Author Archives: susan

‘Outside my work the thing I care most about is gardening,’ wrote George Orwell in 1940. I will read anything by the American essayist Rebecca Solnit. Her writing is lucid and intelligent and playful; often travelling in unexpected directions to … Continue reading →

When I was a young teenager, I just couldn’t get enough Gothic. They were captivating, thrilling; a perfect package of romance, mystery, suspense. I loved Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Moonstone and when I ran out of literature I … Continue reading →

I have a long-standing fascination with Britain during WWII and the decade afterwards. I’m not sure where it began; perhaps with my parents’ memories of post-war expat life in London, or old movies like Mrs Miniver, or the novels of … Continue reading →

Resonate. Now, there’s a word. I Didn’t Do the Thing Today: On Letting Go of Productivity Guilt rang so many bells for me I’m still hearing them. Madeleine Dore begins: While I don’t know the particular shape your days take, … Continue reading →

January’s been a good month for reading. Hot weather, a holiday… An Extra Pair of Hands Kate Mosse I’ve reviewed in these pages – moving and with our current aged care distasters continuing to unfold, lots to think about. Gift … Continue reading →

I’ve been inspired by Kate Constable’s annual book accounting (with pie charts! heaven!) to be diligent about recording my reading in 2022. I’m off to a good start, but I am wondering if I should add a category; ‘Started, not … Continue reading →

Book Group, for the past couple of years, has been a bit of a bust. Evening meetings via Zoom instead of in a member’s home, with the hostess providing (it’s the rules) red and white wine, biscuits and cheeses – … Continue reading →

I have just devoured Helen Garner’s How To End a Story. Read it in a day and a night. Couldn’t put it down. And luckily I didn’t have to; I was on holiday. Garner’s diaries from 1995-1998 detail the disintegration … Continue reading →

The NHS gives the official definition of  carer as ‘anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and … Continue reading →