A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enriquez
Even though the southern hemisphere doesn't have the Halloween spooky season in autumn, there is something inherently unsettling about the transition out of summer. Mariana Enriquez's newest short story collection with tales of hauntings and unexplained happenings fits the atmosphere perfectly.
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
This debut novel from the Netherlands has been sweeping through the Festival office at the same time as it takes the world by storm. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2024 and just longlisted for the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction, the mix of sapphic slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance and tragic historical fiction has a bit of something for everyone.
The Honeyeater by Jessie Tu
Even well into adulthood, autumn represents the start of the school year so Jessie Tu's second novel, set in the highly competitive world of academic translation, satisfies that back-to-school itch.
Ṉäku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions by Clare Wright
The final instalment of Clare Wright's democracy trilogy has been getting a lot of buzz recently and there's something particularly satisfying about diving into a lengthy history at this time of year.
Taronga Presents: Night Owls by Kristin Darell
Now that the days are getting shorter, your little one might have questions about the animals whose nightly escapades overlap with their bedtime. Learn all about what goes bump in the night in the animal kingdom with Taronga Zoo.
Translations by Jumaana Abdu
March was also the beginning of the book prize season and Jumaana Abdu's debut novel, set in the interpersonal quagmire of small-town Australia, has been longlisted for the 2025 Stella Prize. Pop it in your TBR pile to read before the shortlist is announced in April.
Rapture by Emily Maguire
Speaking of the Stella Prize, the longlist also features Emily Maguire's newest historical fiction following a 9th century woman disguised as a monk who becomes the revered scholar John the Englishman.
Stag Dance by Torrey Peters
The much-anticipated second book from Detransition, Baby's author has just landed on bookshelves. It's a gender-bending romp through stories as varied as space and lumberjacks with Torrey's customary humour and generosity.
mark the dawn by Jazz Money
For those looking to kick off their World Poetry Day reading a day early, check out the latest release from beloved First Nations poet and artist Jazz Money which celebrates community in the face of hard times.