The Bookshelf
Books & Literature
About
What are you reading, loving or being challenged by? We review the latest in fiction for dedicated readers and for those who wish they read more.
Episodes
- Elizabeth Strout, Daniel Kehlmann and a Genre‑Bending Debut
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews Elizabeth Strout's "The Things We Never Say," Daniel Kehlmann's "The Director," and a new genre-bending novel. Reviewers are Geordie Williamson and Robert Forster.
- Amanda Lohrey. Deepa Anappara. International Booker: Reviewed
This episode of The Bookshelf features reviews of Deepa Anappara's "The Last of Earth" and Amanda Lohrey's "Capture." Additionally, Kate and Cassie discuss two International Booker Prize shortlisted books from France and Bulgaria.
- On the Shelf: Inga Simpson, Asako Yuzuki, Helen Bain and more
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews books by authors including Inga Simpson, Asako Yuzuki, and Helen Bain. Guests Tony Birch and Beejay Silcox join Kate Evans to discuss various literary works and the Stella Prize shortlist.
- New fiction from Amitav Ghosh, Edwina Preston and Gwendoline Riley
This episode of The Bookshelf features a discussion of new fiction. Kate and Cassie are joined by Madeleine Gray and Tim Rogers to discuss Ghost-Eye by Amitav Ghosh, Sororicidal by Edwina Preston, and The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley.
- Steve Toltz, Ben Lerner, Siân Hughes, and more
This episode of The Bookshelf features authors discussing memory, childhood, and labor. It also includes new crime releases and a reconsideration of Australian actor Errol Flynn. Guests include Michael Robotham and Geordie Williamson.
- ~ Festival Special: Irish Writer Colum McCann
Colum McCann joins Kate Evans at the 2025 Melbourne Writers Festival to discuss his novels, including "Twist," "Apeirogon," "TransAtlantic," and "Let the Great World Spin." He also talks about his involvement with the social justice storyt…
- Yann Martel, Debra Adelaide and Fiona Kelly McGregor - from myth to mid‑century Sydney
This episode of The Bookshelf features authors Yann Martel, Debra Adelaide, and Fiona Kelly McGregor. They discuss Yann Martel's 'Son of Nobody,' Debra Adelaide's 'When I Am Sixty-Four,' and Fiona Kelly McGregor's 'The Trap.'
- Short fiction from Louise Erdrich; essays by Alex Miller; and a surreal comic tale from Michael Winkler
This episode of The Bookshelf features short fiction by Louise Erdrich, essays and memories from Alex Miller, and a surreal comic story by Michael Winkler. Also included are childhood tales by Mark Haddon. Shannon Burns and Tony Birch appe…
- Lanchester, Groff and Costello — reviewed by Hannah Kent and Tim Rogers
This episode of The Bookshelf features reviews of three books: John Lanchester’s Look What You Made Me Do, Lauren Groff’s Brawler, and Mary Costello’s A Beautiful Loan. The reviews are provided by Hannah Kent and Tim Rogers.
- ~ Festival Special: Bringing the past to life with Emily Maguire and Jock Serong
This episode of The Bookshelf is a festival special featuring Kate Evans with writers Jock Serong and Emily Maguire. They discuss historical fiction at the 2025 Sydney Writers Festival.
- Siblings, secrets and shame in regional Australia in M L Stedman's A Far Flung Life and Eva Hornung's The Minstrels (REVIEWERS Michael Robotham and Roanna Gonsalves)
The Bookshelf discusses M L Stedman's A Far-Flung Life and Eva Hornung's The Minstrels, focusing on siblings, secrets, and shame in regional Australia. Reviewers Michael Robotham and Roanna Gonsalves also cover Francis Spufford's Nonesuch.
- Gabriel Tallent: Crux + Claire Thomas: On Not Climbing Mountains + Helle Helle: They (REVIEWERS: Hannah Kent and Tom Wright)
This episode of The Bookshelf discusses Gabriel Tallent’s "Crux," Claire Thomas's "On Not Climbing Mountains," and Helle Helle's "They." The books are reviewed by Hannah Kent and Tom Wright.
- Does Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation do justice to the original novel?
Kate Evans and Sky Kirkham discuss Emerald Fennell's film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, examining its portrayal of the novel. They also review the film adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet in an expanded podcast extra.
- Tayari Jones: Kin + Nadia Davids: Cape Fever + two bloody rom-coms (REVIEWERS: Tony Birch and Beejay Silcox)
This episode reviews Tayari Jones's novel Kin and Nadia Davids's Cape Fever. It also covers two rom-coms. Guests on the episode include Tony Birch and Beejay Silcox.
- So Far Gone: Jess Walter + Good People: Patmeena Sabit + Eradication: Jonathan Miles (REVIEWERS: Tim Rogers and Madeleine Gray)
This episode of The Bookshelf features Kate and Cassie with guests Tim Rogers and Madeleine Gray. They discuss new fiction, specifically reviewing books by Jess Walter, Patmeena Sabit, and Jonathan Miles.
- Madeline Cash: Lost Lambs + George Saunders: Vigil + new releases by George Kemp and Steven Carroll (REVIEWERS: Michael Robotham & Roanna Gonsalves)
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews four books: Madeline Cash's "Lost Lambs," George Saunders' "Vigil," George Kemp's "Soft Serve," and Steven Carroll's "The Afterlife of Harry Playford." Reviewers Michael Robotham and Roanna Gonsalves d…
- Michael Mohammed Ahmad: Bugger + Jeanette McCurdy: Half His Age + Nina McConigley: How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder (REVIEWERS: Hannah Kent & Tom Wright)
This episode of The Bookshelf features reviews of three books. Kate and Cassie discuss Michael Mohammed Ahmad's "Bugger." Reviewers Hannah Kent and Tom Wright provide their thoughts on Jennette McCurdy's "Half His Age" and Nina McConigley'…
- Julian Barnes: Departure(s) + Cassie Stroud: Iluka + Patrick Charnley: This, My Second Life (REVIEWERS: Tony Birch & Beejay Silcox)
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews three books: Julian Barnes's Departures, Cassie Stroud's Iluka, and Patrick Charnley's This, My Second Life. Reviewers Tony Birch and Beejay Silcox discuss the novels. Kate and Cassie host the program.
- Festival Special: Maggie O'Farrell on Hamnet and more
Maggie O'Farrell is interviewed by Kate Evans at the 2025 Sydney Writers Festival. She discusses her nine novels, which include "Hamnet," and her memoir "I Am I Am I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death."
- Summer Reading: at the Brisbane Writers Festival
This episode of The Bookshelf features a discussion recorded live at the 2025 Brisbane Writers Festival. Authors Eric Puchner, Toni Jordan, Patrick Holland, and Zeynab Gamieldien share insights into their latest novels and the literary wor…
- Summer Reading: with Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq and Catherine Chidgey
Kate Evans and Claire Nichols, joined by international writers Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq, and Catherine Chidgey, discuss influential books from the 21st century. This discussion took place at the 2025 Sydney Writers Fe…
- Summer Reading: It's time for poetry
This episode of The Bookshelf features Kate Evans, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Sarah Holland-Batt, Daniel Browning, and Julia Baird discussing and reading poetry. They explore poems that have resonated with them this century and how the art form…
- Summer Books Special: Novelist, essayist, raconteur Colm Tóibín
Colm Tóibín joins Kate Evans at the 2025 Sydney Writers Festival to discuss his novels, writing process, and various topics including his hometown of Enniscorthy and the story of a tongue. The conversation covers his perspectives on fictio…
- Summer Reading: Jane Austen's Enduring Charm
The Bookshelf discusses Jane Austen's life, legacy, and literary brilliance, examining her observations on themes such as friendship, ambition, and equality.
- Summer Books Special: Irish writer Niall Williams' Time of the Child
Niall Williams talks about his novel, Time of the Child, which is set in the fictional town of Faha, Ireland. This discussion took place during the 2025 Adelaide Writers Week.
- Summer Reading: Bloody Histories
This episode of The Bookshelf features a discussion on historical crime fiction from the 2025 BAD Sydney Crime Festival. Authors Nilima Rao, Michael Burge, and Lainie Anderson discuss their works, which are set in various historical period…
- Some of My Favourite Books: Trent Dalton, Garry Disher and Heather Rose at Canberra Writers Festival
Trent Dalton, Garry Disher, and Heather Rose share their favourite books at the Canberra Writers Festival. The discussion is hosted by Kate and Cassie.
- The Best Books of 2025
Cassie McCullagh and Kate Evans are joined by book experts to discuss their favorite books of 2025. The panel shares their top recommendations and a comprehensive list of titles.
- Memoirs, Music, Mystery: new works from Sam Sussman, Sarah Hall, Margaret Atwood
This episode features new works from authors Sam Sussman, Sarah Hall, and Margaret Atwood. Discussions also include literary speculation on Bob Dylan and other books, with guests Hannah Kent and Stuart Coupe.
- Salman Rushdie's latest/Scandi noir/Australian crime fiction wrap & more...
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews Salman Rushdie's short story collection, The Eleventh Hour, alongside other short story collections. It also features a segment on new crime fiction, including the latest in The Girl with the Dragon Ta…
- Fiction bending reality in new books by Thomas Pynchon, Olivia Laing and Jeanette Winterson
This episode of The Bookshelf features Cassie McCullagh and Jonathan Green reviewing new books. They discuss Thomas Pynchon’s Shadow Ticket, Olivia Laing’s The Silver Book, and Jeanette Winterson’s One Aladdin Two Lamps, focusing on how th…
- Madeleine Gray's Chosen Family + Chris Kraus and Graeme Macrae Burnet
This episode of The Bookshelf features discussions on Madeleine Gray's novel "Chosen Family", Chris Kraus' "The Four Spent The Day Together", and Graeme Macrae Burnet's "Benbecula". The books explore themes of friendship, love, growing up,…
- October Book Buzz: Andrew Pippos, Kiran Desai, Olga Ravn & More
Kate and Cassie introduce October book releases, including "The Transformations" by Andrew Pippos, "The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny" by Kiran Desai, and "The Wax Child" by Olga Ravn. These books span different continents, centuries, and…
- We reveal the books that didn’t quite make the Top 100
The Bookshelf discusses books that didn't make the Top 100 Books of the 21st Century list. The episode recaps results from over 288,000 votes cast by Australian readers, with insights from guests including Michaela Kalowski, Gavin Williams…
- Brisbane Writers Festival: Eric Puchner, Toni Jordan, Patrick Holland, Zeynab Gamieldien
At the Brisbane Writers Festival, authors Eric Puchner, Toni Jordan, Patrick Holland, and Zeynab Gamieldien join Kate and Cassie to discuss their latest novels and the books and writers that inspire them. They also share their favorite boo…
- Four new memoirs: Mandy Sayer/Elizabeth Gilbert/Arundhati Roy/S. Shakthidharan
This episode reviews four new memoirs: Mandy Sayer's "No Dancing in the Lift", Elizabeth Gilbert's "All the Way to the River", Arundhati Roy's "Mother Mary Comes to Me", and S. Shakthidharan's "Gather Up Your World in One Long Breath". Eac…
- Top Poems of the 21st Century
Kate Evans hosts a discussion with guests Maxine Beneba Clarke, Sarah Holland-Batt, Daniel Browning, and Julia Baird about their favorite 21st-century poems. They read selected works and discuss the evolution of poetry.
- Patricia Lockwood's auto-fiction-ish Will There Ever Be Another You + The Buffalo Hunter Hunter + The Original
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews three new books: Patricia Lockwood's auto-fiction-ish "Will There Ever Be Another You," Stephen Graham Jones' "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter," and Nell Stevens' "The Original." The discussion covers variou…
- Ian McEwan's What We Can Know + new work from Olga Tokarczuk and Miranda Darling
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews new fiction, including Ian McEwan’s What We Can Know, Olga Tokarczuk’s House of Day, House of Night, and Miranda Darling’s Fireweather. Australian authors Madeleine Gray and Gretchen Shirm join to disc…
- Still Turning Heads at 250: Jane Austen’s Enduring Charm
This episode discusses Jane Austen's life, legacy, and literary brilliance on her 250th birthday. The conversation explores her novels and their themes of friendship, ambition, money, love, power, and equality.
- Superstar children's author Andy Griffiths reviews! Plus, Omar Musa's Fierceland and Geoff Dyer's Homework
This episode of The Bookshelf features children's author Andy Griffiths reviewing books. Omar Musa discusses his novel 'Fierceland', and Geoff Dyer talks about his memoir 'Homework', reflecting on his childhood in England.
- Greyhounds, dark academia and an Amish community in new fiction by Toni Jordan, R.F. Kuang and Ron Rindo
This episode reviews new fiction including Toni Jordan's Tenderfoot, R.F. Kuang's Katabasis, and Ron Rindo's Life, and Death, and Giants. It also features interviews with guests Seth Robinson and Michael McGirr, who share their own book re…
- A simmering summer in Greece, rare snails, dystopia with a twist: new fiction by Amy Taylor, Leif Enger and Maria Reva
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews new fiction, featuring Amy Taylor's "Ruins," Maria Reva's "Endling," and Leif Enger's "I Cheerfully Refuse." The discussion includes a story of holiday chaos in Greece, a scientist breeding rare snails…
- AI in America, a kidnapping in Corsica, the transformative power of boxing: books by Gary Shteyngart, Darrow Farr, and Lucas Schaefer
Kate and Cassie discuss Gary Shteyngart's "Vera, or Faith," Darrow Farr's "The Bombshell," and Lucas Schaefer's "The Slip." The novels cover AI in America, a kidnapping in Corsica, and the transformative power of boxing.
- People turning into trees, mythical rivers rising...new novels by Rhett Davis and Gurnaik Johal (plus, Irish fiction with Colm Tóibín)
This episode features new novels by Rhett Davis and Gurnaik Johal. Rhett Davis discusses his latest novel, Arborescence. Roanna Gonsalves reviews Gurnaik Johal's debut novel, Saraswati. Colm Tóibín speaks about his literary influences.
- 2025 Miles Franklin Literary Award assessed
This episode of The Bookshelf critically assesses the 2025 Miles Franklin Literary Award shortlist and winner. Guests include literary scholar Bernadette Brennan and critic Geordie Williamson.
- Parties, scandals, sex, love: new novels by Nell Zink, Amy Bloom and the controversial James Frey
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews new novels by Nell Zink, Amy Bloom, and James Frey. The books cover themes of parties, scandals, sex, love, families, friendship, and death, with settings ranging from Berlin to 80 years of history.
- New Australian crime + hungry ghosts and a great white whale
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews new Australian crime fiction, Xiaolu Guo's Call Me Ishmaelle, and Daria Lavelle's Aftertaste. It covers various books and authors mentioned in the episode.
- Sydney Writer's Festival: The State of the Art of the Novel
At the 2025 Sydney Writers' Festival, four authors discuss the current state of fiction. Samantha Harvey, Rumaan Alam, Torrey Peters, and Robbie Arnott share their perspectives on the novel.
- Mystery in new fiction from Ben Okri, Sameer Pandya and Anjet Daanje
This episode of The Bookshelf reviews new mystery fiction from authors Ben Okri, Sameer Pandya, and Anjet Daanje. The discussion centers on the core question of "What really happened" in their featured novels.