A provocative critique of our fascination with military history

A provocative critique of our fascination with military history

Alongside crime and fiction,books about war and the military are bestsellers in Australia. Peter Stanley’s new book provides a monumental survey.

  • byPhillip Deery

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Women dominate Booker shortlist,but all bets are on Percival Everett

Women dominate Booker shortlist,but all bets are on Percival Everett

This year’s shortlist includes five books by women – the highest number in the prize’s 55-year history. But it’s the only man on the list who is holy tipped to win the coveted prize.

  • byStephanie Bunbury
Squatting at Kanye’s house,a festive mystery and other new books

Squatting at Kanye’s house,a festive mystery and other new books

Our reviewers cast their eyes over new fiction and non-fiction releases.

  • byCameron Woodhead andFiona Capp
Hidden locations,sold-out shows:It’s live music,but even the band is secret

Hidden locations,sold-out shows:It’s live music,but even the band is secret

From vintage stores to loungerooms,a new music platform is matching audiences with artists in intimate,secret spaces.

  • byMichael Dwyer
This meditation on memory,melancholy and ageing is quiet and clever

This meditation on memory,melancholy and ageing is quiet and clever

In Chinese Postman,Castro’s elderly protagonist,Abe,leads an unobtrusive life in the Adelaide Hills,sifting through desires met and unmet,letters read or discarded.

  • byLeah Jing McIntosh
The heartbreaking truth about Brian Jones,rock’s first lost boy

The heartbreaking truth about Brian Jones,rock’s first lost boy

A new documentary,<i>Stones and Brian Jones</i>,traces the short,inspired life of a forgotten man.

  • byMichael Dwyer
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As a Wiggle,he brought joy to millions,but privately,he was in pain

As a Wiggle,he brought joy to millions,but privately,he was in pain

A new memoir details the mental and physical torment Anthony Field endured over decades – and how he helped launch the Wiggles into the stratosphere.

  • byMichael Lallo
The fascinating nuances of restoration gardening

The fascinating nuances of restoration gardening

Olivia Laing’s new non-fiction work is both a memoir and an impassioned case for gardens and gardening.

  • byJane Gleeson-White
For Lisa Marie Presley,drugs were the devil in disguise

For Lisa Marie Presley,drugs were the devil in disguise

From Here to the Great Unknown retells a deeply tragic family history burdened with addiction and trauma.

  • byNathan Smith
Yes,it’s a cliche,but an overseas holiday unlocked a New Me

Yes,it’s a cliche,but an overseas holiday unlocked a New Me

Shutting down my laptop and clearing my Google Calendar made me realise just how tenuous my self-perception had been.

  • byBrodie Lancaster
Mark Raphael Baker’s final book is a work of profound sorrow – and joy

Mark Raphael Baker’s final book is a work of profound sorrow – and joy

Written as he was dying,Mark Raphael Baker’s book is a meditation on living well in the face of death.

  • byMichael McGirr