AustLit

'Just in time for the latest lockdown, ABC Arts is trialling a monthly book column. Each month, we'll present a shortlist of new releases read and recommended by The Bookshelf's Kate Evans and The Book Show's Claire Nichols and Sarah L'Estrange — alongside freelance writers and book reviewers. This month, we're thrilled to present recommendations from Declan Fry and Khalid Warsame.' (Introduction)

'The Miles Franklin shortlist for 2021 was announced on Wednesday: six novels by Australian writers that are deemed by the judges to be of high literary merit in representing "Australian life in any of its phases".' (Introduction)

'Stories of trauma — personal, communal and national — dominate the Miles Franklin Award, Australia's most prestigious literary prize, in its 63rd year.'

'Writing by Australian women has found a champion in The Stella Prize, which has been spotlighting not just our local heroes but our emerging stars since 2013.'

'In Claire G Coleman's second novel The Old Lie, the earth is under attack by the invading forces of the Conglomeration.

'Humans fight back and join the intergalactic Federation to defend their homeland.

'But it turns out humans aren't full citizens of the Federation and can't easily return.

'The Old Lie is a follow up to Claire's Stella prize shortlisted novel Terra Nullius.

'Through a creative use of historical and science fiction, Terra Nullius explored the dispossession of Indigenous people.

'The Old Lie also uses speculative fiction to confront the legacy of the Stolen Generations. It's set in the future but it's about the past.' (Production summary)

'Whether you're poolside balancing a book with an icy beverage, stealing moments between waves at the beach or catching up on the couch after Christmas, this list of favourites from ABC RN's book experts has got you covered.' (Introduction)

'When Gerald Murnane came into the ABC's Southbank centre for an interview and portrait session recently, he regaled photographer Zan Wimberley with a rendition of the Hungarian national anthem (he learned Hungarian late in life). He sang with gusto and a big grin. He certainly has a lot to be happy about.'

'In 2019, every incoming student and staff member at the University of Canberra will be given a copy of Charlotte Wood's dystopian thriller The Natural Way of Things, as "required reading".'

'Some of Australia's best known authors managed to reach literary fame with their debut novels: Kate Grenville with Lilian's Story, which won the Vogel Literary Award in 1984; Richard Flanagan with Death of a River Guide, which won several awards, including the National Fiction Award in 1996; and Andrew McGahan with Praise, which won the Vogel in 1991.' (Introduction)

'Catriona Feeney studies part-time at university in Sydney and works full-time in marketing — but in her spare time, she's a rising YouTube star.'  (Introduction)

'Now in its 61st year, the Miles Franklin Literary Award continues its focus on Australian fiction's heavy-hitters, with a shortlist that includes two previous winners and a current favourite for the Nobel Prize in Literature.'  (Introduction)