
From a debut about Greek mythology to a novel about a Jackson Pollock painting, the books we read in March 2021 inspired and impassioned us. See what we read below …
Mark Harding – Brand & Content Manager
Later by Stephen King
Why I loved it: Later is the third short novel King has published with Hard Case Crime, and it is a worthy addition to this little corner of his world. The story follows Jamie Conklin, a boy who can see and communicate with the dead, but in this set-up, the dead cannot lie – allowing Jamie to discover their secrets. And then an unscrupulous cop discovers Jamie’s ability … I loved this book and not just because I’m an unapologetic King fan. This is fast-paced, with a fresh approach to the kid-seeing-dead-people trope, and comes from a master storyteller who makes this kind of writing seem easy. Long time fans will also be happy to see (as usual) several links to other works in the Stephen King meta-verse.
Buy it here
Olivia Fricot – Senior Content Producer
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Why I loved it: Fans of Greek mythology will be eating well this month with the arrival of Ariadne, the debut novel from Jennifer Saint. This novel follows the trials of Ariadne, princess of Crete and half-sister to the fearsome Minotaur that stalks the labyrinth below the palace floors. Her tale as the woman who used red string to lead her lover, the hero Theseus, to victory over the beast is well known, but little is told of what happened to her afterwards — how she was abandoned on the isle of Naxos and found herself a different kind of life. Saint revives her story, along with that of her sister Phaedra, to weave a novel of empowerment and resilience in a world where the gods rage and the women they love suffer the consequences. Saint’s writing is lovely and evocative – perfect for fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe.
Buy it here
Shanulisa Prasad – Lifestyle Category Manager
Night Blue by Angela O’Keeffe
Why I loved it: The concept behind this novel was so intriguing – the Australian story of Jackson Pollock’s ‘Blue Poles’ told from the point of view of the painting. Happily, the book itself was so much more than just a concept. An insightful exploration of the intersection of art and politics, the relationship between the creator and what has been created, and between an artwork and its viewers.
Buy it here
Renae Adolfson – Trade Product Coordinator
Digging Up Dirt by Pamela Hart
Why I loved it: I was addicted from the very first page by the thinly veiled dark humour that runs through the length of this narrative. Clever in its concept and even more brilliant in its execution, this novel shakes up the traditional murder mystery novel as it turns a home renovation into an archaeological dig site and, from there, into a full blown crime scene. If you thought renovating a house is stressful enough, just wait until you see what unfolds when a body is found underneath your floorboards! A great read, that you will power through and will make you laugh and shudder at every angle.
Buy it here
Cassandra Sharpe – Assistant Category Manager
Sex, Lies and Question Time by Kate Ellis
Why I loved it: Recent events have shone a spotlight on Australia’s federal parliament, and Kate Ellis’ Sex, Lies and Question Time exposes the relentless barrage of harassment women face in government. Her time in office saw her targeted for her youth and her appearance, and the weaponisation of slut shaming and rumour to actively discredit women leaders is astounding. She speaks to women on all sides of politics, addressing historical imbalances such as the absence of Indigenous, Disabled and female voices in government. It’s an incredible read – and incredibly depressing. As she writes, ‘For most of its history, parliament has been a boys’ club, and boys’ clubs are not in the business of going into voluntary administration’. This book shows us that it’s up to us to demand more from our representatives, how our government looks and whose voices are heard.
Buy it here
Amy Evans – Assistant Category Manager
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why I loved it: Malibu Rising ticked all the boxes for me! There’s just something about Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing that draws you into the character’s world and makes you feel so emotionally connected to everything that’s going on. Told between the past meeting and break up of their parents marriage and the present lives of the four Riva siblings, this book is fast-paced but spares no opportunity to dive into the nitty gritty of growing up in a broken family. A must read for fans of Reid’s previous novels, there’s so many intertwining characters and surprises to find along the way.
Buy it here
Robert O’Hearn – Academic & Professional Category Manager
Born Into This by Adam Thompson
Why I loved it: These short stories by an emerging Pakana writer are vivid and mightily powerful, inspired by his life within the Tasmanian Indigenous community. They have that you-are-here-now urgency, bringing elements of tough conflict and intense yearning together. Scenes of confused masculinity and uncertain identity rub up against the social and environmental destruction wrought by white privilege. There’s humour, there’s tenderness and sadness too; so it is a very rich mix. Adam Thompson has arrived with a clear and significant talent. His sharply-drawn descriptions and use of authentic vernacular place you right there. This is real, and it is masterful!
Buy it here
Ashleigh Berry – Campaigns Coordinator
Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews
Why I loved it: This is the perfect blend of intelligent character building with captivating story, tied together in suspense and beautiful writing. I was completely hooked on this story and could not read it quick enough. Andrews perfectly weaves a fraught story of anticipation that sits on the cusp of shattering … and when it does break, it’s absolutely thrilling.
Buy it here
What’s the best book you read in March 2021? Tell us below in the comments!
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