New Literary Works Hit Shelves

Award-winning author Eva Hornung's latest novel, *The Minstrels*, delves into complex themes of land rights, community, and the intricate bonds of family. Hornung is no stranger to literary acclaim, having previously won the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Fiction for her novel *Dog Boy*. Her new work is praised for its ambitious scope and narrative depth, drawing comparisons to the works of John Steinbeck and Margaret Atwood. *The Minstrels* centers on the protagonist, Gem, and her profound connection to her family's farm and the nearby gorge known as the Minstrels. The novel explores her relationships and the tensions surrounding land ownership, spanning several decades and incorporating elements of speculative fiction to touch on the impacts of climate change. The book is noted for its insightful exploration of how trauma can resonate through generations. The Saturday Paper, where "Angel wings" and "The Minstrels" are featured, has established itself as a significant platform for long-form journalism and narrative writing in Australia since its launch in 2014. Published by Schwartz Media, the weekly newspaper is recognized for its in-depth coverage of news, culture, and analysis, and has a reputation for publishing some of the country's most respected writers. Poet Laura Long's recognition as a finalist in Terrain.org's 16th Annual Contest in Poetry places her among distinguished company. The contest awards a $1,000 prize to the winner and $200 to finalists. Long's three recognized poems are titled "Grounded," "Mud Sparrows," and "On the old turnpike, thinking about what we make in this world." This is not Long's first foray into the literary world; she is the author of a novel and two previous poetry collections. Her work often explores themes of the natural world and human experience. Terrain.org, which hosts the annual contest, is an online journal dedicated to publishing literature and art that explores the relationship between people and place.