Australian Literary Spotlight: The Best New Books to Read in March
Each month, Guardian Australia editors and critics select upcoming titles they have devoured or eagerly anticipate. This March brings a diverse array of Australian literature, from poignant memoirs to innovative fiction, offering readers a rich selection to explore.
Bring Back Yesterday by Bob Carr
In this memoir, former New South Wales premier Bob Carr reveals a vulnerable side after the sudden death of his wife, Helena. Written with literary allusions and emotional depth, it portrays his grief and search for hope, making it a compelling read for those dealing with loss.
Department of the Vanishing by Johanna Bell
Johanna Bell's eco-lit debut is a collage of clues and verse, set in a future where a character is accused of stealing files on extinct species. This risk-taking novel invites readers to piece together the story, blending mystery with environmental themes.
On Not Climbing Mountains by Claire Thomas
Narrated by a woman traveling through Switzerland, this novel explores grief and identity with intricate prose. Claire Thomas melds personal and historical elements, creating an ambitious work that resonates with readers seeking depth and beauty in storytelling.
Fourteen Ways of Looking by Erin Vincent
Erin Vincent's poetic memoir uses fragments to recount the tragedy of losing her parents at age 14. It offers a raw reckoning with grief, avoiding easy redemption in favor of a truthful and wrenching narrative.
The Minstrels by Eva Hornung
Set in a mythological landscape, this novel follows a young girl in a harsh world facing environmental collapse. Eva Hornung's work is described as a masterpiece that disrupts and disturbs, pushing the boundaries of literary fiction.
A Far Flung Life by ML Stedman
This novel moves from isolated settings to the plains of 1960s Western Australia, exploring memory and time across five decades. It articulates the daily labours of life with rich humanity and attention to detail.
The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan
A queer retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this fantasy romance spans historical timelines in France. With a morally ambiguous protagonist and a plot heavy on sex and violence, it offers a unique take on familiar tropes.
The Mother is Restless and She Doesn’t Know Why by Gemma Parker
Gemma Parker's memoir weaves personal stories with philosophy, discussing nihilism and domestic life. It challenges academic norms with provocative insights into birth, passion, and poetics.
Like, Follow, Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt
This psychological thriller delves into social media and toxic masculinity, following a detective investigating a mother blamed for her son's violent actions. It's a gripping read that explores modern societal issues.
She Who Tastes, Knows by Durkhanai Ayubi
Durkhanai Ayubi's memoir blends Afghan history with family stories, using food as a central theme. It offers a rich narrative that connects cultural heritage with personal identity.
