Jeff Popple reviews three new books by Australian authors about suburban crime, military history, and mental health. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Suburban Noir by Peter Doyle
Newsouth, $34.99
Peter Doyle’s Suburban Noir is one of the most fascinating books I have read all year. Drawing partly on the private papers of his late uncle, Assistant Police Commissioner Brian Doyle, Doyle paints a vivid picture of everyday crime and life in Sydney in the 1950s and ‘60s. Engrossing vignettes of small-time heists, bad luck stories and murders, share space with bigger cases, including the tragic kidnapping of Graeme Thorne, and Doyle’s insightful reflections on society and changing times. Entertainingly written, it shines new light on what was really happening in the alleys, backyards, and bedrooms of mid-century Sydney. Highly recommended.
Hul! Hul! by Peter Stanley
Hurst, $79.99
Also full of interest is Hul! Hul! by highly respected Canberran historian Peter Stanley. The 1855 rebellion, or Hul, by the Santal people against the East India Company in Bengal is now largely forgotten. At the time, however, it was the most serious uprising that the East India Company had ever faced, and resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 Santals. Drawing for the first time on British military reports, Stanley provides a comprehensive and well documented account of why the Hul occurred, how it was fought and its many consequences. A well balanced, lucid, and informative account of an overlooked historical episode.
Minding Your Mind by Ian Hickie and James O’Loghlin
Penguin, $34.99
Based on the popular podcast by James O’Loghlin and Professor Ian Hickie, Minding Your Mind, is an entertaining journey through all aspects of our mind and our mental health. Written with humour and compassion, Minding Your Mind explores how our minds work, what happens when things go wrong and how we can improve, and take control of, our mental wellbeing. The authors dispel some of the myths around mental health and provide a range of useful tips and insights, including how to prevent and cope with burnout. Easy to read and highly informative, this is an important book for these stressful times.
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