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Lifted (Mandy Hager, 2026)
In the context of the wonderful “Bird Land” exhibition at the Christchurch Art Gallery (on till 8 February 2027), I’ve just started reading Mandy Hager’s “Lifted”, apparently inspired by Bill Hammond’s incredible painting “The Fall of Icarus”.
You can get Lifted at Unity Books: www.unitybooks.co.nz/products/… or at BookHub: bookhub.co.nz/p/lifted-…
Re-reading: Audition by Pip Adam 📚
Pip Adams wins the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction 2026
In fabulous news for New Zealand writers and readers, Aotearoa’s Pip Adams has won the 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction, for her book “Audition”.
Audition is science-fiction as social commentary, in the best of Le Guin’s tradition. It deals with the dehumanisation of our obsession with incarceration.
The award: www.ursulakleguin.com/prize26
Get the book from Unity: www.unitybooks.co.nz/products/… or via Book Hub: bookhub.co.nz/p/auditio…
Preparing Cocktails for “Over the Rainbow” on Thursday 8 October.
Wine with friends
Sam, Emile, Tim & Ben joined Bill and I for family dinner. Some nice wine was drunk.
Reading "The Disappearers"
Currently reading: The Disappearers: A Novel by Marlon James 📚
I’ve started reading Booker-Prize winning author Marlon James’ latest novel, which is also longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize.
The reviews have been laudatory, and I concur, even though I’m only half way through the novel. This story draws you in and and never lets you go. I knew from the reviews that something terrible was coming, and this sense of foreboding only got worse as I came to know and empathise with the characters. When the full horror hit, it was devastating. I’m now in the middle stages of the story, and my jaw is still dropping as events unfold.
This novel is raw, true and powerful. It refuses to flinch away from the reality facing so many gay and queer people across the world, where intolerance and hatred are on the rise. The first part of the novel is set in Jamaica in 1988 - when I was 18 and living in equally homophobic Malaysia - but horrifyingly this story is increasingly relevant and vital today.
This is such an important novel, and has already made such an impact on me I couldn’t wait till the end to post about it. I’ll be back when I’ve finished - or as the New York Times review said - when the story finishes me….
Farewell to my dear Aunt Jenni.
It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with you and the family in Wanaka.
Here’s to your bright eyes.
Who Wore It Better?
Mandatory Menswear entry for Rainbow Windows of Wellington (part of the Wellington Pride Festival 2026)
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
