Review: The quiet emotional force of The Burrow

Amy, Jin and Lucie are leading isolated lives in their partially renovated, inner city home. They are not happy, but they are also terrified of change. When they buy a pet rabbit for Lucie, and then Amy’s mother, Pauline, comes to stay, the family is forced to confront long-buried secrets. Will opening their hearts toContinue reading “Review: The quiet emotional force of The Burrow”

Review: The uplifting layers of The End and Everything Before It

Emma watched her mother’s kayak disappear among icebergs in the Arctic Sea. Six years later, her brother, who had not spoken since their mother was lost, warns Emma of the curse of death that she brought to anyone who looked on her face—before tragedy befalls him too. Emma consigns herself to a solitary life atContinue reading “Review: The uplifting layers of The End and Everything Before It”

Nina Kenwood on life stability, 30s anxieties, and wedding drama | Author interview

In this interview, we welcome author Nina Kenwood back to the show, where we discuss her new book – and her first book for adults – The Wedding Forecast. Topics include starting over after a long-term relationship, anxieties around parenthood and aging, and stability versus taking a leap. Content notes for the episode: anxiety and overthinking;Continue reading “Nina Kenwood on life stability, 30s anxieties, and wedding drama | Author interview”

Review: Dead Letters and Found Families Abound in Return to Sender

After three years away, seventeen-year-old Brodie McKellon has returned to live with her eccentric grandmother above the last remaining Dead Letter Office – the place letters go when no one is left to claim them. Soon, Brodie is consumed by an unsolved mystery – the unclaimed letters of a group of teens who seemed toContinue reading “Review: Dead Letters and Found Families Abound in Return to Sender”

Alice Robinson: Grief, Parenting and an Uncertain Future | Author Interview

Author Alice Robinson joins Elise and Priscilla for an insightful interview about her new release, If You Go. The novel follows protagonist Esther, who must piece together a timeline between her past and the highly confusing present. We chat about a non-linear experience of grief, the relationship between feminism and motherhood, and speculate about theContinue reading “Alice Robinson: Grief, Parenting and an Uncertain Future | Author Interview”

Interview with Sarah Sasson on Tidelines (+ Novel Feelings Announcements)

In this episode, Priscilla interviews author Dr Sarah Sasson about the newly released Tidelines, a tender coming-of-age novel about growing up in the face of unimaginable loss. Tidelines examines the stories we subconsciously write for ourselves, and what remains later, when we have the courage to tear them apart. Discussion topics include substance use, ambiguousContinue reading “Interview with Sarah Sasson on Tidelines (+ Novel Feelings Announcements)”

Interview: Megan Williams on Let’s Never Speak of This Again

Let’s Never Speak of This Again follows Abby as she navigates a changing dynamic with her best friend, particularly when tragedy strikes. What does being best friends really mean? How do you support a grieving friend while managing your own feelings? In this podcast interview, we speak in-depth with author Megan Williams about how sheContinue reading “Interview: Megan Williams on Let’s Never Speak of This Again”

S3E2. Tiger Daughter (ft. interview with Rebecca Lim)

Last episode was prompted by Elise’s recommendation. This time, it’s Priscilla’s. Tiger Daughter tells the story of Wen and Henry, and what happens when tragedy strikes their community. We cover themes of domestic abuse, misogyny, and the ripple effect of suicide – all framed by the Chinese immigrant experience in Australia. The first part of this episodeContinue reading “S3E2. Tiger Daughter (ft. interview with Rebecca Lim)”

You need to read ‘You Need to Know’

Christmas Eve. A car pile-up. Who will survive? And who caused the crash? Nicola Moriarty’s You Need to Know is a complex family drama, where everyone has a secret. This multi-view story follows three author brothers, their partners, and their mother, as they navigate grief, family tension, and both everyday and extraordinary dramas. Topics includeContinue reading “You need to read ‘You Need to Know’”

Grief, Trauma, and Patriarchy: the True Banes of Anthony Bridgerton’s Existence

Dear Readers, I have a confession. When I read The Viscount Who Loved Me, I didn’t care much for Anthony Bridgerton. He was… fine? *insert shrugging emoji here* Now Anthony’s story has come to Netflix in Season 2 of Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey’s acting has me re-evaluating my feelings about Anthony (and in my opinion, theContinue reading “Grief, Trauma, and Patriarchy: the True Banes of Anthony Bridgerton’s Existence”