Literature
Once a secret indulgence, romance novels are coming out from under the covers
In a world plagued by disease, war, the climate crisis and interest-rate hikes, they offer readers comfort and hope.
- by Danielle Norton
Latest
Authors furious as ‘wildly unethical’ AI website hoovers up books
Australian authors and others in the publishing industry say the website is just another example of AI’s encroachment into the arts.
- by Nell Geraets
A family’s season of revelations in the middle of lockdown
Ann Patchett’s latest novel is an antidote to dystopian hysteria.
- by Susan Wyndham
I’m a bit of a Luddite and I lost 50 pages of the book: Patrick deWitt
The Canadian novelist lost a large chunk of his new novel when he was last in Australia. It turned out to be a blessing.
- by Jason Steger
When the bestselling writer’s assistant bowls up her own book
Author Sally Hepworth didn’t know her assistant, Amy Lovat, had written a book. Now the pair are besties who say “Pah!” to professional boundaries.
- by Susan Horsburgh
Think you know what Australian poetry is? Think again
What we’re seeing now is “new and unexpected and flipping language on its head”.
- by Jane Sullivan
How these five Brisbane writers have changed the literary landscape
From Trent Dalton to Melissa Lucashenko, Brisbane is blessed with a host of Australia’s best writers.
- by Jason Steger
The 12 best books to read in August
From a young Rupert Murdoch to talking organs - here’s what to read this month.
- by Jason Steger
Opinion
Pop culture
My kid’s favourite picture book keeps me awake at night
This widely accepted children’s classic is absolutely terrifying, so why can’t I stop reading it?
- by Thomas Mitchell
You don’t need to leave the comfort of your couch to get lost in faraway places
The best books to inspire your next trip.
- by Georgie Gordon
Three novels that delve into sex, consent and power after #MeToo
Second novels by three award-winning women writers disrupt familiar narratives.
- by Jo Case