Spectrum
An ‘alien vibe’ and no fear of death: this singer is full of surprises
Kazu Makino thought her days with Blonde Redhead were behind her. But Covid changed all that.
- by Michael Dwyer
Latest
Michael Ondaatje’s latest work is in praise of long love and experience
The writer’s first collection of poetry in more than 25 years replaces the idea of ageing as diminution with a blazing and sensual testament to what is held close.
- by Felicity Plunkett
‘Not well received’ at Harvard, these two writers maintain the rage
Writer Tony Birch reflects on how Miles Franklin Award-winner Kim Scott has intrigued and inspired him.
- by Jane Gleeson-White
Part mystery, part hostage thriller, this is our fiction pick of the week
Our reviewers assess recent fiction and non-fiction publications.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Paul Murray (sort of) discusses his novel’s controversial ending
The Booker Prize-shortlisted author talks climate change, writing teenage characters and Judy Blume.
- by Kylie Northover
‘I was drunk on power’: How this artist channelled his Pentecostal youth for a powerful new work
Choreographer Joel Bray revisits his Pentecostal upbringing in a new show that took him by surprise.
- by John Bailey
Blast off for stories that will move you to laughter, tears, and fear
Ceridwen Dovey’s latest speculative stories, all set in space, unfold with fierce clarity and breezy wit.
- by Carmel Bird
TV therapists wipe away the pain. Here in real life, it’s not so easy
Another tragedy prompts more calls for action but when it comes to healing, there’s no quick fix.
- by Genevieve Novak
Bad hair day? This sexy, icky, potent display might just be the answer
A new exhibition at Heide Museum of Modern Art explores our sometimes weird relationship with hair.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Death threats are an occupational hazard: Geoffrey Robertson
The leading human rights lawyer will grapple with state of the world in a new live show.
- by Kylie Northover
A glorious debut novel with shades of Zadie Smith and George Saunders
After winning the 2016 Vogel’s Literary Award with a collection of short stories, Murray Middleton spent eight years on his first novel.
- by Helen Elliott