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Two panels. On the left is a man with white hair and sunglasses and a black shirt standing in front of a landscape. In the right is a cover of a book with 'Beam of Light' and 'John Kinsella' in white font against an image of a heron standing in a multicolour oil slick.
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Book review: Beam of Light, John Kinsella

John Kinsella creates characters who are intensely, recognisably human in his collection of short stories.

Two panels. On the left is a photo of author Stephen Downes, a man with salt and pepper hair, a white shirt, and dark jumper. On the right is the cover of this book, with 'Murals' in black font against a background of cherubs painted on the walls and ceilings.
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Book review: Mural, Stephen Downes

A charming psychopath beguiles with his anecdotes.

Two panels. On the left is a profile photo of Isabella G Mead. She has brown hair and is wearing a blue patterned top. On the right is the cover of her book, with 'The Infant Vine' in white font against a picture of a brownish plant.
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Book review: The Infant Vine, Isabella G Mead

This debut collection of poetry plays with the intersection between motherhood and the natural world.

'Victorian vampires' wins popular vote at Australian Life photography competition, taken by Chrissie Hall of herself and her two daughters dressed up. The photo sets up the ambiance of a Victorian era home with animal taxidermy, vintage leather sofas and low lighting. The three are depicted wearing black and red gowns and sharp vampire teeth.
News

Opportunities and awards

Dark Mofo 2025 call-out, last chance to enter Ulrick and Schubert Photography Award, plus winners of Impact Awards and more!

The cast of Trent Dalton's Love Stories is preparing for their Brisbane Festival debut.
Features

Trent Dalton's Love Stories – stage adaptation premieres at Brisbane Festival

After the immense success of 'Boy Swallows Universe', Dalton returns to the Brisbane stage with a new theatrical adaptation.

Here One Moment. Left panel is author shot of middle aged blonde Caucasian woman, wearing open necked white blouse under a dark jacket and smiling at the camera. Right panel is a book cover of a blurry blue background with red spots and some butterflies. here one moment.
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Book review: Here One Moment, Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty's latest book takes on the big themes of life and death, and looks set to be another bestseller.

A composite image featuring the covers of a range of Australian books.
Features

Best Australian books of the 21st century: as chosen by 50 experts

The Books & Ideas team at 'The Conversation' and their literary friends, list their favourite Australian books of this century.

Reject a writer. A fuzzy red heart. There are two green trails leaking from its side.
Career Advice

5 ways to reject a writer if you are the bearer of bad news

When you need to reject a writer, how do you go about it efficiently but without inflicting unnecessary pain?

News

This week's arts news and trending topics

We report it – you read it. This week's top arts news stories.

Two panels. On left is a woman with brown hair, glasses and a stripey blue and white top. On the right is cover of a book with 'Fiona McFarlane' in white font, 'Highway 13 in pink font' overlaid on image of a forest clearing with white birds.
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Book review: Highway 13, Fiona McFarlane

Brilliant stories about ordinary people all connected to a series of crimes.

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