My impression of Sir Laurence Olivier is a sort of vague one of him playing Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, or declaiming Shakespeare effortlessly. Either that or I associate him with Vivien Leigh, to whom he was married for several years. Beyond that, I have a vague notion of theatrical greatness and, of course, legendary film […]
The good stuff on a great man Read Post »
Addison Goodheart lives below the city, out of sight of people whose first impulse if they see his face is to try to commit violence. Addison reads, and lives quietly, and goes up into the city at night, when the world is quiet. He’s in the library one night – reading being a pleasure he
A bit saggy but still a good read Read Post »
In 1939, two young men in a Picadilly Circus hotel are unaware that their lives are about to change in drastic and unforseen ways. Charles and Anselm are arrested for homosexuality. Charles is discharged from the RAF, and Anselm is sent to a labour camp in France. In 2012, Edward, a diplomat who has been
Harrowing and heartbreaking Read Post »
Billy Crystal is one of those actors that everyone knows of. His career is wide-ranging and various, and it feels like he’s done a little bit of everything. Still Foolin ‘Em is part autobiography, part reflecting on ageing, and it’s all pulled together by Crystal’s self-deprecating humour and observations about life, ageing and the world
There’s so much to like about Billy Read Post »
I’m a big P G Wodehouse fan. I’ve been reading his novels and short stories on and off since high school, when friends of mine put me on to Jeeves and Wooster. Jeeves and the Wedding Bells by Sebastian Faulks is an effort to replicate that singular wit, and it almost gets there. Wodehouse had
Close but no cigar, old bean … Read Post »
Jez is 17, bored in a downtrodden Canberra suburb, and coming to realise she’s in love with her best friend, Lukey. It’s summertime and Jez has little to do but hang out, get high and argue with her mum. She takes it for granted that she and Lukey will be hanging out together, but then
Not-so-gentle coming-of-age story Read Post »
Former special investigator Louis Kehlweiler has to find new ways to fill in his days now that he no longer works for the Parisian police force. Kehlweiler gathers information, takes care of his toad (yes, he has a pet toad), and patiently digs away at crime and corruption. He’s keeping watch on the flat of
Quirky thriller is a little off-balance Read Post »
Dana is a princess in the hidden Kingdom of the Rose, a sheltered, magical land that allows no war or disease to penetrate its borders. Protected by the Guardian – always a woman of the royal family who pays a terrible price – the kingdom is eternally at peace. However, Dana is special. Not just
Good pace in author’s first novel Read Post »
This is an odd little tale. Published posthumously, the manuscript gathered dust in the Hocken Library archive for many years. Illustrated to great – and somewhat dark effect – The Mijo Tree tells the deceptively simple tale of a small seed who wishes to see more than her small corner of the Earth. An ill
This fairytale’s not for children Read Post »
Kate Fullerton is the co-owner of The Tea Chest in Brisbane – a boutique tea store that focuses on creating perfect blends. When an opportunity comes up for Kate to open in London, she wavers before taking it on. She’s leaving behind her husband and children to take a gamble. Leila and Elizabeth are also
Author brews up a good read Read Post »
