The Changing Room: Book Club Discussion

Get ready fellow book club enthusiasts as Christine Sykes has released a series of questions for discussion regarding her book, The Changing Room. If you have read it, be part of the discussion! If not, The Changing Room should be at the top of your reading list.

  • How does the title The Changing Room relate to the book?

  • What do you think the author’s purpose was in writing the book?

  • Did the structure of the novel (chapters divided into individual perspectives of the three main characters) enhance or detract from the narrative?

  • Did the book change your opinion or perspective about any of the social issues raised?

  • The service Suitability was based on a real charity (called Dress for Success). Did the book enhance your knowledge and understanding of such an organisation?

  • Do you think Claire and Anna overstepped the boundaries of their volunteer roles with their support for Molly? Are you aware of any similar situations?

  • The book follows the emerging friendship of 3 different women united through a common cause. How did this friendship develop?  Was their friendship plausible?

  • The author used dialogue in a particular way to further develop character.  Was this an effective technique?

  • If you could pick a character from the book to have coffee with, who would it be and what would you talk about?

  • What social issues were highlighted in the book and how do you think the author has portrayed the key social issues facing women today?

  • The book explores the issue of domestic violence.  What insights does it provide to this social problem?

  • Despite their differences in age and social class, what similar experiences bring Anna, Claire and Molly together?

  • What did you think of the ending of the book?

  • Can you envisage the circumstances of each character 5 years on from the end of the novel?

  • The city of Sydney is the backdrop for the book.  How has this setting influenced the narrative?

  • Do you agree with Rosemary when she says that ‘women should be able to wear what they want’ What have been your experiences with wearing what you want?

  • What clothes do the main characters wear in the beginning of the novel and did they change?

  • Did you learn about fashion, style, make-up from reading the book?  Do you have any tips to share?

Go direct to the source at Christine Sykes website:

https://christinesykes.com/news/

Katherine Johnson in conversation with Geordie Williamson

Last night a crowd gathered in Fuller’s Bookshop in Hobart, glass of wine in hand, to celebrate the launch of Katherine Johnson’s six-years-in-the-making novel, Paris Savages. A Hobart local, Katherine drew in a large crowd for a talk with Geordie Williamson, literary critic at The Australian.

After reading one her favourite passages from early in the book, Katherine and Geordie dived into an intellectual discussion about the novel - it’s origins, the making and the character development (particularly of Hilda, who’s perspective we follow throughout the book). It is Hilda’s naivety that carries us through the uncomfortable images and circumstances in the novel and as she learns of the injustices we develop hope for the future, Geordie concludes.

They spoke of Dorondera’s and Hilda’s relationship - one of sisterhood, femininity and an encouragement of independence. And they spoke of Bonny’s bravery in his wanting to make a change for his people.

Question time saw some discussions of the development of the book cover - particularly over people’s pleasant surprise to see a face hidden beneath the foliage. If you’d like to read a little more behind the scenes of the cover, head to our Q&A with designer Alissa Dinallo.

And if you’d like to read a recap of the Sydney launch head here.

Paris Savages launches in Sydney

Last week, a bunch of bookish people gathered at Better Read Than Dead in Newtown to listen to two intellectual, literary souls talk about writing, PhD’s, research and the newly released novel, Paris Savages.

Author Katherine Johnson was in conversation with Evelyn Araluen, Indigenous poet and writer, to discuss the themes that grace the pages of her latest work – the little known story of three Badtjala people from Fraser Island who travelled to Europe as part of ethnographic exhibitions. 

After disclaiming that she would still have to ask “the question everyone has been asking” (why, as a non-Indigenous writer, did Katherine feel the need to write a book about Indigenous history), Evelyn and Katherine dived into the conversation. They explored Katherine’s need to write this story that no one else had written; her clever use of literary devices that aid, but do not presume to know, the Indigenous perspective; the many years of travel and research that went into the novel’s creation (six, to be precise); her inspirations for the idea (ABC’s AWAYE!); and the challenges of embarking on such a huge feat of writing.

The room buzzed at question time as Djon Mundane, Indigenous speaker, artist and curator, discussed with Katherine the need for such literature and the challenges of working in the Indigenous space.

What is Katherine working on next? She doesn’t yet know herself. Following an intense author tour and a much-needed break, we’re sure Katherine will be working on something equally as fascinating (although we hope the next one won’t be six years away). Watch this space!

You can catch Katherine in conversation with Geordie Williamson, literary critic at The Age, on Thursday at Fullers Bookshop in Hobart, or at Readings Hawthorn on 22 October with Leah Kaminsky.

Thanks to Better Read Than Dead, Evelyn, and all those who attended.

 

 

 

Ventura Recommends - What to Read on R U OK DAY

Ventura is a strong advocate of mental health, and with today being R U OK day, it’s fitting to explore some of our favourite literature for when those feelings of anxiety seem overwhelming. Here are our top picks of books to pick up if you’re feeling down.

Books that let you know you’re not alone:

When you’re dealing with mental health, it can be hard to imagine that other people are dealing with the same thing. So, picking up a book can be as good as chatting to a good friend, or taking that long phone call to your mum. In Girl On the Edge & Girl Over the Edge, Kim Hodges strips bare the stigma towards mental illness in a raw and confronting memoir; yet talks of the positivity and understanding that comes from dealing with it head-on. 

Are you a mum? Or perhaps know someone struggling with anxiety around parenting? Melanie Dimmitt’s Special is a curious, casual and conversational exploration into parenting a child with special-needs, and all the obsessions that plague one’s mind when dealing with this. All sorts of life events can trigger anxiety, and Special shows us that uniting in our differences is the best way to embrace them. 

When some of the best Australian authors come together to write about an issue, you know it must be a big deal. Split, edited by Lee Kofman and featuring the likes of Graeme Simsion, Fiona Wright, A.S Patric, Alice Pung and more, delves into the world of leaving, loss and new beginnings, and the mental experiences that come with this. Each chapter gives you a unique story, and you might just find connections with more than one…

 

Books that uplift

They say laughter is the best medicine, and humour is what you’ll find inside the pages of The Age of Discretion by Virginia Duigan. It’s uplifting chick-lit at it’s best, or as some say, Sex in the City for the over 55’s.

If you’re a book lover, you can’t go past the nostalgia of Storytime by Jane Sullivan – the perfect way to escape reality. Jane revisits some of her favourite books from her childhood and recounts what she loved (or hated) and learnt from these books. Cosy up with Winnie-the-Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, the Moomintrolls or one of Jane’s favourites, the Magic Pudding.

Sometimes a heart-warming novel is all you need to calm your mind. Letters to My Yesterday by Karyn Sepulveda is a story of friendship, love, family and the enduring strength of women, and the perfect end to a long day (with a cup of tea in hand). A similar, but not-yet-released book is The Changing Room by Christine Sykes. In the lead up to Christmas, mental health is even more important, so keep an eye out for this one – a story of hope, second chances and the power of female friendship.  

Books that offer support

Whilst taking your mind off anxiety is a good way to deal with the short-term effects of mental health, sometimes that’s not enough. Renee Mill specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and has developed a program to analyse and treat anxiety without the use of medication, in her book Anxiety Free, Drug Free. By reinforcing positive thinking and emotional strength, Renee helps those suffering from anxiety to get back on their feet.

Although not strictly related to mental health, Career to Calling by Annie Stewart is a book for those wanting to make a change in their life but unsure how. In a time when jobs rule our day-to-day life, it’s easy to forget about your passion. As a life-long career coach, Annie guides you through the steps to take to find and follow your calling and reach a more fulfilled life.

Reach out to a loved one for a chat, and don’t forget to ask R U OK?

If you are in need of mental health support, there are services that can help.

Head to Beyond Blue for a full list of helplines that you can call here, call 1300 22 4636, or visit their website for more.

Ventura Recommends: August

Ventura staff live and breathe words, so we’ve always got our noses buried in a book, or our ears plugged into a podcast, or our eyes glued to the next zeitgeist film or series. Here’s a list of our favourites this winter season.

READ

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

‘The global buzz was huge so I bought the book the day of release and read over a weekend. It is a bleak morality tale told through intimate portrait of three white middle class American women as they seek sexual and emotional fulfilment.  We see woman as complicit, woman as abused, woman as used. It is harrowing and dispiriting that so little has changed.’ - Jane Curry

No More Boats by Felicity Castagna

‘Superbly crafted and thoughtfully rendered story of Western Sydney and the tensions surrounding otherness. It won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award in 2017 for a good reason, and even though it’s a couple of years old now, I’m finding the themes remain starkly relevant.’  - Zoe Hale

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

‘I devoured Rooney’s Normal People in the span of a wintery day, so of course I was enthused to pick up her debut novel, which proved equally as intriguing. The diverse, intimate and somewhat controversial portrayal of people and relationships left me thinking and wanting more. Rooney’s writing is so effortless, yet so intelligent – the best kind.’ - Sophie Hodge

 

LISTEN TO

The Garret Podcast

‘I am a new convert to The Garret and now can’t walk my dog without an episode ready to play.  I enjoy hearing authors talk about the craft of writing and their inspirations. It restores my faith in the creativity and passion in the industry. ‘ - JC

How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

‘For anyone who has ever struggled creatively or in a business – this is a wonderfully cooling balm for soothing those burns of failure. I love Elizabeth, she is such a gifted interviewer and journalist, allowing her guest to share their vulnerable experiences with ease.’ - ZH  

Offline by Alison Rice

‘Offline’s premise is honest conversations with people you may know and love through social media. I’ve always been interested in people and what makes them tick, so these raw, emotional and interesting conversations are perfect. Plus, Alison’s voice sounds like smooth butter (a win when you’re listening to an hour-long talk).’ - SH

 

WATCH 

Chernobyl Season 1

‘Wow. This is the new world of streaming at is finest. The acting, the production design, the cinematography is astoundingly good.   And as it is a true story , the events gnaw away at your sense of security as we know a nuclear disaster could happen again. Compelling viewing.’ - JC

The Handmaid’s Tale season 3

‘I’m loving this season – it’s more about the resistance, the fight against oppression. And all the female characters have such depth and are so compelling. It makes for an intense watch though, I can’t watch more than two episodes at a time.’ - ZH

Our Planet

‘I am a self-confessed lover of nature documentaries, particularly those narrated by David Attenborough. Our Planet’s breathtaking cinematography forces us to take a long, hard look at the planet we are living on and begs us to make implement change for the future. If you take anything from the show, go and buy a keep cup or try cutting out plastic. It’s life changing.’ - SH

Lee Kofman's latest book, Split, launches in Melbourne and Sydney

June saw the launch of Lee Kofman’s latest work, Split - an anthology of work featuring stories of leaving, loss and new beginnings from some of Australia’s most admired authors. After being in the works for a couple of years, Split has finally come to life.

Lee summed up the beginnings of this book on endings…

“Two years ago, a writer’s dream came true for me. Jane Curry of Ventura Press suggested I edit an anthology of personal essays about endings. We’ll call it Split, she said. I was thrilled. Split is the kind of ending that makes me think of wounds, pain, blood, bile. It’s an ending where the stakes are just as high as the suffering endured. Death, exile, the leaving of a beloved, the passing of youth. The kind of ending from where a lot of great literature springs: Antigone, The Tempest, The Cherry Orchard…

On a personal level, too, the theme felt urgent to me, having done by now two migrations and three marriages. What mattered to me was that this anthology, as a whole, wouldn’t sit in the realm of so-called inspirational self-help. I wanted real life, not a fantasy, on Split pages, and, luckily, contributors delivered just that.”

The Melbourne launch was held at The Avenue Bookstore, launched by award-winning novelist Sofie Laguna in conversation with Dmetri Kakmi and Kate Goldsworthy. The room was filled with friends, family, writers and readers, and everyone left in stitches of laughter.

The Sydney launch, held upstairs at Better Read Than Dead, was launched by accomplished journalist Tracey Spicer, in conversation with Peter Bishop, Sunil Badami and Kerri Sackville, who discussed their writing process and the emotional aftermath of each of their ‘splits’.

Of the writing process, Peter Bishop said “Lee has enabled us to become more of ourselves than we knew we could be.” And Lee, speaking of editing such complex tales, said she witnessed how emotionally and artistically taxing the essays were for many of the authors.

“I saw the discomfort, doubt and feelings of vulnerability that were their companions during the writing process. Yet it was these difficult companions who also made the resulting works real, deep, and exciting.”

With words of wisdom from all involved, and many signed copies leaving the bookstores, the launch of Split proved to be a success.

You can find out more about Split and Lee Kofman here