Our latest reviews
Return of a King by William Dalrymple
William Dalrymple’s talents as an academic historian and travel writer come together in this captivating narration of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842). Inspired by the failings of the ‘latest western adventure’ into Afghanistan, Dalrymple set out to write a comprehensive…
The World Until Yesterday by Jared Diamond
At a large airport, people might mingle, join queues and follow instructions peacefully, and it’s most likely that they won’t know anyone else around. In traditional societies, those kinds of interactions would be impossible, as strangers often represent danger.
In…
The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vásquez
I have a new crush. Juan Gabriel Vásquez, author of The Sound of Things Falling. Set in Bogota in the 1990s and 60s, this book is part love story, part digging-into-your-shady-buddy’s-past. The opening line, an absolute cracker, is reminiscent…
Songs from the Shipyards: Diversions Vol. 3 by The Unthanks
British folk band The Unthanks are on to the third record in their Diversions series. I’ve been really enjoying what they’ve been producing so far with these collaborations – first with the songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony Hegarty of…
Sweetwater by The Glorious
When I listen to the second album of a band that impressed me with their debut, all I ask for is that I see a growth, both in songwriting and artistically. I am glad to say that the dreaded ‘second…
Fade by Yo La Tengo
Renowned for their wistfully melodic guitar rock, American indie band Yo La Tengo have developed a strong cult following since their formation in 1984. They are frequently compared to The Velvet Underground and have been dubbed the ‘quintessential critics’ band’…
Seven Little Australians by Ethel Turner
What a delight it was to return to this childhood favourite. First published in 1894 and never out of print, Seven Little Australians truly is one of the great classics. The reader cannot help but be charmed by Ethel Turner’s…
The Great Snortle Hunt by Claire Freedman and Kate Hindley
Sshh – ‘on a hill bumpysteepy, there’s a house scary creepy’, and what sort of creature lives there?* Well, it’s a Snortle, of course! Three friends set out to find the Snortle, compelled in equal parts by trepidation and bravado…
Dangerously Ever After by Dashka Slater & Valeria Docampo
Not all princesses are made of sugar and spice – some of them are feisty and a little bit spiky! Princess Amanita is decidedly the second kind. She loves things that are dangerous, including her brakeless bicycle, pet scorpion and…
Easy by Tammara Webber
When Jacqueline is dramatically rescued from a rape attempt on her college campus, she is terrified and shaken but refuses to report it. Her attacker is one of the fraternity boys from the party she just attended and she is…
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