K-pop and Sydney Sweeney’s jeans: Prospect’s cultural year in review

'The Happening' recounts Annie Ernaux's experience with an illegal abortion in 1960s France, where abortion was criminalized. Ernaux vividly portrays her isolation, fear, and the physical and emotional toll of seeking an abortion in a time when it was both dangerous and stigmatized. The book explores themes of bodily autonomy, women's rights, and the social constraints placed upon women. It delves into the challenges she faced in accessing information and medical care, highlighting the desperation and risks women endured during that era. Ernaux's unflinching account sheds light on the historical struggle for reproductive rights and the personal costs of restricted access to safe abortion services.

This House of Grief is a masterful work of literary journalism that explores the trial of Robert Farquharson, who was accused of intentionally driving his car into a dam, resulting in the deaths of his three sons. The book delves into the complexities of the trial, the emotional toll on those involved, and the broader societal implications. Garner's writing provides a detailed and empathetic account of the case, capturing the nuances of human behavior and the legal system.

The Mushroom Tapes explores the Erin Patterson case through the voices of three acclaimed writers, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, and Sarah Krasnostein. It delves into the trial of Erin Patterson, accused of murdering her family with poisoned mushrooms. The authors dissect various aspects of the case, including feminism, religion, and the dynamics of the Patterson family. The book reflects on their experiences covering the trial amidst intense media scrutiny. Through recorded conversations and personal insights, the authors offer a meta-analysis of true crime reporting and its impact.

The Go-Go Years is a harrowing and humorous account of the growth stocks of the 1960s and their meteoric rise, followed by the devastating market crashes of the 1970s. The book includes stories of high-profile personalities such as H. Ross Perot, who lost $450 million in one day, Saul Steinberg's attempt to take over Chemical Bank, and the fall of America's 'Last Gatsby,' Eddie Gilbert. Brooks blends humor and astute analysis to provide a vivid description of the financial landscape of the time, making it a classic of business history.

Helen Garner's "Monkey Grip" is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the complexities of a relationship between the narrator and a charismatic but unreliable man. The novel explores themes of love, addiction, and the challenges of navigating personal relationships. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Melbourne, the story captures the atmosphere of the era and the social and political climate. Garner's writing style is known for its honesty and directness, creating a raw and intimate portrayal of the characters' lives. The novel's exploration of female experience and the complexities of relationships has resonated with readers for decades.