APRIL Book of the Month
Lázár
By Nelio Biedermann
I don't know how to review Lázár without calling Biedermann a wunderkind and predicting it for the IB and Dublin. Covering three generations of the aristocratic Hungarian Lázár family, from the early 20th century to the 1956 revolution, this young author focuses on the obliteration of dignity and how people live in the past to cope with a changing world. The characters are flawed but not completely unlikable, judged but not judgmental; horrible actions raise questions that could be about last week instead of a century ago, and the perils of being on the side of the victors rather than the side you believe in are brilliantly emphasised.
Lázár reads less as historical fiction and more as a way to question our current political climate. What would you take with you when the government seizes your house, and when everything important to you is a wealth you didn’t earn?![]()
APRIL ILF Book of the Month
Aunty Beryl’s Cookbook
By Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo
I am super excited about this beautiful book from respected Gamilaroi Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo! Aunty Beryl has had a rich life dedicated to food, family and teaching, runs a catering business and has advised top chefs on the use of delicious bushfoods. Here, Aunty Beryl has distilled her extensive food knowledge into a warm and welcoming book of recipes and stories that will have your heart and stomach singing.
There are easy dinner options plus dishes fit for a feast, and I love that there are not one, but two chapters dedicated to baked delights and desserts. Recipes include Mini Lemon Myrtle Chicken Pies; Wattleseed, Yoghurt and Ricotta Cheesecake; and Caramel Macadamia Slice. This book is a treasure trove of wonderful home cooking using unique ingredients and I reckon it will become an essential addition to every cook’s bookshelf now and into the future.
– SYLVIA –
APRIL Kids Book of the Month
Piper at the Gates of Dusk
By Patrick Ness
Patrick Ness has said that he was completely happy with how he finished the Chaos trilogy in 2010, believing that he had said all that could be said. But thankfully for us, New World still holds a fascination for Patrick and has more stories to tell. Set a generation after Chaos, flaming screaming giants tear through the landscape and a new threat has appeared in the sky.
This book blew my mind, with new heroes and villains, as well as treasured characters from the first trilogy, standing their ground once more. This is, though, very much the story of the next generation, for both the colonists and the indigenous populace, The Land, will have to stand together. Delivered at a cracking pace, Ness just keeps getting better and better.
– ROBERT –
APRIL Cookbook of the Month
You Had Me at Cake
By Emelia Jackson
Ahh, Emelia! Here she is again, the Masterchef author of baking must-haves First Cream the Butter and Sugar and Some of My Best Friends are Cookies, back with another glorious celebration of divine baked treats, this time with a focus on cake. Because let’s face it, there is always room for cake, right?
Here, Emelia covers all the basics of baking perfect cakes, and shares recipes for everything from simple-yet-delicious delights, such as One-bowl Carrot and Pecan Cake (with cream cheese icing, of course) and Olive Oil Cake with Honey, Orange and Thyme, to fancier fare, including Tiramisu Cake, Mocha Tres Leches, Torta Gianduja and a fine selection of layered cakes to boot. Emelia also dedicates an entire chapter to mini cakes, including a delectable and adorable Passionfruit Mini Bundt. Sigh. I wonder if Emelia needs a professional cake taster …
– SYLVIA –
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