Another year has passed and with it, AWW challenge participants have read and reviewed over 500 contemporary fiction titles. Broadly, the label of contemporary fiction applies to any novel set in the time period from the mid 1900′s to the present. However, in terms of this summary of the challenge, we have assigned the label of contemporary fiction to apply to those works, set between the mid 1900′s and the present, which do not fit neatly into any single genre category, like crime, literary or romance.
There were several debut novelists who earned attention from readers and reviewers during 2013. Fractured by Dawn Barker, How To be a Good Wife by Emma Chapman, House of All Seasons by Jenn J McLeod, Losing February by Susanna Freymark, and Peace, Love and Khaki Socks by Kim Lock were among the most popular.
Novels dealing with topical issues such as immigration, the environment and social boundaries were a draw for many readers with In My Arms by Kylie Ladd, No Place Like Home by Caroline Overington, Shallow Breath by Sara Foster. just_a_girl by Kirsten Krauth and The Yearning by Kate Belle widely reviewed.
Fiction focusing on domestic drama, family relationships and secrets and also proved popular with The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty, The Shadow Year by Hannah Richell, Paper Chains by Nicola Moriarty, Rules of Conception by Angela Lawrence and Whisky, Charlie, Foxtrot by Annabel Smith earning acclaim from their readers.
Though not garnering as much attention as other titles, House of Memories by Monica McIerney, Sisters of Spicefield by Fran Cusworth, The Engagement by Chloe Hooper, The Vale Girl by Nelika McDonald and Traces of Absence by Susan Holoubek were all highly recommended by those who reviewed them.
Rural fiction continues to prove popular and amongst the years releases, Currawong Creek by Jen Scoullar, Blackwattle Lake by Pamela Cook, Flame Tree Hill by Mandy Magro, Saving Grace by Fiona McCallum and Silver Clouds by Fleur McDonald were well read.
The diversity of contemporary fiction in Australian literature is evidenced by the wide range of titles read by the challenge participants. I have been able to showcase only a few in this post, and recommend you browse the list of contemporary reviews listed in our database and previous round-up posts, there will surely be something you are tempted to add to your reading list for the 2014 challenge and each month through the year you can expect I will return to showcase more fabulous contemporary titles.
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About Me
My name is Shelleyrae Cusbert I am a mother of four children, aged 7 to 17, living in the mid north coast of NSW. I am an obsessive reader and publish my thoughts about what I read at my book blog, Book’d Out. In 2012 I read and reviewed a total of 109 books for the AWW Challenge and in 2013 a total of 117. I juggle caring for my family with a part time job and volunteer at both the town’s local library and her children’s school library. While I have a degree in Education, I hope to gain a diploma in librarian studies in the near future.
I’m pleased I managed to read at least a few of these titles in 2013 – and many others remain on my ‘to do’ list. Shelleyrae, I’m just in awe at how many books you’ve managed to read and review this year! Well done!
Nicely done Shelleyrae, I like how you’ve grouped these.
I’m so impressed at how many books you manage to read and review, Shellyrae! Thanks for your support of Australian women writers!
Dawn
Thanks for including Losing February.