BOOK REVIEWS

Editor’s Choice

The Diaries of Miles Franklin
Edited by Paul Brunton
Allen & Unwin, RRP$39.95
ISBN 1741142962

The long awaited The Diaries of Miles Franklin are about to be revealed. One of Australia’s most beloved writers, Miles Franklin bequeathed her personal diaries to the Mitchell Library (State Library New South Wales), half a century ago. Paul Brunton, Senior Curator in the Mitchell Library, has edited these fascinating volumes and is also curator of a major national exhibition on Miles Franklin scheduled to tour the country in 2004 and 2005. Most famous for her classic novel My Brilliant Career, Franklin was always careful to guard her private life telling friends “You’ll find it all later in my diaries”. Deemed too ‘candid’ to publish forty years ago the diaries promise to delight readers and give an insight into the mind of an undeniably brilliant woman. Renowned for her wit, outspokenness and wicked sense of humour, the diaries are Franklin’s final gift to her fans and commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of her death.

The Incomparable Captain Cadell
By John Nicholson
Allen & Unwin, RRP$29.95
ISBN 1741141087

Enter into the amazing world of Francis Cadell in John Nicholson’s first book for adults. Not just a captivating story of one man’s journey, this tale also captures a fascinating era in Australia’s history. Francis Cadell took to a life on the high seas at the age of fourteen and led a life of high adventure that culminated in the establishment of the Murray River Navigation Company and the opening up of the Murray and Darling Rivers to paddle-steamer trade in the 1850s. Nicholson gives us the story of an incredible man and the intriguing times in which he lived.

Dealing with Dementia
By Dr Brian Draper
Allen & Unwin, RRP$29.95
ISBN 1865088536

Dr Brian Draper is an old age psychiatrist (psychogeriatrician) from the Academic Department for Old Age Psychiatry at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney. In Dealing with Dementia he takes a comprehensive look at Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Far from being a medical manual, the book is an invaluable tool. Dr Draper deals with the subject in a compassionate manner and offers a wealth of practical advice for sufferers and their families and friends.

The Gentleman’s Garden
By Catherine Jinks
Allen & Unwin, RRP$21.95
ISBN 1741141435

Bestselling author Catherine Jinks delivers what The Australian Women’s Weekly describes as; “An intelligent romance and absorbing account of life in Australia in the 1880s”. This beautifully written novel from a proven storyteller will appeal to anyone who likes history and romance.

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Healing Fire from Frozen Earth

Paul Glynn
Marist Fathers Books, $12.00
ISBN 0 9577207
Paul Glynn has written several books including A Song for Nagasaki and Hearers of Silent Music. Featured here is Healing Fire from Frozen Earth which focuses on the healing power of Lourdes and is based on the author’s personal experience and extensive research. Glynn’s latest book is called The Wayside Stream - Reconciliation a reference to Psalm 110:7 which talks about the Messiah to come. All of Paul Glynn’s inspirational books cost just $12.00 including postage and all profits go to the missionary work of the Church. The books are available from the Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need.

Phone (02)9679-1929 or email:info@aidtochurch.org. Books can also be obtained directly from Marist Fathers Books; 1 Mary Street, Hunters Hill NSW 2110.