Book Reviews
Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor
Are we all filthy animals deep down? Taylor explores violence and vulnerability in these intimate, unsentimental short stories.
Assembly by Natasha Brown
In this debut novella, Brown explores the pressures and prejudice faced by a black British woman as she contemplates the meaning of ‘success.’
Brisbane Is Lit: A Review of Urinal Mag and Beck Poems
Two of the latest literary offerings to come out of Queensland’s capital.
Consent by Annabel Lyon
A surprising and dark domestic drama that asks more questions than it answers.
The Shut Ins by Katherine Brabon
Brabon’s mesmerising second novel explores isolation, solitude and a search for inner meaning in Japan.
All Summer Long by Amelia Joy
This steamy YA novella takes us on a joyride of youth, lust and lost love.
People From My Neighbourhood by Hiromi Kawakami
A flash fiction collection that delights with neighbourhood drama, gossip, humour, mythology and magical realism.
Sexy Tales of Paleontology by Patrick Lenton
Lenton’s imagination runs rampant in these playful and darkly comic short stories.
Recipes For The Disaster by Gareth Sion Jenkins
In his debut poetry collection, Jenkins explores slivers of friendship, heartbreak and abandonment on the road.
Dropbear by Evelyn Araluen
This debut collection of poetry, essay and memoir is a sparkling clear and powerful negotiation of language and identity.
Growing Up Disabled In Australia, edited by Carly Findlay
Over forty writers come together in this rich anthology to discuss what it means to grow up with a disability in Australia.
Born Into This by Adam Thompson
Sharp, witty and nuanced, Thompson’s debut short story collection tackles identity, racism and heritage in contemporary Australia.
The Yield by Tara June Winch
Detailing the past, present and future of the Gondiwindi mob, this is a prize-winning novel with the importance of language at its heart.
Born Sleeping by H.C. Gildfind
An unflinching look at the complexities of loss, grief and relationships when a young couple lose their child.
Dearly: New Poems by Margaret Atwood
Atwood’s latest poetry collection explores grief, death and ageing with her typical wry humour.
Collisions: Fictions of the Future - A Liminal Anthology
From the Liminal Fiction Prize comes an anthology of incisive and exciting short stories that push the boundaries.
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn
Yunjae is a young boy with a difference, navigating life, family and friendship.
Summer by Ali Smith
The conclusion to Ali Smith’s ambitious Seasonal Quartet is both beautiful and bittersweet.
Severance by Ling Ma
Severance is a riveting zombie apocalypse novel with brains and the perfect way to round out 2020.
Cat Person and Other Stories by Kristen Roupenian
Across twelve succinct, visceral stories, Roupenian takes us deep under the skin of what it means to be female in a male-dominated world.