The May 4 Edition
The idea that someone outwardly sweet may also be fuelled by anger will not seem incongruous to many women. Good girls who mostly do what they’re told, work hard to achieve their goals and look after younger and older family members, yet regularly feel white-hot with fury over a litany of injustices, real or perceived, directed at them and/or others, are not at all uncommon (cough, can relate). So where to channel all that rage? If you’re Shankari Chandran, you send it into the punching bag at your local boxing studio. And you put it into the characters who pepper your novels. As Chandran tells Melanie Kembrey in today’s cover story, she tends to write from a position of anger but ends up at a place of love and greater understanding. Chandran has certainly put her type-A personality to good use. She’s a novelist, lawyer, mother of four and, as of last year, one of only a handful of non-white winners of the country’s most prestigious literary prize, the Miles Franklin. The novel she won it for is a joy to read – like curling up with a cup of chai (not chai tea – see story). As a result, her next book, Safe Haven, out this month, is keenly anticipated. – Editor, Katrina Strickland
She was told her fiction wasn’t ‘Australian enough’. Then she won the Miles Franklin
Working with a “billable hours” mindset, lawyer, mum of four and author Shankari Chandran weaves sharp social justice critiques through her loving family tales.
- by Melanie Kembrey
From Donald Trump to MONA’s David Walsh: Our soaring anxiety about status
Widening inequality, shifting fortunes and social media neediness are lifting our anxiety about status to new heights.
- by Luke Slattery
Keep or cull? What to do with the mementos of an ex-partner
A necklace. Valentine’s Day cards. CDs. Notebooks. What to do with love’s detritus?
- by Jonathan Seidler
When Joey lost a leg, others wrapped him in cotton wool. Not Adam
Plasterer Joey Fry’s bout of depression in 2019 led to a life-changing event. His mate, plastering business owner Adam Sorrenson, has helped him heal.
- by Lenny Ann Low
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘I’ve heard some strange theories’: Paul Murray on The Bee Sting’s climax
The Irish writer on his childhood fear of the devil, his superpower – and one of the enigmas of his latest novel.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
For subscribers
How to tackle that neighbour who won’t scoop dog poop
Revenge is a dish best served with a perfectly timed water sprinkler, writes our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
Kitchen Sink Drama: Vampire
You’re not supposed to invite a vampire in, Chloe realised, but here was Lilith on her doorstep with a bottle of red and a wide, toothy smile. “Lilith!” she said, in the same way one might say “Fire!” or “Avalanche!” Four hours later, just as she’d feared, Lilith was still in her apartment and monologuing, in graphic detail, on her work life, love life and myriad other lives in-between. Having long since failed to interrupt her, much less drive a stake through the evening, Chloe, as drained as that bottle of wine, swooned under the assault, resigned to her fate. Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
When a TV show on a real-life story covers big ideas, do small glitches matter?
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Louise Rugendyke, Katrina Strickland, Nicole Abadee, Barry Divola and Melissa Fyfe
Leg it to the shops: There’s a run on stockings
On 2024 runways, tights are no mere accessory – in fact, they’re often an outfit’s hero.
- by Melissa Singer
Mustard-and herb-roasted chicken breast with buttered leeks
Simple roasted chicken with a side of buttery leeks and potato.
- by Danielle Alvarez
Sunday baking project: Helen Goh’s chocolate, rye and espresso cookies
A mocha-flavoured cookie that bakes in 10 minutes.
- by Helen Goh
Review
Bansho
A little Japanese, a little French but a lot to love at this Armadale passion project
Don’t be deterred by the words “fusion food”. At this High Street newcomer, two cuisines meld with sensitivity and purpose.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Sydney
Beer + chicken skewers + beer. It’s a perfect formula at this north shore yakitori joint
Yakitori Yurippi is at the heart of the Hatena Group’s transformation of Crows Nest into the north shore’s very own version of Merivale’s Ivy complex.
- by Callan Boys
‘The poor man’s Grange’ now costs how much?
The reason why the Penfolds Bin is retailing at more than $100.
- by Huon Hooke
