From the Lighthouse

Game of Thrones Finale: The Rant is Long and Full of Terrors

Everybody is talking about the Game of Thrones finale. So, we decided to as well. Jimmy and Louise join Stephanie to discuss the final series of the worldwide phenomenon but fair warning: ranting awaits.

Interview with Ellie Crookes on Guinevere and Arthurian Literature

Guinevere has always been one of the most popular, and the most contested, characters of the Arthurian legends. This week, Stephanie is joined by Ellie Crookes to talk about the place of Guinevere in Arthurian literature, and why the nineteenth century loved to represent her as a nun.

Interview with Xu Daozhi on Indigenous Cultural Capital: Postcolonial Narratives in Australian Children's Literature

How are Indigenous people represented in Australian children's literature? Xu Daozhi joins Stephanie to discuss her book Indigenous Cultural Capital: Postcolonial Narratives in Australian Children's Literature, which explores this very subject.

Might as well face it, we're addicted to true crime

We love true crime. We consume lots of true crime. This week, Jimmy and Steph discuss some recent true crime books, podcasts, and documentaries, and ponder exactly what was happening in the 1970s. #FreeAdnan.

In love with the shape of you: An Interview with Lee Kofman

Lee Kofman's Imperfect explores the way our bodies shape the people we are. This week, Stephanie talks to Lee about imperfect bodies, gender, the cultural history of scars, and why we never talk about our bodies.

Visit Lee's website at https://leekofman.com.au/

 

Mary Queen of Scots and the Enduring Appeal of Tudor Queens

Mary Queen of Scots seems to be having a moment, with new films and plays about the Scottish queen's relationship with her cousin, Elizabeth I, recently released. This week, Michelle and Jimmy chat to Steph about one of her favourite subjects: the enduring appeal of Tudor queens. 

Jenna Guillaume's What I Like About Me: A Daggy Caravan Park Romance

Jenna Guillaume's debut novel, What I Like About Me, is a YA romantic comedy set at that most Australian of settings: the daggy caravan park. This week, Stephanie is joined by Jenna to discuss romance, body positivity, beauty pageants, Twitter, Dirty Dancing, and why all dresses should have pockets.

 

Jenna's Twitter account is @JennaGuillaume and her novel What I Like About Me is available at all good bookshops now. 

Interview with Laura Neill, Editor for The Quarry Journal Issue 13

The Quarry Journal, the online journal of Macquarie University's English Department, is currently seeking submissions for Issue 13: Borderlines. This week, Stephanie and Michelle discuss the issue with the student editor, Laura Neill.

For more information on The Quarry, or to submit please visit the journal website: http://thequarryjournal.com/submit-2/

 

Best Books of 2018 (re-uploaded)

This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy finally gather to talk about their favourite books (and film!) of 2018. Jimmy talks crime movies, Michelle talks about her love of deep, depressing books, and Stephanie cheats wildly.

Beloved and Controversial: The Works of Enid Blyton

Enid Blyton was a part of many childhoods, as the author of such classics as The Enchanted Forest, the Famous Five and the Naughtiest Girl in the School series. However, in recent years she's come under increasing scrutiny for the racism and sexism apparent in many of her stories. This week, Stephanie and Lee discuss school stories, food, women, and all things Blyton.