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holiday reading

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Hot summer reads from well-loved and upcoming authors. Perfect for a day at the beach or curled up on the couch!

The Lost Daughter – Elena Ferrante
Harper Collins AU

Published by Elena Ferrante in 2015 and translated by Ann Goldstein, this novel is about the trials and tribulations of motherhood. Ferrante is the best-selling author of the Neapolitan novels including My Brilliant Friend.

The novel has recently been made into a film adaption by Maggie Gyllenhaal starring Olivia Coleman and Dakota Johnson. Add it to your list and then watch the film on Netflix!

 

Animal – Lisa Taddeo
Bloomsbury AU

Lisa Taddeo, author of bestselling non-fiction work Three Women has just published her first work of fiction. For fans of her previous work, Animal will surely not disappoint.

A novel about ‘women surviving men’, protagonist Joan is a much-needed anti-heroine for the #MeToo era whose mysterious life and musings will have you hooked.

 

Love and Virtue – Diana Reid

Ultimo Press
A stunning timely debut from Diana Reid, Love and Virtue tackles issues and ideas of sexuality, consent, feminism, philosophy and friendship.

Set on campus at a prestigious university college in Sydney this novel delves into the difficulties we all face as we come of age. Hard to put down, and one that will stay with you long after the final page.

 

The Younger Wife – Sally Hepworth
Pan Macmillan AU

Sally Hepworth’s signature interrogatory blend of the complexity of family, relationships and identity brings yet another exhilarating read in The Younger Wife.

Sisters Tully and Rachel are incensed when they find their still-married-to-their-mother dad has a new girlfriend. His new half-his-age girlfriend Heather struggles to win the girls over while hiding the secrets of her past. But, before long it is revealed that her soon-to-be stepdaughters have some secrets of their own.

 

Love Stories – Trent Dalton

Harper Collins
Much loved Australian author Trent Dalton set out through Australian cities and asked passers-by a question: ‘can you tell me a love story?’

A compilation of stories from individuals from all ages and walks of life detailing first love, heartbreak, divorce, betrayal and jealousy, and happy ever afters.

Sure to warm your heart, or bring a tear to your eye these short stories make for a perfect summer read.

 

After Story – Larissa Behrendt
UQP

Written by legal academic, writer, filmmaker Indigenous rights advocate and Eualeyai/Kamilaroi woman, Larissa Behrendt.

‘After Story’ explores relationships, culture and trauma in a story about a mother and daughter attempting to heal from the grief over the disappearance of their daughter/sister 25 years earlier.

The novel grants vicarious travel as the pair travel to London and a balm for the longing to heal broken relationships.

 

Detransition Baby – Torrey Peters
Allen & Unwin Australia

An extremely clever new novel from Torrey Peters focused on the suddenly intertwined lives of three women – transgender and cisgender – after a shock pregnancy sparks an interrogation into their feelings and aspirations toward motherhood, gender and sex.

 

The Things We See in The Light – Amal Awad
Pantera Press

 Journalist, screenwriter, performer and author Amal Awad delights with a stunning new novel.

The Things We See in the Light follows Sahar as she secretly departs her newlywed life in Jordan, back to her home in Sydney. Reunited with her childhood friends, Sahar faces new challenges as she attempts to start afresh, and her past comes back to haunt her.

 

Growing up in Australia
Black Books Inc.

 This stunning new anthology from Black Books Inc. features pieces from other collections including Growing Up Asian, Growing Up Aboriginal, Growing Up African, Growing Up Queer, and Growing Up Disabled in Australia.

A perfect read for adolescent and adult readers, this compilation showcases the diversity of Australia in insightful and touching ways. A must.

 

One Hundred Days – Alice Pung
Black Books Inc.

Award-winning Melburnian author Alice Pung presents a breathtaking novel about mothers and daughters, control and love.

16-year-old Karuna falls pregnant, not intentionally but not entirely by mistake. Her mother, overprotective and furious confines her to their commission flat to keep her out of trouble. As Karuna’s due date looms, questions of responsibility and identity fester between them.