Reviewed by Ian Lipke So many books have been written about King Louis XVI’s reign, his personality, and the factional struggles that plagued his every action. Many more have analysed the actions of his queen in bringing about the downfall of the ancien regime. Another biography appears excessive, given the studies that have all been
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Many readers of fiction have trouble reconciling the title on the cover of a book with the story within. This is not the case with Minnie Darke’s romance novel Star Crossed. The immediate response to reading the title is Romeo and Juliet and yes, the story does have reference to Shakespeare’s
Reviewed by Norrie Sanders How often have you observed a pair of king parrots or a magpie family in your garden and wondered about how they met and how long they stay together? Or felt for the baby brush turkey who will never know what it feels like to have a nurturing parent? Australia –
Reviewed by Gerard Healy Veteran journalists Ian Heads and Norman Tasker have put together a collection of stories from their years covering sport (mainly Rugby League, Union and cricket). Boxing, horse racing, swimming and athletics stories get a jersey as well but the AFL is on the reserves bench. While women in sport get a
Reviewed by Ian Lipke Anyone who has read Ian Rankin’s many novels, particularly involving John Rebus and Siobhan Clarke, will know what a wonderful writer Rankin is. We are used to the shenanigans that Rebus gets up to and his dislike of bureaucracy. We enjoy a good stoush when Rebus goes up against his superiors,
Reviewed by Ian Lipke Writers of novels are driven by a whole variety of reasons that explain why they set their minds to devising plots and developing characters and so on. Some aim for glory and fame with the carefully contrived literary tale that plumbs the human condition to reveal something original about mankind and
Reviewed by Ian Lipke I began to read this book with great expectations. The writer, Andrew Rule, seemed well credentialled, having grown up around horses in country regions. I sat back to enjoy the read of this, to all appearances, perfectly illustrated book. Before long I was reading a stirring account of a win by
Reviewed by Rod McLary Drawing on Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus and the subsequent founding of the Christian Church, Christos Tsiolkas has written a powerful and confronting novel which speaks of love and hate, kindness and cruelty, and the fluidity of faith. Using the gospels and letters of St Paul [Saul] as first-hand
Reviewed by Clare Brook This brilliant idea will get primary school-aged people thinking, writing and learning, all at the same time, in their very own stylish hardback journal. The Kensy and Max: Spy Journal complements Jacqueline Harvey’s Kensy and Max series published by Penguin Random House. Jacqueline Harvey is an experienced educator whose career as
Reviewed by Antonella Townsend Well, I tried! Donning a critique mind-set, I embarked on my maiden Frostheart voyage. Initially, I made notes along the lines that the protagonist – an abandoned boy with special powers living in an unfriendly environment – was a worn out trope. But it didn’t last, critique turned to compliment. This
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke As expected from the title Brilliant maps, Ian Wright has compiled a book of maps, but if you want to find the usual information found in an atlas then this is not the book for you. This publication, I believe, is more suited as a coffee table book in a home
Reviewed by Clare Brook The CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is renowned for its practical application of science within society and industry. The burgeoning weight problem within Australian communities, and the dangers of the ensuing ‘fad’ diets, inspired rigorous research and clinical trials on low-carb eating. This resulted in the first CSIRO Low-Carb Diet, published in 2017,
Reviewed by Antonella Townsend It’s hard to believe that farts are on-trend! Well, in children’s books anyway. I like to keep up with children’s literature; No One Likes a Fart is the second ‘fart’ book I’ve read this year. The first was a pink and glitter affair regarding unicorns and younger brothers, (My Unicorn Farts
Reviewed by Ian Lipke Penny Wong has always been one of the more interesting politicians in the Australian Federal Government. She appears to be a consummate practitioner of her chosen path, holds a very responsible position in the Parliament and can demonstrate an overwhelming intelligence in demolishing her opposition. But what is she really like?
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Act of Grace is a brilliant novel, where the characters’ stories intertwine with breath-taking ease, but without relying heavily on coincidence. In one case, Toohey goes into a little café where Nasim is working. She is the mother of the baby he unintentionally shot dead in Iraq. Considering the numerous cafés