August is a month brimming with literary delights, from the long-awaited sequel to a beloved novel to a novel that's a single, 278-page-long sentence. Here's a curated selection of the best new books to dive into this month, each offering a unique reading experience.
Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason
Meg Mason's latest novel introduces us to Sophie, a lonely sound technician who finds solace in the company of authors. Set against the backdrop of a writers' festival, the book explores Sophie's obsession with an author she's never met, offering a unique perspective on loneliness and the power of words. Mason's writing is both strange and singular, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the human condition.
Now, Autonomy by Max Easton
Max Easton's novel is a captivating exploration of the activist and underground music scenes in Sydney's Inner West. Set in the aftermath of the Penrith Panthers' historic NRL grand final win, the book follows old friends Helen, Sunny, and Sio as they navigate the complexities of life and the changing landscape around them. Easton's writing is both hyper-specific and topical, offering a fresh perspective on the struggles of idealists in a world of gentrification and late-stage capitalism.
Mine by Adam Ouston
Adam Ouston's eighth novel is a single, 278-page-long sentence that explores the 'hauntology' of ghost towns. Set in western Tasmania, the book follows a university lecturer, poet, bushwalker, and activist who gets trapped at the bottom of an abandoned mine. Ouston's writing is both precise and imprecise, offering a unique reading experience that resists easy summarization.
Take What You Can by Naima Coster
Naima Coster's third novel is an intoxicating exploration of complex female friendship. Set in Paris, the book follows Valeria and Milena, two Black women who bond over their shared experiences. Coster's writing is both tender and fraught, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of female relationships and the power of shared experiences.
Sunrise by Téa Obreht
Téa Obreht's latest novel is a captivating exploration of frontier mysteries and histories. Set in a valley and a ghost town, the book follows Nina, a woman who has apparently fallen from a plane and emerged from a cold lake. Obreht's writing is both agile and cinematic, offering a fresh perspective on the American storytelling tradition and the complexities of national myth-making.
Paying Attention by Lynne Tillman
Lynne Tillman's compilation of criticism spanning more than four decades is a refreshing introduction to her remarkable voice. Tillman's writing is both exploratory and conversational, offering a unique perspective on the art of criticism and the role of the critic. Her work is both unassuming and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the creative process.
Venus, Vanishing by Rebecca Birrell
Rebecca Birrell's debut novel is a captivating exploration of Berlin's queer nightclub scene in the 1920s and 30s. Set against the backdrop of Weimar and the threat of Nazism, the book follows Hannah, a young working-class Jewish woman who longs for art and a different future. Birrell's writing is both nuanced and imaginative, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of history and the power of art.
Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty's long-awaited sequel to her 2014 bestseller, Big Little Lies, is a sparkling exploration of modern parenting, politics, and perimenopause. Set in the fictional coastal suburb of Pirriwee in Sydney, the book follows the lives of three key mothers, Madeline, Celeste, and Jane, as they navigate the challenges of life. Moriarty's writing is both sharp and observant, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of modern life and the power of storytelling.
These books offer a diverse range of reading experiences, from the strange and singular to the intoxicating and thought-provoking. Whether you're looking for a novel that explores the complexities of female friendship or one that delves into the history of a ghost town, there's something for everyone in August's literary offerings.
