The Wilder Aisles

Some time ago, Sophie Hannah, an award-winning writer of crime novels, started writing new Hercule Poirot stories, with the blessing of Agatha Christie’s estate. So far she has written five, and I am reading the latest, Silent Night. No Hastings in this, instead he has the help of his long-time friend, Inspector Edward Catchpool.

The story starts as Poirot and Catchpool are contemplating a lovely, relaxed Christmas with just the two of them, when the door flies open, and Catchpool’s mother, Cynthia, bursts into the room.

She is staying at Frellingsloe House in Norfolk, which is crumbling to bits and threatens to fall into the sea at any moment. She is very anxious for the pair to come to Frellingsloe, because a man has been murdered at the local hospital and she is worried about who might be next. Poirot and Catchpool have a week to solve the mystery if they are to have Christmas in Whitehaven Mansions. I have enjoyed all of Sophie Hannah’s Poirot books. To me they seem to have captured Agatha Christie’s voice very well.

By now, I think most followers of Donna Leon will have read the latest Guido Brunetti crime novel, So Shall You Reap. I was a bit late coming to this, too many other books to read, I guess. As usual, Leon doesn’t disappoint and I admire the consistency of her ability to keep the stories alive and full of wonderful Venetian atmosphere. Having been to Venice, I love to walk with Brunetti around the narrow streets, cross the many bridges and catch the same vaporettos.

This story starts with a hand found in one of the canals. Brunetti is up late when he receives news of the finding, and when the body is found soon after, he is put in charge of the case. In trying to solve the murder, Brunetti is drawn back to his student days and his involvement in university politics. I love the Brunetti family life, the way the children are being brought up, the way they relate to each other, especially around the table during meal times. I also love the relationship between Paola and Guido. Her acceptance of the difficulties of his job, and that Brunetti always tries to be home for lunch, so he doesn’t have to eat trimestri standing at a bar. The fact that this is the 32nd Brunetti, and that Leon hasn’t lost her touch, is to me absolutely amazing. Here’s hoping for the 33rd – may she go on forever!

On a lighter note, I want to mention The Disorganization of Celia Stone by Emma Young, the author of The Last Bookshop Celia Stone lives her life by the book, or rather a spreadsheet. She is married to Jes, who puts up with her demanding lifestyle because he loves her. To Celia it is important to be in control, to know what will happen throughout the day, week, month. She is convinced that being in charge of all aspects of her life leads to a happy marriage and a successful career. Her mantra is hard work, the right attitude, and planning. The only release from this is in the pages of her journal. To Celia, everything is proceeding smoothly, until Jes asks a question which shakes her to her core. This makes her question whether she is on the right path with her well-regulated life, or if there is another path to follow. I think this book is either a self-help book in the guise of a novel or vice versa. I really enjoyed reading it and, being the emotional crybaby that I am, shed a few tears at the end.

– Janice Wiler

Life Keeps Me Dancing

Eileen Kramer

“I am not old. I’ve just been here for a long time.”

Eileen Kramer has lived the most extraordinary life. Born just after Australia entered the First World War, she embraced creativity and adventure from an early age. She danced and painted murals in Karachi; worked as an artist’s model in Paris and London; and learned the twist from Louis Armstrong. In 2013, aged 99, Eileen returned to Australia. Now, at 108, she is still dancing. Eileen has led a bold and vibrant life, and here, she shares her inspirational story and wisdom, showing others the gift of the dance of life.

You Called an Ambulance for What?

Tim Booth

Tim Booth is shocked when his first emergency callout for someone short of breath turns out to be an adult man with a blocked nose. Between the obligatory stories of objects lodged in body cavities and grown men who can’t look after themselves when their wives are away, Booth finds that the promised lifesaving moments are far outweighed by the trivial, frustrating and bizarre ambulance callouts. You Called an Ambulance for What? is a comedic look at the challenges, absurdities and shocking reality of life as an Australian intensive care paramedic.

Pan Macmillan, $36.99

Sleeping on Islands Life in Poetry

Andrew Motion

Andrew Motion has been close to the centre of British poetry for more than 50 years. In this tender, revelatory memoir we see in close-up the significance of Motion’s formative relationship with W.H. Auden and his subsequent friendship with Philip Larkin. And during his time as Poet Laureate, we witness memorable encounters with royalty and prime ministers, and discover the costs and complications that accompany such a high-profile role. By turns moving and humorous, this is the intimate story of a rare poetic life.

Faber, $39.99

Young Rupert: the making of the Murdoch empire

Walter Marsh

For half a century, the Murdoch media empire and its polarising patriarch have swept across the globe, shaking up markets and democracies in their wake. But how did it all start? In September 1953, 22-year-old Rupert Murdoch landed in Adelaide, South Australia. Fresh from Oxford with a radical reputation, the young and brash son of Sir Keith Murdoch had arrived to fulfill his father’s dying wish- for Rupert to live a ‘useful altruistic and full life’ in the media. Drawing on unpublished archival material and new reportage, Young Rupert pieces together a paper trail of succession, sedition, and power - and a fascinating time capsule of Australian media on the cusp of an extraordinary ascension.

Scribe, $35.00

Unheard Voices

Dawn Mauldon

In this poignant and powerful memoir, the author tells the story of both her mother’s childhood and her own childhood with Deaf parents. Through intimate and evocative prose, Mauldon explores the challenges and joys of living in a world of difference, navigating the difficulties that come with being a child of Deaf parents as well as the strength and resilience that comes with love and belonging. She shares her unique and deeply personal perspective on what it means to be a part of Deaf culture.

Fremantle, $34.99

History And Politics

Jali

Oliver Twist

Comedian Oliver Twist was four years old when he and his family fled the aftermath of genocide in Rwanda for Malawi, their exile for the next 14 years. Twist has turned the turmoil he and his family endured into a thrilling adventure of a hero’s journey. A natural-born storyteller, propelled from the cold alleys of a Malawian refugee camp to the warm spotlight of the Australian stage, he vividly describes what it’s like to leave your homeland behind and to have to wait your whole childhood for life to begin.

Penguin, $35

Donald Horne

Ryan Cropp

In the 1960s, Donald Horne offered Australians a compelling reinterpretation of the Menzies years as a period of social and political inertia and mediocrity. His book The Lucky Country was profoundly influential and, without doubt, one of the most significant shots ever fired in Australia’s endless culture war. Ryan Cropp’s landmark biography positions Horne as an antipodean Orwell, a lively, independent and distinct literary voice. Black Inc, $37.99