On the calculation of volume

On the Calculation of Volume is a fantasy series written by Danish writer Solvej Balle exploring an infinite time loop in a fresh and intriguing way.

They want to believe

Amanda Lohrey’s new novel captures the uncertainties of reason, doubt and belief in telling the story of an ageing psychiatrist in his sixties who takes on a new group of patients who all claim to have been abducted by aliens.

The many lives of Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary Wollstonecraft is best known for writing “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” in 1792 but while it helped lay the foundations of western feminist thought, she was far more radical and prolific than this single book suggests.

A rising of the lights

Steve Toltz’s new novel offers some ideas about the place of humans in a world redefined by AI and the precious solace of personal connection.

The magnificent seven

Many people resolve to read more at the turn of the year, so here are seven books from 2025 offering fascinating glimpses into other cultures and people’s lives.

The snag

In her memoir The Snag, Tessa McWatt takes on themes of personal and collective grief in the near-future context of the climate crisis and the solace and inspiration we can find in connecting with nature and each other.

Dig your own grave

Melbourne-based publishers Black Inc has asked authors to sign AI agreements but why should writers – or anyone else – help AI learn how to do their job and ultimately replace them?

The joys of literary journeys

The best way to travel the world can be with the help of a few good books from the comfort of one’s armchair.

Juice it up

Tim Winton’s first novel in 6 years is set hundreds of years in the future when climate change has rendered large parts of the globe uninhabitable.

Werthermania!

This month marks the 250th anniversary of the publication of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s celebrated and controversial novel of unrequited passion “The Sorrows of Young Werther”.

Introducing Intermezzo

A new novel by the Irish writer Sally Rooney offers a moving story about grief, love and family through the stories of two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek.

In praise of Shirley Jackson

Three quarters of a century on, The Lottery and Other Stories remains the perfect showcase for one of the 20th century’s most original, and now, most justly celebrated, authors.