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Newtown Review of Books
@newtownbooks.bsky.social
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Sydney's original online review of books, established March 2012 by Jean Bedford and Linda Funnell. We are a free and independent site for book reviews. Find us at https://newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/
On Gadigal land. Posts by LF.
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Newtown Review of Books @newtownbooks.bsky.social · Nov 24
Hello BlueSky! We’re a free and independent Sydney-based book review site, regularly posting reviews of fiction, history, politics, memoir, biography and crime. Looking forward to discovering bookish friends here on BlueSky. 💙📚
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"This novel is not just for fellow plant biologists or anyone else fascinated by poisonous plants.. It’s hilarious and charming and heartbreaking."
Amelia Dudley reviews T Kingfisher's Hemlock & Silver:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/t-kingfisher...
@torbooksuk.bsky.social
@tkingfisher.com
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book Hemlock and Silver by T Kingfisher, reviewed by Amelia Dudley in the Newtown Review of Books.
November 13, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Reposted by Newtown Review of Books
austcrimefiction.org
Today's review is the excellent Softly Calls the Devil by Chris Blake (who has hidden form in writing excellent novels)

tinyl.co/3xNh

Told in a brisk, no nonsense tone that is richly interlaced with laconic humour & compelling observation, this delivers.

#BookSky ⚡📚💙
#CrimeFiction
#YeahNoir
The image of the book cover for Softly Calls the Devil by Chris Blake includes the quotes 'World-class crime fiction. Craig Sisterson' and 'A cracking crime tale. JP Pomare'. The image is of a wide blue green river, with small rapids, in a deep rocky gorge with wild bush atop the cliffs.
November 12, 2025 at 4:19 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
Mariana Enriquez is "an amusing, thoughtful and well-informed companion" as she details her fascination with cemeteries.
Ann Skea reviews Mariana Enriquez's Somebody is Walking on Your Grave: My cemetery journeys:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/mariana-enri...
@grantabooks.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book Somebody is Walking on Your Grave by Mariana Enriquez, reviewed by Ann Skea in the Newtown Review of Books.
November 11, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
ICYMI this week's reviews:
Bernard Whimpress on Brian Stoddart's Playing the Game: How cricket made Barbados
Braham Dabscheck on David Price's The Shameful Isles: The true story of north-west Australia’s fatal experiment with medical apartheid
Find them at newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books Playing the Game by Brian Stoddart, and The Shameful Isles by David Price.
November 7, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"an important book that deals with difficult – and shameful – issues."
Braham Dabscheck reviews David Price's The Shameful Isles: The true story of north-west Australia’s fatal experiment with medical apartheid:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/david-price-...
#AustralianHistory
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book The Shameful Isles by David Price, reviewed by Braham Dabscheck in the Newtown Review of Books.
November 6, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"an important work and essential reading for anyone who cares not only about the direction of West Indies cricket but the future of the global game."
Bernard Whimpress reviews Brian Stoddart's Playing the Game: How cricket made Barbados:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/brian-stodda...
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book Playing the Game by Brian Stoddart, reviewed by Bernard Whimpress in the Newtown Review of Books.
November 4, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
ICYMI this week's reviews:
Naomi Manuell on John Banville's gothic historical novel Venetian Vespers
Linda Godfrey on Andrew Pippos's new novel The Transformations
Find them at newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
#NewFiction
#BookReviews
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books Venetian Vespers by John Banville, and The Transformations by Andrew Pippos.
October 31, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"Pippos offers a nuanced and insightful exploration of second-generation migrant experiences ... and the transformative impact of love."
Linda Godfrey reviews the new novel from Andrew Pippos, The Transformations:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/andrew-pippo...
#AustralianAuthors
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book The Transformations by Andrew Pippos, reviewed by Linda Godfrey in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 30, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"Evelyn Dolman, the book’s narrator.. is a writer, a self-deluded scribe whose comeuppance is a delight to witness."
Naomi Manuell reviews John Banville's new novel Venetian Vespers:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/john-banvill...
@faberbooks.bsky.social
#HistoricalFiction
#CrimeFiction
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book Venetian Vespers by John Banville, reviewed by Naomi Manuell in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 28, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Reposted by Newtown Review of Books
michaeljongen.bsky.social
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/garry-disher...

I’m currently enjoying this
GARRY DISHER Mischance Creek. Reviewed by Karen Chisholm - Newtown Review of Books
Senior Constable Paul Hirschhausen and his small community are once again put to the test in the fifth of this outstanding rural noir series.
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
October 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
ICYMI this week's reviews:
Karen Chisholm on Garry Disher's latest Hirsch crime novel, MIschance Creek
Braham Dabscheck on Graeme Turner's dissection of the crisis in Australian universities, Broken
Find them at newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
@austcrimefiction.org
#AustralianAuthors
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books Mischance Creek by Garry Disher, and Broken: Universities, politics and the public good by Graeme Turner.
October 24, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"provides a clear and concise analysis of the problems that beset universities and a well thought-out program for reform."
Braham Dabscheck reviews Graeme Turner's Broken: Universities, politics and the public good:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/graeme-turne...
#AustralianUniversities
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book Broken: Universities, politics and the public good by Graeme Turner, reviewed by Braham Dabscheck in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 23, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Reposted by Newtown Review of Books
austcrimefiction.org
Another brilliant, clever book from the master of the art of rural noir

#BookSky 💙 📚⚡
#AusCrime
newtownbooks.bsky.social Newtown Review of Books @newtownbooks.bsky.social · 23d
"Disher.. is master of the art of misdirection, complicated scenarios made easy, and the slow, measured build."
Karen Chisholm reviews Garry Disher's latest crime novel, MIschance Creek:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/garry-disher...
@austcrimefiction.org
#CrimeFiction
#RuralNoir
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book Mischance Creek by Garry Disher, reviewed by Karen Chisholm in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 21, 2025 at 2:04 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
Historical fiction fans – don’t miss this! The History Unbound festival is on 1st and 2nd Nov at Parramatta Town Hall. Hear from authors inc Anita Heiss, Natasha Lester, Fiona McIntosh, & Pip Williams.
willorganise.eventsair.com/2025-history...
#AustralianAuthors
#HistoricalFiction
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image depicts advertisement for half day passes for the History Unbound 2025 historical novel festival on 1 & 2 November at Parramatta Town Hall.
October 22, 2025 at 12:15 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"Disher.. is master of the art of misdirection, complicated scenarios made easy, and the slow, measured build."
Karen Chisholm reviews Garry Disher's latest crime novel, MIschance Creek:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/garry-disher...
@austcrimefiction.org
#CrimeFiction
#RuralNoir
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book Mischance Creek by Garry Disher, reviewed by Karen Chisholm in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 21, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
ICYMI this week's reviews:
Jessica Stewart on Jennette McCurdy's memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died
Braham Dabscheck on Evan Osnos' account of the ultrarich, The Haves and Have-Yachts
Ann Skea on Heather Rose's new historical novel, A Great Act of Love.
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, The Haves and Have-Yachts by Evan Osnos, and A Great Act of Love by Heather Rose.
October 17, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"Rose weaves many stories into [the book] and strands of poetry lighten some of the darkest parts."
Ann Skea reviews Heather Rose's new novel A Great Act of Love, set in colonial-era Van Dieman's Land:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/heather-rose...
#AustralianAuthors
#HistoricalFiction
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book A Great Act of Love by Heather Rose, reviewed by Ann Skea in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 16, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"provides valuable insights into the conceits of America’s ultrarich and their broader impact on the ‘working out’, or more correctly the dismantling of, the American dream."
Braham Dabscheck reviews Evan Osnos' The Haves and Have-Yachts:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/evan-osnos-t...
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book The Haves and Have-Yachts by Evan Osnos, reviewed by Braham Dabscheck in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 15, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Reposted by Newtown Review of Books
natashasays.bsky.social
This was a book I started once, wasn't in the right headspace. But eventually picked it back up and ended up really enjoying it.
October 14, 2025 at 12:47 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
"I’m Glad My Mom Died is a funny, clever book about trauma and the contortion, pain and reward that accompanies abuse by a carer."
Jessica Stewart reviews Jennette McCurdy's memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/jennette-mcc...
#ChildStars
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of cover of book I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, reviewed by Jessica Stewart in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 14, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
László Krasznahorkai has won the Nobel Prize for Literature
Catch up with:
James Arbuthnott on Herscht 07769
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/laszlo-krasz...
Ben Ford Smith on A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South, Paths to the West, a River to the East
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/laszlo-krasz...
Image of cover of book Herscht 07769 by László Krasznahorkai reviewed by James Arbuthnott in the Newtown Review of Books. Image of cover of book A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South, Paths to the West, a River to the East by László Krasznahorkai reviewed by Ben Ford Smith in the Newtown Review of Books.
October 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
Congratulations to Patricia, who has won this great swag of books in the third and final of our spring giveaways.
Thank you to all who entered.
To be first to know about new giveaways and reviews, it's free to subscribe at
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au

#BookGIveawayWinner
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Here Are My Demands by Andrew Roff, They’ll Never Hold Me by Michael Adams and Big Feelings by Amy Lovat, featured in the Newtown Review of Books 2025 Spring Giveaway #3.
October 10, 2025 at 12:14 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
Just hours left to go in the draw to win our third and final spring #bookgiveaway ... Don't miss out !
newtownbooks.bsky.social Newtown Review of Books @newtownbooks.bsky.social · Oct 8
Australian #BookGiveaway fans -- it's our 3rd and final spring giveaway, and you could win books by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, @roffwrites.bsky.social, Michael Adams and Amy Lovat. Be quick - entries close midnight TONIGHT Thurs 9 Oct 2025.
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/2025-spring-...
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Here Are My Demands by Andrew Roff, They’ll Never Hold Me by Michael Adams and Big Feelings by Amy Lovat, featured in the Newtown Review of Books 2025 Spring Giveaway #3.
October 9, 2025 at 7:43 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
Congratulations to Rosemary, who has won this fabulous bundle of books in the second of our Spring Giveaways.

Our third and final giveaway is on today and you can find out all about it here:
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/2025-spring-...

#BookGIveaways
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books Dead Ends by Samantha Byres, U Want It Darker by Murray Middleton, Out of the Woods by Gretchen Shirm and Starry Eyed by Katharine Pollock, featured in the Newtown Review of Books 2025 Spring Giveaway #2.
October 9, 2025 at 2:30 AM
newtownbooks.bsky.social
Australian #BookGiveaway fans -- it's our 3rd and final spring giveaway, and you could win books by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, @roffwrites.bsky.social, Michael Adams and Amy Lovat. Be quick - entries close midnight TONIGHT Thurs 9 Oct 2025.
newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/2025-spring-...
#BookSky 💙 📚
Image of covers of books Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Here Are My Demands by Andrew Roff, They’ll Never Hold Me by Michael Adams and Big Feelings by Amy Lovat, featured in the Newtown Review of Books 2025 Spring Giveaway #3.
October 8, 2025 at 11:15 PM