June's literary offerings are a diverse and captivating bunch, showcasing the breadth of talent in the Australian literary scene. From gripping thrillers to thought-provoking non-fiction, these books promise to entertain and enlighten readers. Here's a closer look at some of the most intriguing titles hitting shelves this month.
Night Swimming by Sharon Kernot
This adult debut novel is a compelling thriller in verse, exploring the haunting past of its protagonist, Clare. After the drowning death of her best friend, Julie, during their teenage years, Clare struggles with insomnia, sedatives, and alcohol. When she encounters an older man who was also present at the tragedy, she's drawn into a web of intrigue. The novel's final pages reveal Clare's purpose, leaving readers with a sense of mystery and intrigue. A powerful exploration of grief and its lingering impact.
How to Love the World by Ilka Tampke
A suspenseful narrative of survival, this novel follows Nellika, a woman trapped under a falling bough in a forest. As she grapples with her own life's arc, she confronts the complexities of family history and motherhood. The book draws on the forest's arboreal intelligence to frame urgent questions about the human condition and our relationship with the natural world. A thought-provoking read that delves into the depths of survival and the 'more-than-human' life of the planet.
Wormhole: My Journey into the Dark Heart of Alternative Medicine by Hannah McElhinney
A gripping true crime exploration of the wellness industry, this book delves into the tragic story of McElhinney's cousin, who fell prey to dangerous health conspiracies. McElhinney, with deep empathy and scientific rigor, unravels the reasons behind people's susceptibility to these conspiracies. It's a page-turner that not only exposes the dangers of alternative medicine but also provides a clear understanding of why these practices can be so alluring. A must-read for anyone curious about the intersection of health, conspiracy, and human behavior.
The Northern Tomb by Isabelle Li
A quiet and melancholic story, this novel spans 80 years of Chinese history through the eyes of three narrators: Mr. Zhao, his pragmatic carer Sister Fu, and his son. The narrative explores the grief and trauma of the characters, each with their own unique perspective. The novel's unadorned sentences belie hidden depths, revealing the vast gap between how each character perceives themselves and the impact they have on others. A powerful meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time.
Smoke, Rice, Water by Kishwar Chowdhury
A cookbook that celebrates Bengali food culture through an Australian lens, this book is a delightful exploration of spices, history, and cuisine. Chowdhury's modern riffs on traditional dishes, such as smoked rice water, offer a unique perspective on Bengali food. The book delves into the rich history of Bengal, the influence of Nawabs and Mughals, and the joys of Bangla-Chinese food. A beautiful and sumptuously written guide to a lesser-known culinary tradition.
No God But Us by Bobuq Sayed
A highly anticipated debut novel, this book is set backstage at a drag bar in Washington DC and explores the lives of two queer Afghan men in exile. Delbar, newly outed, is moving east, while Mansur, unable to live freely in Tehran, is heading west towards Europe. Their paths cross in Istanbul, and their story unfolds amidst the complexities of borders and destiny. A powerful tale of love, family, and the human condition, it leaves readers with a sense of urgency and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by queer individuals in a world of strictures and borders.
At Sea by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
A thrilling narrative set on an offshore oil rig, this novel follows Zainab, an expert driller, as she takes charge of a failing rig staffed by an all-male crew. With a hostile workplace and a rig on the brink of collapse, Zainab must convince her colleagues to listen before it's too late. Abdel-Magied's novel channels her own experience as a mechanical engineer, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. A gripping read that explores themes of leadership, gender dynamics, and the challenges faced by a young Black Muslim woman in a male-dominated industry.
Krank Fuss by Andrew Upton
A most unusual debut novel, Krank Fuss features a chicken with a disfigured foot and a traumatized World War I veteran who wrote it for his unborn daughter. Set in a small farm in Bavaria during the Second World War, the book explores the natural world and its wonders, as well as the brutish realities of the time. An allegorical tale in the spirit of Animal Farm, it delves into the complexities of human nature and the impact of war on the innocent. A beautifully written and layered story that leaves readers with a profound appreciation for the resilience of the natural world.
Angertainment by Ed Coper
A treatise on the new type of power shaping our political and cultural landscape, this book introduces the concept of Angertainment. Coper argues that our natural human inclinations towards anger are being harnessed in the attention economy, where only the most entertaining survive. With accessible chapters, Coper provides a framework to understand these forces and offers insights into how we might fight against them. A thought-provoking read that explores the darker side of human nature and its impact on our society.
