Grab the popcorn, sit back and let the story of Australian literature roll ...
From Jean-François Vernay,
A Brief Take on the Australian Novel offers a sweeping view of Australian writing since colonialism. Written from an outsider's perspective, this single-authored overview will appeal to readers through its playful, jargon-free and potentially contentious account of the Australian novel. Vernay offers a unique and insightful perspective on Australian literature.
Like a film narrator, he speaks directly to the reader, offering close-ups on particular works alongside panoramic views of the literary landscape. One can imagine the reader as part of an audience in a darkened cinema, absorbed in exciting action on the silver screen.
Praise for A Brief Take on the Australian Novel :
'Vernay's approach to the Australian novel has the intellectual playfulness associated with some of the best French critical writing ...
Panorama du roman australien [
A Brief Take on the Australian Novel] is bold in its conception and promises to be influential in shaping the wider world's appreciation and understanding of Australian literature.' - Simon Caterson,
Age
'
A Brief Take on the Australian Novel will open up new reading choices and shows in a lively, engaged manner the diversity, vigour and relevance of the Australian novel.' - Mike Shuttleworth,
Readings
'It is interesting to read this well crafted perspective of the Australian novel, though it may at times leave you wanting more. It is, after all, only a 'brief take', useful for providing a general overview and context for the Australian novel, highlighting themes and issues that could provoke further exploration.' - Helen Eddy,
ReadPlus
'If you’re interested in Australian literature, then
A Brief Take is a good investment. IMO we ought to encourage academics to share more of their knowledge in jargon-free reader-friendly texts for the general public. So, yes, buy a copy.' - Lisa Hill,
ANZ Litlovers Litblog
'Suitable for any one with a love of or interest in Australian literature.' - Sally Murphy,
Aussie Reviews
'Vernay’s outsider’s perspective sets him apart from those local critics who have more skin in the game, both personally and professionally, and offers something of an antidote to a cultural cringe that gives primacy to European and American literature ... [A] comprehensive, illustrative and engaging entry point to Australian fiction.' - Tobias McCorkell,
Journal of Postcolonial Writing
'Vernay’s outside view is welcome, and the book is especially suggestive, for both Australian and non-Australian readers, of Australian cultural and literary contours and textures that are often overlooked or that can sometimes, for insiders, remain opaque.' - Peter Minter,
ab-Original
Born of an Australian mother and a French father,
Jean-François Vernay grew up in New Caledonia's multicultural community which shares some of Australia's characteristics, including a convict heritage and a complex history of settlement. Using Peter Carey and Christopher Koch as a starting point, he has been researching Australian fiction for 20 years and has published widely in the field, both in French and in English. Dr Vernay is an energetic critic, editor, creative writer and cultural commentator. His fiction and nonfiction books have appeared in France, Australia and in the United States.
