Why you should read the entire Readings Prize shortlist
This year’s shortlist for the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction features six impressive first and second works of fiction from emerging Australian authors. Here’s why we think you should read every single one…
Here’s why you should read Portable Curiosities…
1. Portable Curiosities is a bold, wildly imaginative story collection.
2. This book is very, very funny.
3. As well as being entertaining, these stories are biting critiques of racism, class, and other important issues in Australia.
4. Julie Koh’s original sense of humour is reminiscent of the irony and satire of Wayne Macauley and Gerald Murnane.
5. Our Prize judges say: “Read the book for ‘Fantastic Breasts’ alone.”
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Here’s why you should read The High Places…
6. The High Places is a stunning work of literary fiction.
7. Fiona McFarlane is brilliantly inventive and these stories are wide-ranging.
8. The stories carry an emotional heft with a light touch.
9. For readers wary of short stories, The High Places is a terrific entry point into this area of literature.
10. This is the second time Fiona McFarlane has been shortlisted for our Prize.
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Here’s why you should read Music and Freedom…
11. Music and Freedom is a profound portrait of a woman’s life.
12. Zoë Morrison’s writing about classical music – listening to it, and playing it – is sublime.
13. This is an emotional novel that will move you (possibly to tears).
14. Music and Freedom is perfect for book clubs.
15. This is a novel in the tradition of other great women writers – Elizabeth Jolley, Anna Goldsworthy, Anne Tyler and Elizabeth Strout.
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Here’s why you should read Wood Green…
16. Wood Green is a charming, engaging novel, and a genuine pleasure to read.
17. PLUS… This clever story is more than it first appears.
18. Wood Green is perfect for those interested in the craft of writing.
19. Sean Rabin plays with the notion of the ‘literary recluse’ – a figure popular culture has long been obsessed with.
20. The book is set in Tasmania, and gorgeously constructs the atmosphere of the island; you’ll be booking tickets to visit before you finish the final page!
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Here’s why you should read Ruins…
21. Ruins is a refreshing take on the ‘big, messy, dysfunctional family’ narrative.
22. Ruins is a rare thing in fiction – a successful polyphonic novel that contains multiple voices.
23. You will care deeply for the characters.
24. Ruins pushes back against the idea that Australian storytelling must be set in Australia.
25. Ruins provides insight into the Sri Lankan Civil War, a conflict most Australian readers will have little knowledge of.
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Here’s why you should read Salt Creek…
26. Salt Creek is an Australian classic in the making.
27. This historical story powerfully resonates with contemporary Australian politics.
28. This novel is a great challenge for readers who avoid historical fiction.
29. It’s obvious that Lucy Treloar has done her research.
30. Hester is a wonderful feminist heroine who will break your heart.
