About the Book: An astonishingly inventive, playful, witty, poignant and deeply moving novel from one of Australia's most exciting writers. Margaret Bryce, deceased mother of twins, has been having a hard time since dying in 2014. These days she spends time with her daughters – Eva in Madrid, and Rachel and her family in Melbourne … Continue reading Book Review: A Country of Eternal Light by Paul Dalgarno
Magical Realism
Book Review: All’s Well by Mona Awad
About the Book: Miranda Fitch’s life is a waking nightmare. The accident that ended her burgeoning acting career left her with excruciating, chronic back pain, a failed marriage, and a deepening dependence on painkillers. And now she’s on the verge of losing her job as a college theater director. Determined to put on Shakespeare’s All’s … Continue reading Book Review: All’s Well by Mona Awad
Book Review: The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna, illustrated by Marc McBride
About the Book: A beautiful, illustrated adventure story with a classic feel, about a quiet boy and a talking crow on an extraordinary hot-air balloon ride to the Arctic. “Matthew stood on the snowy peak and stared out at the world spread before him. Every picture in his books had been limited by the size … Continue reading Book Review: The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna, illustrated by Marc McBride
Book Review: The Emporium of Imagination by Tabitha Bird
The Emporium of Imagination… About the Book: A captivating novel of magical realism about a fantastical shop that brings comfort, peace and hope to those in need. You won't want to miss the opening of this shop! From the author of A Lifetime of Impossible Days (winner of the Courier-Mail People's Choice QLD Book of … Continue reading Book Review: The Emporium of Imagination by Tabitha Bird
Book Review: The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida by Clarissa Goenawan
The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida… About the Book: A bewitching novel set in contemporary Japan about the mysterious suicide of a young woman. Miwako Sumida is dead. Now those closest to her try to piece together the fragments of her life. Ryusei, who has always loved her, follows Miwako’s trail to a remote Japanese … Continue reading Book Review: The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida by Clarissa Goenawan
#MWFDIGITAL: A Touch of Magic
This session was a bit different to the others so far, because this one was a discussion panel. Moderated by Angela Meyer, the other guests were Jan Carson, author of The Fire Starters, and Robbie Arnott, author of The Rain Heron. Both of these authors write magical realism, and while their novels are vastly different, … Continue reading #MWFDIGITAL: A Touch of Magic
Drowning in The Starless Sea
Can a book be beautifully poetic with its prose to the point that it becomes too abstract and consequently, entirely meaningless? Yes. I have found that book. Note to self: don't assume that just because you loved one book from an author that the next one from them is a sure thing. #dnf
Book Review: Jane in Love by Rachel Givney
Jane in Love... About the Book: At age twenty-eight, Jane Austen should be seeking a suitable husband, but all she wants to do is write. She is forced to take extreme measures in her quest to find true love – which lands her in the most extraordinary of circumstances. Magically, she finds herself in modern-day … Continue reading Book Review: Jane in Love by Rachel Givney
The Night Circus Effect
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern About the Book: A novel of magic and love that has enchanted readers far and wide with the spectacular power of its imagination. The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. The black sign, painted in white letters that … Continue reading The Night Circus Effect
Book Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
The Ten Thousand Doors of January... About the Book: This breathtakingly beautiful debut is a love letter to the written word and the power of stories to open doors to other worlds. ACCORDING TO JANUARY SCALLER, THERE'S ONLY ONE WAY TO RUN AWAY FROM YOUR OWN STORY, AND THAT'S TO SNEAK INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S . … Continue reading Book Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Theresa Smith Writes 