglecting traditional repertoire. What I Classical CDs Our special price $21.95 particularly like about this combination is I have always been told that With the lyrical qualities of a violin, depth that Denk firstly gets to show off his Mozart is incredibly easy and sonority of a cello and lower brass, it versatility. Then, as you listen to the Sonata for the very young and the truly has the best of every world. Rick after being blown around by the Etudes, Classical CD very old. Normally we have Stotijn has put together a delightful parallels form in your mind between the Mozart from those at the of the Month collection of double bass chamber works by works. KR Giovanni Bottesini. Not a composer I was height of their careers, so Latino this CD is a change as the soloist here is but Milos Karadaglic familiar with, the pieces are highly roman- Fantasia tic in nature which allows Stotijn to show 17 years old. Born in Canada, Jan Lisiecki is DG. 4790063. Normally $26.95 Yuja Wang making waves around the world, collaborat- Our special price $21.95 off his virtuosity and versatility as a DG. 4790052. Normally $26.95 musician. KR ing with chamber groups, soloists and The ‘classical-guitarist- Our special price $21.95 orchestras. This is a recording of two of the with-the-movie-star-looks’ I feel like encores are the favourite works by Mozart, the Piano second album is a collec- Chanson dans la nuit: flavour of the moment. Works for Viola Concertos No 20 & 21. There is a freshness tion of Latin American There are lots of albums you’d expect from a soloist so young, pieces. Featured here are and Harp coming out from all over however there is clearly style and consider- Carlos Gardel’s ‘Por Una Jitka Hosprova/ the place featuring favou- ation through every note. Definitely ‘watch Cabeza’ (popular from the film Scent of a Katerina Englichova rite encores of particular this space’ in regards to Lisiecki: we'll be Woman), Piazzolla’s classics ‘Libertango’ and Supraphon. SU4089. $29.95 performers. It’s a great way to have a peek seeing more of him very soon. KR ‘Oblivion’, and the folk hit ‘Quizás, Quizás, There is something really into the mind of the musician as these works Quizás’ in a new arrangement for solo special about the sound of a are close to them, something they can pull Beethoven: guitar and string orchestra. Karadaglic viola. There's a depth that out of their back pocket when need be. Yuja Cello Works really shines on the solo pieces – Villa can never quite be reached Wang is rocketing to world domination of Zoe Knighton & Amir Farid Lobos’s ‘Prelude No.1’(one of Milos’ the piano through her exclusive Deutsche by a violin. Pair an Move Records. MD3356. $29.95 signature tunes heard in many of his exceptional violist with an Grammophon recording contract and this concerts around the world), and Leo album is a credit to her. Although featuring Zoe Knighton and Amir exceptional harpist and you have something Farid are on their third Brouwer’s beautiful ‘Un dia de noviembre’ quite unique. These two very glamorous the usual array of Etudes, Preludes and are standouts on a recording that is not Waltzes, this also has a delightful rendition album with Move Records, musicians have created and arranged much and each time they surpass short on memorable moments. This is a of the album themselves for this duo of Dukas’s ‘Sorcerers Apprentice’, Gluck’s well balanced programme that will only ‘Orfeo’, Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ and more. KR their previous one. They’ve recording of repertoire both known and not expanded in this release enhance Karadaglic’s standing in the world quite as well known, including Debussy, of classical guitar. He tours Australia Verdi: La Traviata with two CDs of the complete Beethoven Faure and Marais. But what is clear is that cello works. From two sets of variations on in November of this year. these are musicians of the highest quality Joan Sutherland/Sir John Phil Richards is from Readings Carlton themes by Mozart right through to the and the lilting sense of singing imbues every Pritchard meaty Sonatas, I feel like we are privileged to note with delight. KR Eloquence. 4806039. $14.95 (2 CDs) Hirundo Maris watch a duo musically grow. This is not just Verdi’s opera, La Traviata about cello with accompanying piano but Arianna Savall Motion of the Heart/ really needs no introduc- about an equal partnership. Their years ECM. 2227. $24.95 Viva Frida tion, nor does the star on together are showing in the warmth and As with all of Arianna The Dublin Drag Orchestra this recording, Dame Joan deliberation shown in each fabulous musical Savall’s recording this one is Heresy. HERESY003. $29.95 (2CDs) Sutherland. Her much phrase. KR infused with the same Sometimes you read titles lamented passing in 2010 sweetness underscored with and it doesn’t quite sink in; has encouraged the re-release of some of her a strong musicality. In her read the title again. Yes, it is most glorious recordings. This production first foray away from the what you think it is. It’s an was recording in 1962 in Italy with Carlo Classical Special familial record label, she joins with lutanist orchestra of men, dressed Bergonzi opposite. It has terrific drama and and singer Petter Udland Joansen for a series in drag. Well, if that got an almost palpable feeling of Verdi's of the Month of traditional songs arching across the your attention (as it did mine), their music presence in amongst all the Italians. KR Handel Arias: Between Nordic countryside. Her ethereal voice really will hold your interest. These are some really has no match and with lineage such as hers, Love and Longing Heaven And Earth terrific musicians. This is their double debut Sandrine Piau/Accademia I am not surprised as she goes from strength album, firstly of 17th century English music, Magdalena Kozena to strength. A little bit of drums to spice up coupled with the music of Frida Kahlo, or DG. 4790065. Normally $26.95 Bizantina the gentle rhythms from the harp, makes Mexican music of the 17th century. It Our special price $21.95 Naive. OP30484. Normally $34.95 this my pick of the month. doesn’t matter what these musicians wear or This is a very interesting Our special price $19.95 (while stocks last) Kate Rockstrom is from Readings Carlton call themselves, they are going to be meld of works, with three This month’s special is remembered for a distinct sense of musician- wildly different composers. truly special as it features Bottesini: Capriccio di ship and yes, there’s an undefinable flavour Starting with Antonin the magical voice of Bravura to their music. KR Dvorak’s ‘Biblical Songs for Sandrine Piau. This is one Rick Stotjin Voice and Orchestra’, we go of those CDs that de- Channel Classics. CCSSA32612. $29.95 Ligeti/Beethoven via France and Ravel’s tone poem, ‘Shehe- mands your attention from There’s an instrument in Jeremy Denk razade’ through to Mahler and his ‘Five beginning to end. Accompanied by the Accademia Bizantina under the watchful the orchestra that sits Nonesuch. 7559796219. $21.95 Songs’ based on the poems of Friedrich behind the body of the Ruckert. What is stunning about this album eye of Stefano Montanari, Sandrine Piau’s This is an unusual pairing singing reaches new heights of brilliance. strings, oft forgotten and at first glance, recording the is the musicianship throughout. With definitely not appreciated. Kozena’s husband, Sir Simon Rattle, leading One of the many highlights is the duet Ligeti ‘Etudes Book One ‘As steals the morn upon the night’ which This is the double bass. and Two’ with Beethoven’s the Berlin Philharmonic together they create Totally neglected at the back of the orches- sweeping musical gestures while exploring features the internationally acclaimed ‘Sonata No 32’ sandwiched Finnish tenor, Topi Lehtipuu. This is tra, if you haven’t heard this instrument as a between them. However the poetic souls of these composers. KR soloist I have to confess, you’re missing out. one disc to savour long after the last note this is a very unusual pianist in some regards. has been played. PR

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‘Nevin [is] one of the grande dames of Australian theatre’ The Age In a mythical land of ritual, wealth and power, with a sinister underbelly writhing beneath its gleaming surface, Queen Lear reigns supreme; her word alone is the law. Exercising her authority, she challenges her daughters to compete for her kingdom, triggering a series of events that will shatter her power and reason, but ultimately lead her to enlightenment. Robyn Nevin wears the crown in this timeless story that still has the power to shake our humanity to its roots.

7 JULy - 18 AUgUst 2012 The MTC TheATRe, SUMNeR BOOK NOW MTC.CoM.AU, 8688 0800 oR AT The MTC TheATRe box offiCe

CAst NiCholAS hAMMoNd, beliNdA McCloRy, RobeRT MeNzieS, RobyN NeviN, RohAN NiChol, dAvid PATeRSoN, geNevieve PiCoT, RiChARd PiPeR, AlexANdRA SChePiSi, gReg SToNe DiRECtOR RAChel McdoNAld sEt AND COstUmE DEsigNER TRACy gRANT loRd LightiNg DEsigNER NiklAS PAjANTi COmpOsER iAiN gRANdAge AssistANt DiRECtOR beNediCT hARdie ROBYN NEVIN

Major Partner Opening Night MTC is a department of The University of Melbourne

Available 12th June, 2012