

The best books of 2024
Dec 22, 2024
Michael Williams, Editor of The Monthly and host of the Read This podcast, dives into the best literary gems of 2024. He explores the thought-provoking themes in 'All Fours,' drawing parallels with classic literature, and shares delightful summer reading picks, including Murakami's latest. The conversation shifts to Helen Garner's 'The Season,' touching on family dynamics and identity. Williams also unpacks Percival Everett's powerful narrative in 'James,' revisiting Twain's work from a fresh perspective, showcasing its critical acclaim and cultural depth.
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The Season's Surprise
- Michael Williams initially doubted he'd enjoy Helen Garner's The Season, a book about her grandson's footy team.
- However, Garner's unique perspective, humor, and observations transformed a seemingly mundane topic into a beautiful exploration of family and aging.
Confronting Aging
- Helen Garner's The Season confronts the realities of aging, both physically and mentally.
- Garner's unflinching self-awareness adds a layer of melancholy, suggesting a reckoning with mortality.
de Kretser's Playful Approach
- Michelle de Kretser is a highly acclaimed Australian novelist known for her playful writing style and formal experimentation.
- She approaches serious themes with elasticity, blurring the lines between realism and experimentation.