May Reading

 I set myself the goal to read at least six books in June. I read eight in the end. This includes two of the best books I've read in the last few years as well as some utter rubbish. It was mostly fiction, but there's a non-fiction title in there as well. 

Here's my list, which includes the format in which I read the book and a rating. 

1) Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - Audio - 4 stars

Fairy, dragon porn - who knew?

I've read some of Rebecca Yarros's contemporary fiction in the past and enjoyed it. This is at another level. The story of a girl who was supposed to be a scribe (read historian or academic) but ends up, under her mother's command, to enter flight school where she hopes to bond with a dragon and be a fighter. Fun, eh!

Yarros knows how to spin a story. She has some great, memorable characters. I'm very glad I listened to this one as the physical book would have been hard on my hands. But I'll go and read the next one, just to see what happens. It suckered me in. I was talking to a colleague about it all - there were laughing at some of my reactions. 

It's good fun for light fantasy. 

2) The Great Fortune by Olivia Manning - Audio - 4

This was written back in the 60s, the story of Guy and Harriet Pringle, newly married, arrive in Bucharest in the autumn of 1939. The city they find is one of contrasts and rumours, on the edge with wavering loyalties and the tension of war, peopled with an international cast of characters, including the inimitable and eccentric Russian émigré Prince Yakimov. The Pringles have to content with am ever changing geo-political landscape, a group of bizarre friends and the feeling of no stability. 

The book is fascinating. Although the writing feels a bit dated, it was enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the trilogy. (There are six books in all - two trilogies, which span from 1939 to just after the war). It's been on my list of things to read for years. 

3) Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy - Paper - 4 stars

This was our book group book for May, and it was amazing. Many of our group gave it a 5 stars - I was a little more reticent, but I really enjoyed it. 

The story is complex, told through the eyes of the Salt family. Father Dominic, elder son, Raff, daughter Fen and Orly, the youngest and a polymath. The family live on Shearwater Island, in the middle of the Pacific closer to Antarctica than anywhere else (It's geographically based on Macquarie Island - look it up.) The island has been a research base for years, however climate change and rising seas mean that the see bank needs to be shut down and the family removed to the mainland. 

One day, a woman, barely alive, washes up on the beach. Rowan is a woman on a mission. Why is she there? What secrets are the family keeping? Will the family be able to get out on time. 

So much happens in this book. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but it is a wonder to behold. it comes highly recommended. 

4) Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke - Audio - 5 stars

This is the best thing I've read this year. It may be the best thing I've read in the last two years. It's incredible, but it won't be for everybody. 

The Goodreads' blurb says the following:

"Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle. Her charming farmhouse is rustic, her husband a handsome cowboy, her six children each more delightful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers behind the scenes, her kitchen hiding industrial-grade fridges and ovens, her husband the heir to a political dynasty? What Natalie’s followers—all 8 million of them—don’t know won’t hurt them. And The Angry Women? The privileged, Ivy League, coastal elite haters who call her an antifeminist iconoclast? They’re sick with jealousy. Because Natalie isn’t simply living the good life, she’s living the ideal—and just so happens to be building an empire from it.

Until one morning she wakes up in a life that isn’t hers. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Her kitchen is warmed by a sputtering fire rather than electricity, her children are dirty and strange, and her soft-handed husband is suddenly a competent farmer. Just yesterday Natalie was curating photos of homemade jam for her Instagram, and now she’s expected to haul firewood and handwash clothes until her fingers bleed. Has she become the unwitting star of a ruthless reality show? Could it really be time travel? Is she being tested by God? By Satan? When Natalie suffers a brutal injury in the woods, she realizes two things: This is not her beautiful life, and she must escape by any means possible."

There is so much going on here. Natalie is truly awful, but you have to love the way she thinks.

This is a brilliant look at the culture of Trad Wives, influencers, internet rabbit holes and how what we see might not be the whole truth. 

Utterly brilliant. 

5) The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan - Audio - 4 stars

I enjoyed this queer novel about friendship, fate and how we reinvent ourselves. 

The blurb on Amazon reads, "Cate Kay knows how to craft a story. As the creator of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series, she's one of the most successful authors of her generation. The thing is, Cate Kay doesn't really exist. She's never attended author events or granted any interviews. Her real identity had been a closely guarded secret, until now. As a young adult, she and her best friend Amanda fantasized escaping their difficult homes and moving to California to become movie stars. But the day before their grand adventure, a tragedy shattered their dreams and Cate has been on the run ever since, taking on different names and charting a new future. But after a shocking revelation, Cate understands that returning home is the only way she'll be a whole person again."

File this one under easy reading. Sure, I'm not certain all of the story was believable, but it was a good read after the heavy-duty nature of Yesteryear. 

6) Rivals by Jilly Cooper - Kindle - 3.5 Stars

Dated, dreadful and a bloody good romp. I'm watching the series on Disney, thought I'd read the book. I will say that the television series is brilliant, but the source material is good fun. It would never win a Booker Prize, but it's great fun. 

7) Flashlight by Susan Choi - Audio - 5 Stars

I went to see Susan Choi speak at the Melbourne Writer's Festival a few weeks ago and the person interviewing her was extolling her praises. I picked this up and have no regrets. It's amazing. 

The blurb on the Readings website describes this as "The astonishing story of one family swept up in the tides of the twentieth century, ranging from Japan to the USA to the North Korean regime.

One evening, ten-year-old Louisa and her father take a walk out on the breakwater. They are spending the summer in a coastal Japanese town while her father Serk, a Korean emigre, completes an academic secondment from his American university. When Louisa wakes hours later, she has washed up on the beach and her father is missing, probably drowned.

The disappearance of Louisa's father shatters their small family unit. As Louisa and her American mother Anne return to the US, this traumatic event reverberates across time and space, and the mystery of what really happened to Serk slowly unravels."

As family dramas go, this is up there with Pashinko, Hello Beautiful and Middlesex. Glorious writing and an amazing, heart-wrenching story. I want to read more. 

8) The Course of Love by Alain de Botton - Audio - 4 stars

I've read this before, but picking it up again, and listening to Julian Rhind-Tutt read this was a joy. I've loved the writing of Alain de Botton for years as he makes philosophy accessible and fun. 

This book looks at how we as humans love, from those first teenage stirrings through to grown up life. 

Fun and thought provoking.

Today's song: 

Film Review: H is for Hawk

Movie number 22 of 2026

The Movie: H is for Hawk

The Cinema: Village Cinemas, The Rivoli

Runtime: Two Hours

Stars: 4

I don't like birds that much. They flap about. However, even I can see the beauty of these creatures, and raptors in particular, are incredibly majestic. A favourite memory of mine is seeing a wedged tailed eagle, complete with its six-foot wingspan, up close in the wild. You don't forget this sort of grace and beauty in a hurry

But this is by the by. 

A little extra, when doing some light research into the book, I discovered Helen McDonald, the book's writer is ADHD. I say ,"no shit, Sherlock", but it helps understand some of the protagonist's single-mindedness throughout the film. They're doing what they do, because it's how they process the world. 

This is a movie about one of my tribe. 

H is for Hawk was always going to tick my boxes. It's an English film, based on a book and a little bit quirky. Okay, quite a bit quirky in an academic, quiet, considered way. 

The other great thing about the book is that Emma Donoghue, who wrote Room, wrote the script for this. She's done a brilliant job. Phillipa Lowthorpe's direction is also great, ensuring this beautiful, quiet film doesn't run too fast, nor overplay the huge emotions which are going on in the background. 

This is a story about love, grief, and healing. 

Helen (Claire Foy) is a Cambridge academic in natural sciences. She's been asked to apply for a fellowship at a prestigious institution in Germany. She's liked by her friends and students. She's also got a lovely, nurturing relationship with her father, Alistair (Brendan Gleeson). 

Unfortunately, her father dies early in the film, leaving Helen to process this deeply felt grief. 

Helen's solution is to buy and train a goshawk.

I'm sitting here thinking this is the side quest to end all side quests. 

For me, this would be a 'don't try this at home' moment. Helen does have experience with falconry, and friends who can help her with this task. 

By the end of the film, you've learned a lot about this incredible art. Goshawks are not falcons. Falcons hunt in the air, hawks hunt close to the ground. Hawks are not affectionate. This is relationship built and nurtured on trust. In the words of her friend Stuart (Sam Spruell), hawks are bastards. The only way to keep one is to let them murder. Also, the fluffier the name, the better the killer instinct. 

Helen names her hawk Mabel - which means loveable. One look into her big yellow eye and you know you're looking into the soul of a psychopath who's capable of ripping your throat out. Mabel is the most incredible of creatures. 

As the movie progresses, you see Helen and Mabel form their bond. Mabel becomes a regular site around Cambridge. You also watch as Helen's grief and depression take her over. 

The cinematography in this is awesome as well.

Sure, this is a film about loss, grief and depression. It's also a film about how we get through these things and the amazing bond between animals and man. 

I loved it. Of course I was going to love it. Hats off to Claire Foy for having that bird on her arm. It's something I don't think I could ever do. 

Today's song: 

Sunday Stealing: Friday Fill In

I’m sitting in a suburban cafe with my iPad wasting an hour before I go to the hairdresser. My hairdresser is a 45 minute drive away from my place. I’ve been seeing her for over 20 years. She’s worth it. 

This respite, with a bottle of Coke Zero and a cherry Danish are the perfect foil for getting the weekly questions out of the way. 

So, with to further commentary, here are the questions, posed, as always, by Sunday Stealing. 

Friday Fill-in - Fill in the Blanks. 

1. ________ is not the end of the world. 

Trump is not the end of the world. He might be giving it a red-hot go, but here’s what I think. I don’t reckon Trump is going to be around for much longer. He shouldn’t be there - like somebody should take the keys of grandpa. Regardless, when he’s gone, I think the bubble is going to burst. Like popping a pimple, all the crap comes out and the healing can begin. Hopefully his sycophantic cronies will crawl back under the rock from whence they came.

2. _____ tastes so good!

I’m sitting in this Jewish cafe in the middle of a big Jewish area here in Melbourne. The bagels with cream  cheese and smoked salmon are second to none. Breakfast of champions. The cherry danish was very good too. This cafe does fantastic Reuben sandwiches as well. 

3.  Sometimes, putting others first is_______.

…not a very good idea at all. There is a lot to be said for self-preservation at times. It depends on the scenario. 

4. ________ is breathtaking, really. 

Milford Sound in the South Island of New Zealand is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. I’ve been there twice. It’s a three hour drive in. It’s a treacherous drive. Often, the roads are blocked. You have to go through this long, steep tunnel. Then you are deposited on the shore between soaring cliff faces. It’s mind-blowing how small you feel amongst this beauty. 

If you can, go to New Zealand - the South Island is incredible. 

5. Well, maybe there is______.

A God. I have no idea what God might be - monotheistic, polytheistic, a spaghetti monster in a huge colander, Keith Richards…? I’m agnostic. I’m good with the concept, but don’t ask me to  articulate exactly what god is. I’m okay with that. Happy to be proven either right or wrong. 

6. This week, my plans include…….

Work, exercise, sleep and anticipating the next episode of Rivals which comes out on Friday. 

Today’s song:

Theatre Review: Retrograde

The Production: Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron

The Company: Melbourne Theatre Company

The Theatre: The Fairfax Studio at the Arts Centre

Runtime: 90 minutes

Until 27 June

Stars: 4

This is an uncomfortable play, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does get you thinking. It also makes you grateful for how far we have come as people. We're not perfect, but things have improved somewhat. 

But sheesh. This one is a tough one - good, but a hard watch at times. 

The blurb on the MTC website reads "It’s the so-called Golden Age of Hollywood, fueled by big money and heady ambition. Paranoia simmers beneath the surface and McCarthyism casts a shadow of fear. A young Sidney Poitier arrives at a television studio with a career-defining opportunity on the table. All that stands between him and a breakout lead role is a signature on a contract – or so he thinks. When the network’s fast-talking lawyer begins firing loaded questions, and the screenwriter’s loyalty to Poitier is called into question, the meeting takes a sinister turn, and the cost of ambition becomes alarmingly clear."

A wordy blurb for a wordy play - but it was very good. Uncomfortably good. 

The performances were excellent. Alan Dale will always be Jum Robinson from Neighbours to me, but he's great as Mr Parks, the skeezy lawyer who's out to trap Poitier. Some of his lines make your skin crawl. (Hard to believe that he's turning 80 next year). 

Josh McConville is also great as Poitier's friend, Bobby, who's introducing Poitier to the lawyer in the hopes of advancing both of their careers. He's a man with a conscience but is also wracked with the knowledge that by implicating people as communists, his life could be financially better off. 

But this play belongs to newcomer Donne Ngabo, an Australian actor fresh out of WAAPA. He's fabulous as Sidney Poitier, a young actor at the time who's ultimately blacklisted for not playing the game. He's going to be one to watch - stoic, quiet, with great stage presence, the final 15 minutes have him exploding - brilliant. 

I keep mentioning that this isn't a comfortable watch, due to the themes. The racism, the privilege grate heavily. I had to keep reminding myself that this was set in 1950s America. This is what makes this so effective. That and Bert La Bonte's direction, which slowly amplifies the action over the 90 minutes of the action. The set leans into all of this as well. My one small criticism is the amount of smoke in the 

I now also want to go learn more about Sidney Poitier's early life and Paul Robeson, among others mentioned in the play.

Retrograde gives you a lot to think about. It's very good. Powerful stuff. 

But I think I'm ready for something fluffy now - Prima Facie last night, Retrograde tonight... I think I need a beach read play now. 

Today's song: 

Theatre Review: Prima Facie

The Play: Prima Facie by Suzie Miller

The Theatre: The Comedy Theatre, Exhibition Street

Runtime: 90 minutes

Until 31 May

Stars: 5

You have to love AI. I asked it to find me the review I did for Prima Facie a couple of years ago - and it came up with the goods. February 2023 at the Fairfax Studio. Brilliant. I remember the play well. You don't forget this one. 

Everything I said about this play stands. You can read my original review here. 

Three years on, everything still stands. 

In this limited run at the Comedy Theatre, Sheridan Harbridge takes on the role of Tessa Ensler once again - in a larger auditorium. Gone is the intimacy of the 400-seater amphitheatre. Tonight, the Comedy Theatre, which seats around 1000, was all but full. 

Harbridge once again wove her magic over this incredibly important play. 

It's been three years since I saw this. Tonight's performance was just as fresh as the last time - if anything, tonight's performance was more nuanced than what I remember from three years ago - her movements subtler, more refined. Some of her diatribes were softer, but this made the message clearer. 

I found tears welling at the very end. The play has that effect. 

There was also a well-deserved standing ovation from most of the audience. 

This time, I think the play hit home even more. One in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. That fact remains. One in a hundred will take the complaint to the police. Sexual assault has very low conviction rates. Nothing has changed. Rape is prosecuted in courts and often it's the victims who are all but put on trial. 

This in a week where three teenage boys repeated raped two teenage girls, filming them all the while. They were guilty. They had irrefutable evidence. The boys were sentenced to non-custodial sentences, which are now being reviewed. The judge said in his findings, that he didn't want to further criminalise the boys, seeing they were minors.  

There has been an unprecedented outcry. And rightly fucking so. 

Still, at the end of the 90 minutes of this play, once again, I was on my feet applauding this incredible play and the tour de force that is Sheridan Harbridge. 

The play has also been turned into a book. If you miss this, the book is just as good. 

I'm honoured to have seen this again. It's too important to no witness. 

Today's song: 

Dev Card: The Reverse Bucket List

 One of the not so good things about having a low-grade case of the morbs is you don't see the good in things, even though you know they're there. Thankfully the depression is passing, but this Dev Card came just at the right time. I've had a day in front of the spreadsheets and something that's easy to write is good. 

The card I pulled reads " Write a reverse bucket list. A list of everything you have already achieved and experienced."

Again, having the morbs means that I'm not in the most positive frames of mind - but this might help. 

It will be in dot points. 

Here we go. 

Stuff I've achieved and experienced. Not a definitive list. 

• I've earned a Master's degree. 
• And a Bachelor's degree.
• I write everyday. It's twaddle, but I do it every day. 
• I've been to more than 17 countries. 
• I've travelled extensively, and mostly by myself. I love to travel. 
• I got out of Adelaide... and never went back. 
• I managed to lose my virginity - 16-year-old me never thought that would happen. 
• I own a cat. 
• I have friends
• I'm well read. 
• I've solvent and debt free. 
• I can leg press 160 kilograms (that was my top weight tonight - 12 reps)
• I've kept myself gainfully employed throughout life in work I generally enjoy (Long may that remain)
• I normally read at least a book a week
• I'm arty in the nicest possible way. 
• I've been to see the Taj Mahal
• And Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge)
• And Milford Sound in the New Zealand South Island
• I've overcome my fear of magpies. I'm still wary of them, but the maggies at home are okay. We say hello to each other now. 
• I've had a gym membership for over 20 years - and it still gets used 2-4 times a week. 
• I have fallen in love
• I read tarot cards well
• Animals love me - I love them, but animals are the best
• I'm good at starting arguments from 10 kilometres away. 
• I have looked after my body well - thanks to the gym and reasonably clean living. 
• I've lived on a Greek Island for a bit. 
• And illegally in England for a number of years. 
• I've stopped worrying about what people think about me
• And I'm learning to ask for help, when needed.

I know there's more that I've done - but this will do for the moment. I can tell myself life isn't that bad. 

Today's song: 

Mango Chutney

I'm not an Aldi shopper. I don't trust myself not to come out with ski gear, a cheeseboard and a winch. 

Also, sometimes, you want something, and it just isn't there. 

Case in point. I made a chickpea curry the other day - it's really just souped-up dahl. It's nice - thanks to Nagi at Recipe Tin Eats. I followed the recipe. All good. I got some rice to go with it. All good as well. But it needs a bit of jzushing  - some livening up. A bit of pizzaz. Some thing that cuts through the legumeness of the whole thing. 

This is where mango chutney comes in. A bit of tang - a bit of sweet. Perfect. 

Does Aldi stock mango chutney - preferably Sharwoods, if not then Beerenbergs or Pataks is fine. Yes, I'm a mango chutney snob - years of living in England will do that to you. 

Regardless, I did a lap of Aldi, avoiding the junkies, scouring the aisles, looking high and low for this wonderful condiment. 

Aldi, well my Aldi, down at Junkie Central as the small shopping centre is often referred to due to its proximity to the safe injecting room, does not stock mango chutney. 

Oh well. It's on the shopping list for tomorrow when I know I've got a choice at Coles.

And in the meantime, I found some Quandong Chutney, a gift from the hotel in Darwin, at the back of the fridge. It did the job, but it's not the same. 

Today's song: