Eliza Henry-Jones is the author of In the Quiet. Here she tells us the last five books she read – all from women.

When I look back at the books I read in school and at university, they’re predominantly from male writers. So, this year I’m reading all books by women. And what a wonderful year of reading it’s been.

I’ve just finished The Strays by Emily Bitto and absolutely adored it. This is one of those books that utterly transports you. Having been fascinated by Heide since I was a teenager, I particularly appreciated Bitto’s interpretation of the Melbourne art world at that time.

I recently finished The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt by Tracy Farr, who I had the delight of meeting at Varuna writer’s retreat earlier this year. This novel has some of the most beautiful imagery I’ve ever read.

The Minnow by Diane Sweeney was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The voice, the magical realism and the way water winds through the narrative of this story are all absolutely haunting elements. This was one of those books that are immobilisingly wonderful; I couldn’t write anything for days after finishing.

I tend to be more enthusiastic about novels than short-story collections but Hot Little Hands by Abigail Ulman is extraordinary. I haven’t thought about writing any short stories in months, but Ulman’s book reminded me of how complete and evocative short-form fiction can be. These powerful, quirky and subtle stories compliment each other so well.

I’ve also re-read Fineflour by Gillian Mears – another short story collection – which is a beautiful exploration of grief, community and place. The first time I ever read Fineflour, it was the last Mears book I had left to read so I made myself read so slowly that it took me three months (I normally take anywhere between a day and a week to finish a book I love).

Eliza Henry-Jones is our featured author for July. Find out more here.