March Book of the Month
The Extinction of Irena Rey
By Jennifer Croft
The Extinction of Irena Rey is genuinely insane, but in the best way possible. It follows the story of eight translators who congregate in a Polish forest to translate Irena Rey’s latest work, her magnum opus. When Irena disappears, so begins a high brow, albeit funny and mischievous tale, that explores the intricacies of language and expression. Without giving too much away, think: locked-room murder mystery with suspects only identified by the language they speak (Serbian, Sweden, English, French, German, Slovenian, Spanish and Ukrainian). The translators are totally bizarre and flit about the forest sharing meals, putting on costumes, foraging for mushrooms and generally being strange and it makes for a fever-dream-esque, cult-like atmosphere. If you’re interested in translators and the art of translating, I would highly recommend this intricately detailed and fascinating look into their world and their minds.
-Ally
This is a sci-fi short story collection distinct from anything I, and probably you, have ever read before. Saunders, of Dharug descent and from the Tweed Goori community, very strongly draws on her cultural heritage to weave together compelling and beautiful short stories - a style which she dubs as ‘Goori Futurism’. All of the stories are enlightening, showcasing nuances of a fully reasserted Indigenous sovereignty in future Australia as to both mirror contemporary society and empower possibilities for her community. The storytelling is spellbinding, the narratives are intricate and educational and ultimately, the collective power of the stories hopes for better futures.
Always Was, Always Will Be.
- Angus
From the fabulous duo that brought us Elsewhere Girls comes another captivating time-travel novel. Kate and Ruby live in Victoria, 145 years apart. One of them (Ruby) is living a modern life, riding horses and helping out on her family farm. The other (Kate) is the sister of Ned Kelly, secretly taking supplies to her brother as he hides from the police. When Kate is transported into the future, she crosses paths with Ruby and so begins an adventure that teaches both characters about family, friendship, loyalty and betrayal. This is an awesome story for young readers interested in historical fiction, or anyone who loves a bit of action and intrigue in their literature!
- Ally
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