Our latest reviews
12 Stradivari by Janine Jansen & Antonio Pappano
Most people have heard of Stradivari, a violin maker from the late 17th century and early 18th century. His house produced almost a thousand high-quality violins, around 650 of which have survived in…
How to End a Story: Diaries, 1995–1998 by Helen Garner
One can only imagine the enormous bravery it must take to publish a diary. Sharing your most private thoughts with the world is not for the faint of heart. But, faint of heart is not a term I would e…
Doing Politics: Writing on Public Life by Judith Brett
In recent years, avid readers have been rewarded with collections of writings by Don Watson, David Marr and Robert Manne. Now, it’s Judith Brett’s turn, with this excellent collection that brings tog…
The Lion Above the Door by Onjali Q. Raúf
Leo belongs to one of only a few Asian families in Whot. When their class starts studying the Second World War (WW2), Leo and his friend Sangeeta wonder why there aren’t any faces that look like thei…
How We Love: Notes on a Life by Clementine Ford
There are so many adages running through my head as I try to sum up the latest work of author and commentator Clementine Ford. Mainly though, I have Tina Turner’s words on repeat: what’s love got to …
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett has made a habit of keeping me company over Melbourne lockdowns. In March 2020, as the world began to shut down, I immersed myself in her multilayered family saga, The Dutch House. In ou…
Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller by Nadia Wassef
Let me tell you where I have been this week – Cairo! Jealous? Of course, but the good news is you can go too. I loved the visit: it was hot, culturally interesting, and I browsed a wonderful bookshop…
Dancer: A Biography for Philippa Cullen by Evelyn Juers
The dancer, Philippa Cullen, died tragically in India at the age of 25. Evelyn Juers’ biography of this complex young woman runs to 550 pages. You may think, do Cullen’s life and achievements justify…
Orwell’s Roses by Rebecca Solnit
As a lover of Rebecca Solnit’s writing, I was thrilled at the prospect of her unique perspective on one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. And Solnit does not disappoint. Orwell’s R…
Four Visions of France: French Cello Concertos by Daniel Müller-Schott, DSO Berlin & Alexandre Bloch
Colours are where it’s at in this album. Tonal colours, historical colours and all the colours of France. Although these works range from 1872 all the way through to 1929, each is decidedly French in…
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