And so it was with discovering the stunning debut The Safekeep by Dutch writer Yael Van der Wouden which was shortlisted for the Booker. Set in the 60s in a remote house in the Dutch countryside, it's both a passionate and moving love story between two women, the reserved Isabel and free-spirited Eva, and a reckoning with the aftermath of WWII. The writing is nothing short of masterful for a first novel (written in English) with images like ‘... the dredges of a dream still hot in her mouth’ and ‘...trees along the path gossiping with shaking leaves.’ The two women as well as more minor characters like Isabel's two brothers and her suitor, Johan, are beautifully drawn, and when the twist comes towards the end, it knocks you for a six. Any superlative will do. 

Despite what is written above, there is a lovely book being released on February 13, Ann Tyler's Three Days in June. Having not read anything of Tyler's for some years, it felt like visiting an old friend. Taking place over the three days of a wedding in Baltimore, and narrated by the bride's mother, this is well-known Tyler territory - everyday people in an everyday middle-class world - a world in which small things become momentous and vice versa. It occurred to me that Elizabeth Strout has in recent years invaded Tyler territory with Olive Kitteridge

and Lucy Barton, but after reading this short, nigh-on perfect novel,  Strout seems, dare I say it, rather twee in comparison.   

And lastly, if you're in the mood for a scary crime novel, try Can't Run, Can't Hide by Scandi queen Yrsa Sigurdardottir. A creepy page-turner.

Morgan

Sue Williams – The Governor, His Wife & His Mistress  Thursday 20th February

When future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him.  From the author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and That Bligh Girl, comes another fascinating story of female friendship and betrayal based on historical events. A story of tangled love affairs,  twisted loyalties, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land.

Quentin McDermott – Meadow’s Law Friday 21st February

Kathleen Folbigg in 2003 was found guilty of smothering her four young children to death. This is a gripping and meticulously researched account of  the criminal case, written by the investigative journalist whose groundbreaking work with Australian Story helped trigger a push by scientists to uncover the genetic cause of two of the children’s deaths.  It is also the story of how dedicated teams of lawyers and supporters fought to achieve Kathleen Folbigg’s eventual pardon, release and acquittal.  A must for anyone interested in true crime, justice, science and the power of investigative journalism.

Nick Kaldas – Behind the Badge  Tuesday 4th March – In conversation with Gary Jubelin

Nick Kaldas is a cop’s cop. From investigating war criminals to taking down global drug operations, Kaldas has seen the worst humanity can offer. But he’s also seen which human qualities can lead to greatness.

This is the compelling true story of an immigrant boy from Egypt who rose from beat cop to become one of the most senior police officers in Australia.

The second of our Gleetalks podcast series is now online.  Gleetalks is a collection of some of our most interesting and popular conversations from Sydney’s finest literary events program, hosted by David Gaunt.

Over a calendar year, lifelong swimmer, educator and writer Chris Baker swam at iconic beaches, municipal pools, harbour baths, tidal rock pools, bushland lakes and a backyard pool.  In this episode he talks to curator and broadcaster Michaela Kalowksi about his book Swimming Sydney: A Tale of 52 Swims, a valentine to the beautiful obsession of swimming in the world’s most beautiful city, and how storytelling is the best way to navigate life’s emotional currents.