First Person | Richard Flanagan | $39.99 | Penguin | Lucy’s Pick First Person is the story of a struggling author who takes on the job of ghost writing the memoir of a conman. Flanagan blurs the lines of reality and the imaginary, creating a dark novel that immerses the reader in the protaganist’s struggle between who he really is and who he want to be.
Mrs. M | Luke Slattery | $29.99 | Harper Collins | Emily’s Pick An evocative fictional account of Sydney’s early history under Macquarie, told through his young wife’s eyes. Macquarie has grand plans for Sydney, and enlists the help of a convict architect, which attracts ire from many parties. And that’s not to mention Mrs M’s own burgeoning attraction to him.
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The Life to Come | Michelle de Kretser | $32.99 | Allen & Unwin | Karma’s Pick Winner of the Miles Franklin Award for her novel Questions of Travel, Michelle de Kretser’s latest novel is set in Sydney, Paris and Sri Lanka. The connected worlds of each of the characters offer meditations on intimacy, reality, and the powerful force of memory. Playing on the strength of de Kretser’s stylistic talent, it balances lightness and depth with mastery. Two Steps Forward | Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist | $29.99 | Text Publishing | Dean’s Pick Martin’s wife has left after an affair. Zoe’s husband has died a few months ago. Separately they walk the Camino Trail to leave anger, a change in life and a restlessness in career behind and to figure themselves out. Full of humour, quirk, inspiration and affirmation, written in alternating voices!
Soon | Lois Murphy | $29.99 | Transit Lounge | Lillian’s Pick This horror details the chilling plight of an almost deserted town in WA, following the arrival of a menacing mist that accompanies the winter solstice. Those few who refuse to abandon their home town become wound up in a terrifying fight for survival. The whole story is haunted by the ominous warning “soon”, which not only drives the novel but also creates a sense of and foreboding.
Atlantic Black | A S Patric | $29.99 | Transit Lounge | Mischa’s Pick In this haunting new novel, Katerina Klova and her mother are crossing the Atlantic by ocean liner. When Anne suffers a psychotic breakdown, Katerina is left alone on a ship full of strangers who span classes and stations. Achingly tender; the tone merciless but heartbreaking in its compassion.
Force of Nature | Jane Harper | $32.99 | Pan Macmillan | Jan’s Pick Award-winning Jane Harper has once again proven that she can write truly gripping crime. Clever writing with enough twists and turns to mislead the reader. The subplots were interesting and the characterisation was incredible. Looking at women in groups when under pressure, the subtle changes in character were convincing and entertaining. After one of the cliff hangers I thought “what!” then this exclamation was cleverly paralleled by a character in the next chapter. Fans of the bestseller The Dry will certainly not be disappointed and newcomers should definitely give Harper a try she’s excellent!
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