December 2023, no. 460
Welcome to the December issue of ABR! This month we feature illuminating commentary by Bain Attwood, Anne Twomey and Joel Deane on the historical, legal, and political implications of the Voice referendum defeat. Elsewhere, thirty-nine critics nominate their Books of the Year, James Ley writes about Ralph Ellison, Brenda Walker considers a selection of notes and letters from Alex Miller, and David Trigger reviews Michael Gawenda’s deeply personal memoir which reflects on his Jewish identity. We also review new fiction from Charlotte Wood, Suzie Miller, Tony Birch, and Laura Jean McKay. Heading Backstage, our Q&A guest is Ruth Mackenzie, Director of the Adelaide Festival.
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Full Contents
History
Revolutionary Spring: Fighting for a new world, 1848–1849 by Christopher Clark
by Peter McPhee
History
Imperial Island: A history of empire in modern Britain by Charlotte Lydia Riley
by Jon Piccini
Indigenous Studies
Monumental Disruptions: Aboriginal people and colonial commemorations in so-called Australia by Bronwyn Carlson and Terri Farrelly
by Cole Baxter
Literary Studies
Retroland: A reader’s guide to the dazzling diversity of modern fiction by Peter Kemp
Science and Technology
Algorithmic Intimacy: The digital revolution in personal relationships by Anthony Elliott
History
Saving Lieutenant Kennedy: The heroic story of the Australian who helped rescue JFK by Brett Mason
by Nick Hordern
Essay Collection