Wendy James Livres

Recognized as a finalist for the 2017 Ned Kelly Award, this book delves into gripping themes of crime and justice. It features a compelling narrative that intertwines complex characters and moral dilemmas, drawing readers into a world filled with suspense and intrigue. The story challenges perceptions of right and wrong, while offering a deep exploration of the human psyche in the face of adversity. With its engaging plot and thought-provoking elements, it stands out in the crime fiction genre.

A homecoming snares a young woman in a dangerous tangle of lies, secrets, and bad blood in this gripping novel by the bestselling author of An Accusation. Running from a bad relationship, journalist Jo Sharpe heads home to Arthurville, the drought-stricken town she turned her back on years earlier. While some things have changed--her relationship with her ailing, crotchety father, her new job at the community newspaper--Jo finds that her return has rekindled the grief and uncertainty she experienced during her childhood following the inexplicable disappearance of her mother and baby sister. Returning to Arthurville has its unexpected pleasures, though, as Jo happily reconnects with old friends and makes a few new ones. But she can't let go of her search for answers to that long-ago mystery. And as she keeps investigating, the splash she's making begins to ripple outward--far beyond the disappearance of her mother and sister. Jo is determined to dig as deep as it takes to get answers. But it's not long before she realises that someone among the familiar faces doesn't want her picking through the debris of the past. And they'll go to any lengths to silence the little bird before she sings the truth.

Wendy James explores the concept of social form as a fundamental aspect of anthropology, drawing on Wittgenstein's idea of humans as 'ceremonial animals.' Her engaging narrative combines ethnographic examples with historical sources and contemporary insights from various disciplines, including archaeology, genetics, and psychology. By connecting anthropology to critical global issues like migration and religious fundamentalism, she demonstrates its relevance in today's world. This overview is accessible to both specialists and general readers, enhanced by a Foreword from Michael J. Lambek.

Who to believe - the distressed girl who says she was kidnapped or the middle-aged woman with no alibi and a chequered past? After 17-year-old Ellie Canning is found shivering on a country road, dressed only in ill-fitting pyjamas, her story of kidnap and escape enthrals the nation. A middle-aged woman with a crazy old mother has held her in a basement, chained to a bed with a blue-striped quilt, given her drinks from an old baby's sippy cup. But who and why? And what other secrets might this woman hide? Suzannah Wells, a once-famous soapie star and now a teacher at the local high school, seems dazed by the accusation ... to start with. But if she had few friends in the district, she has barely none now. And the evidence is strong: a dementia-affected mother, a house with a basement, a bed with a blue-striped quilt, and a sippy cup that belonged to her long-dead daughter. And Ellie Canning's DNA everywhere. The media can't get enough of Ellie. She's a girl-power icon, a social-media star. But is she telling the truth?

Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the story intertwines the lives of three extraordinary women. Maggie Heffernan faces the consequences of betrayal, leading her into a world of despair. Vida Goldstein, a pioneering suffragist, is on the brink of making significant political strides. Elizabeth Hamilton, mourning her fiancé, seeks a fresh start and unites the women through her compassion as they collectively navigate themes of justice and mercy.

The collection features twenty-one short stories by award-winning writer Wendy James, showcasing a diverse range of settings and themes. From intimate vignettes to expansive narratives, the stories traverse various environments, including suburban kitchens and the Australian outback. Each tale captures moments that span from fleeting instants to significant life events, offering readers a rich exploration of human experiences and emotions.

Jodie Garrow's seemingly perfect life is overshadowed by a past mistake involving an affair, an unexpected pregnancy, and a questionable adoption. As her husband prepares to run for mayor, the weight of her secret threatens to resurface, challenging the stability of her family and the facade of her idyllic life. The story explores themes of redemption, the complexity of choices, and the impact of hidden truths on relationships.

The sudden reappearance of Susan's estranged sister, Karen, after twenty years disrupts the idyllic life of the Middleton family in Sydney. As Susan grapples with the implications of her mother's will, which leaves half of her estate to Karen, long-buried family secrets and unresolved tensions come to the surface. The story explores themes of family dynamics, loss, and the complexities of reconciliation, challenging the notion of a perfect family life.

Focusing on the transformative role of magazines as influential media in the 20th century, this memoir recounts the author's experiences within various publications from the Swinging Sixties to the Millennium. It highlights the diverse array of magazines catering to different demographics and interests, while also showcasing the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals involved in the industry. Through personal anecdotes, the author provides insight into the vibrant culture and dynamics of magazine creation during a pivotal era.

The study delves into the Uduk-speaking people's concepts of personhood and the foundations of their bodily and moral experiences. It examines the impact of a hunter's worldview on personal knowledge, the influence of foreign religious discourse throughout the region's political history, and the emergence of a new diviners' movement centered on the oracular consultation of burning ebony wood. This exploration highlights the interplay between cultural identity and external influences in shaping the Uduk community's spiritual practices.