Culture
Books
Polyamory, Stoicism and AI: New books for every taste
Our reviewers run their eyes over new fiction and non-fictions release
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Latest
Did Pedro Almodovar foretell the trashy celebrity memoir 60 years ago?
The Spanish auteur’s first book spans autobiographical essays, short stories and diary essays from his personal archive, including a story he wrote in 1967 about a porn star writing her memoir.
- by Eddie Hampson
The Booker Prize is, thankfully, no longer ‘pale, male and stale’
In this year’s shortlist, five of the six books are by women, three authors have been nominated before and there’s one debut novel.
- by Jane Sullivan
An elegant, tender story of grief, hope – and a pet rabbit
Melanie Cheng’s new novel follows the lives of one family, living in the shadow of grief
- by Carmel Bird
Think a book can’t be scary? Try these four spooky reads
Here are four books to read this Halloween if you’re looking for a decent scare. Best read at night and alone.
- by Kylie Northover
‘Well, I managed to get the buggers, sir’: The daring plan that created a legend
Albert Jacka was Australia’s first Victoria Cross recipient for his actions in Gallipoli when Turkish troops launched an attack on troops dug in at Courtney’s Post.
- by Peter FitzSimons
Opinion
WordPlay
Here, there and everywhen: The English language has a tense problem
What do you do when the past, present and future collide all at once?
- by David Astle
Dear Diary, why did we abandon you? The pros of keeping a journal
Social media might have killed the diary. But not every private thought belongs in the public domain.
- by Mali Waugh
A remarkable literary debut, a biography of Madrid and other new books
Our reviewers cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction releases.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Michel Houellebecq’s final novel: shock, squalor and a lack of vision
The polarising French author’s work is a bittersweet farewell
- by Jack Cameron Stanton
The history of synchronised swimming is a surprisingly compelling tale
Author and synchronised swimmer Vicki Valosik traces the history of aquatic performance from vaudeville to the Olympic arena.
- by Helen Elliott