On Passion
by Dorothy Porter
Melbourne University Press
It’s a little eerie reading a new work from Dorothy Porter after her death, but apparently there’s another three potential works to emerge, which means that the legacy of this phenomenal Australian poet will live on.
What makes this book so unique is that it’s Porter writing in a voice which specifically addresses the reader, discussing in depth the sources of her passion and inspiration in the field of writing.
It reads in parts like an autobiography, spanning instances from her childhood and adolescence to more recent times. What we learn about Porter, besides how genuinely eloquent she is, is her love of music and how this love informed her poetry.
Initially unnerving, this tiny little tome provides a crucial insight into this unique voice. Brilliant, inspiring and ultimately touching, this is a vital part to Dorothy Porter’s legacy.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Who Said That First?
by Max Cryer
Exisle Publishers
Bulging with the origins of words and phrases, Max Cryer’s ‘Who said that first?’ has spilt the beans on the curious history of the English language. In a nutshell, this chronology of common expressions explores who said what, when and where.
Packed full of not so conventional wisdom, it definitely ensures a no-brainer read that’s as good as gold. Cryer’s witty humour breaks the mould for contemporary non-fiction with the stories behind phrases such as ‘How’s your father?’ and ‘Let them eat cake’.
Riddled with intriguing moments in history, it contains the beginnings of the infamous Mile High Club and the secret behind everybody’s 15 minutes of fame. A perfect reference point, ‘Who Said That First?’ is ideal for settling a squabble or just brushing up on your trivia.
Be prepared for this quirky collection that delves as far back as Shakespeare’s scriptures and back to pop-culture references like the wonderfully naive quotes from my personal favourite, Sarah Palin.
Benn Dorrington
Just Kids
by Patti Smith
Bloomsbury
This is more a biography of the life of Robert Mapplethorpe, famed gay photographer, as it is an autobiography of the life of Patti Smith, legendary rock singer and poet. These two, together, fused a life that is iconic in its history as it is enviable in its capacity. They may have been just kids, but they achieved so much.
This work maps Smith’s life and how Mapplethorpe’s intersects and enlivens it. Smith’s writing is flawless, wistful, romantic and sharp, a selection of images throughout used to highlight the trajectory and travel of their stories.
There are no surprises as to how it ends, but what it does offer is an amazing insight into both Mapplethorpe and Smith, although it’s Mapplethorpe whose life and capacity seems to shine through, Smith’s love for him evident from the moment they meet. A brilliant book, perfect for lovers of Mapplethorpe and that gritty era of New York in the 1970’s.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
Daughters of Allah
by Ellen Mary Wilton
Miss Maisie Publications
Based on a true story, Daughters of Allah is a look into a hidden world that few of us experience first hand. Wilton spent time as a teenager at a Muslim boarding school in Alexandria, Egypt while her father was working as a diplomat in the 1960’s.
The book contains all the usual hi-jinks one would expect in a boarding school – smoking, clandestine pornography, stealing exam papers – however the girl’s discussions of harems and arranged marriages add a fresh element and insight.
Also expected is the latent lesbianism. In a culture where men and women are routinely segregated, curious teenage girls will inevitably turn to each other to explore their sexuality.
While Wilton’s observations are her own, she is quick to point out that hindsight has allowed her a certain amount of revision and her personal account is interspersed with factual details about the Egyptian political climate of the time.
Amy Henderson
