Jeff Popple reviews three interesting Australian books about vanishing wildlife, remarkable letters and women who win. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Vanishing Wild by Justine E. Hausheer
NewSouth, $34.99
The Vanishing World by science writer Justine E. Hausheer is another important book about Australian wildlife from NewSouth publishing. Australia is celebrated for its unique animals, yet native species are increasingly in chaos. In the past 200 years, we have lost more biodiversity than any other developed nation, and unfortunately this trend is likely to continue. In an engaging manner, Hausheer takes us on a fascinating journey through the harsh reality of our extinction crisis and sets out what needs to be done. She also captivates with enjoyable vignette encounters with a range of animals from pygmy possums to bilbies and the elusive night parrot. Recommended.
Postscript curated by Lauren Smith
NLA Publishing, $26.99
The National Library of Australia holds millions of letters, from declarations of love, to reports on scientific discoveries, to personal complaints, and vigorous political correspondence. In Postscript, publisher Lauren Smith and the National Library team have curated an interesting array of historical letters from well-known Australians, such as Neville Bonner, Mem Fox, Henry Lawson and Adela Pankhurst, and have asked contemporary writers to contribute new letters inspired by the original ones. There is also a letter from Jane Austen touching on an early draft of Pride and Prejudice and a response from Kate Forsyth. The result is a revealing and captivating book, that enlightens and entertains.
Women Who Win by Antoinette Lattouf
Penguin, $36.99
Women Who Win is a lively account of women who defied expectations and conventions, and took on the establishment. From pioneers in sport and science, to feminist anti-conscription campaigner Vida Goldstein, to Australia’s first female law graduate, and to those who are still fighting for equality and change today, Antoinette Lattouf introduces the reader to an inspiring set of women who refused to sit quietly and be polite. Also weaved throughout the book, are details of her own fight against the ABC and her landmark legal victory on free speech and employee rights. A witty celebration of female grit and defiance.
