Six more books Canberra authors you should read at least once
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Have the urge to curl up with a good book? Now’s the perfect time to incorporate some local titles into your TBR.
Not too long ago, we shared seven books from Canberra authors you should read at least once. Well, not only did you love our suggestions, but it turns out we missed a few worthy mentions.
So (based on your recommendations), here are six more books from Canberra authors that are worth a read. You never know, you might discover a new favourite author…
The Changing Room by Belinda Cranston
Working as a journalist everywhere from London to Canberra’s parliamentary press gallery, Belinda Cranston has always been a keen writer – and her debut fiction novel is worth picking up.
Set in Sydney, London, Egypt, and Israel, The Changing Room transports you around the world and into the mind of a young woman in her 20s trying to find her place as she figures out who she is. Described by reviewers as ‘nostalgic’, ‘captivating’, and ‘surprisingly ethereal’ (you’ll have to read it to see why), The Changing Room is all about change and the difficulties that come with it.
The Corner of Her Eye by JJ Carpenter
One for horror lovers, this is an eerie ghost story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
Asking the question “Everyone dies. But what happens if you’re not ready when it’s your turn?” the story follows Charlie White, a highflying woman who relocates from Sydney to a 1920s cottage in rural New South Wales to live a quiet life. But she’s not as alone as she hoped, and nothing is as it seems.
With book two coming later this month, you’ll want to get your hands on this ASAP.
The Rook by Daniel O’Malley
Not many Canberra authors can say that they’ve had a TV miniseries created from their book, but Daniel O’Malley can – and if you haven’t read The Rook, now’s the time.
A creative and complex urban fantasy that starts with a woman waking up surrounded by bodies and with no recollection of who she is and what she was doing there, it will hook you from the beginning. Luckily, there are two more sequels to devour once you finish the first.
Sidelines by Karen Viggers
For those riding the Tillies wave in the lead-up to the Olympics (and who also love a bit of drama), Sidelines by Canberra-based author Karen Viggers should be the next book on your TBR.
Delving into the world of teenage sport – from rivalry to parental pressure – Sidelines shines a light on how competition can bring people together or drive them apart. Kicking off (pun intended) with a violent brawl at a suburban junior soccer game, it’s a great reminder that the drama isn’t always on the field.
The Under History by Kaaron Warren
A haunting tale of loss, this gothic thriller is full of suspense and tragedy. Set in a small town in Australia, it tells the story of 60-year-old Pera and how death has always followed her wherever she goes.
It all starts in 1941, when a pilot purposely flew his plane into her grand family house, destroying her home and killing her family. As the lone survivor, Pera became a legend – especially when she rebuilt a replica of Sinclair House on its original foundations, and decided to hold haunted house tours.
As she guides the last tour of the season around her unusual home, you slowly learn about her past – and all the ghosts that are a part of it.
Australian Carillonists: respect for the past and a vision for the future by Melissa Bray
Canberra is lucky enough to have the National Carillon as one of our many cultural icons, so for those interested in the stories of the musicians who play the large instrument (of which there are only three in Australia), this book is for you.
Written by Melissa Bray – an economist and former senior executive at Commonwealth Treasury who has also worked as a freelance journalist and as a policy adviser to two Federal Ministers – Australian Carillonists: respect for the past and a vision for the future gives insight into the unique world of carillonists.
Sharing their own stories in their own words, from those with over 60 years of experience to students starting their journey, this book will show a new side to this diverse group of talented musicians.
Feature image: Paperchain Bookstore. Credit: Ash St George.
