It’s that time again, when we look back at our favourite reads of the year, embrace the chance to tackle that TBR pile and spend hours in our favourite bookshops picking out the perfect gifts. Text’s 2022 bestsellers offer something for every kind of reader, from the mystery lover to the historical-fiction fan to the aspiring novelist. We’ve got memoirs of extraordinary women, and a meditation on music and art from a rock’n’roll rebel. For younger readers, there are thrill-rides and deep dives and stories of hope and new beginnings…and so much more.
Bestselling and award-winning author Garry Disher returns with a brand-new novel in the thrilling Hirsch series. The only cop in town is already under strain when a tourist goes missing. Then a body turns up in a suitcase. But it’s not the one he was looking for…
‘Hirsch is one of my favourite characters. Day’s End is unmissable.’ Hayley Scrivenor, author of Dirt Town
Faith, Hope and Carnage
by Nick Cave and Seán O’Hagan
A meditation on faith, art, music, freedom, grief and love.
‘Astonishing…This beautiful book is a lament, a celebration, a howl, a secular prayer, a call to arms, a meditation and an exquisite articulation of the human condition. It will take your breath away.’ Observer
The Seamstress of Sardinia
by Bianca Pitzorno, translated by Brigid Maher
Set at the dawn of the twentieth century, The Seamstress of Sardinia follows a young girl as she grows into a woman, strives to educate herself and falls in love – always fighting for her independence in a world dominated by men and old social conventions.
‘Highly recommended for readers of Elena Ferrante and Isabel Allende, as well as lovers of Italian culture and history.’ Australian
An extraordinary chronicle of life and land: of carnage and kindness, blood ties and love.
‘Robbie Arnott is the sort of young writer we all hoped would emerge in Australia.’ Thomas Keneally
Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters
Edited by Kate Grenville
A collection of Elizabeth Macarthur’s fascinating letters, which inspired Kate Grenville’s award-winning bestseller A Room Made of Leaves.
‘A life of tumult, of griefs and joys – all faced with spirit, and recorded in this engaging correspondence.’ Australian
The Museum of Broken Things
by Lauren Draper
Shortlisted for the 2020 Text Prize, The Museum of Broken Things is a lively, witty novel about letting go of the past and finding your place in the world.
‘A warm, heartfelt debut that masterfully explores the lingering pain of grief and the power of love, family and friendship.’ Gabrielle Tozer, award-winning author of Can’t Say It Went to Plan, Remind Me How this Ends and The Intern
The Novel Project: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Novel, Memoir or Biography
by Graeme Simsion
A practical and highly entertaining step-by-step guide to writing a publishable book, The Novel Project offers an inside scoop on the entire writing process, from premise to proofreading, from the bestselling author of The Rosie Project.
‘If you’re one of the many people wondering if they have a novel in them, but feeling overwhelmed by the process, then Graeme Simsion has written the book for you. The author of the internationally bestselling Rosie trilogy will lead you step-by-step through it…Uplifting and encouraging.’ ArtsHub
All the Little Tricky Things
by Karys McEwen
A charming and heartfelt novel about taking on new challenges, dealing with change and growing up. Perfect for readers about to start secondary school, or those moving into a new stage in life.
‘A big warm hug of a book, tender and true. McEwen writes perceptively about the emotions of growing up and maybe growing apart from everything and everyone you’ve always known. I loved it.’ Danielle Binks, author of The Year the Maps Changed
An essential new novel that journeys to the dark heart of our colonial past.
‘An extraordinarily vivid imagining of one of the most significant encounters in Australian history.’ Amanda Lohrey, Miles Franklin Award-winning author of The Labyrinth
When a group of school leavers finds freedom on remote Brink Island, the party takes a dangerous turn. Whoever survives the week will never be the same.
‘A vivid, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read. These characters are teetering at the very brink of who they are and who they could be.’ Claire Christian, author of It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake
Unknown: A Refugee’s Story
by Akuch Kuol Anyieth
A moving, confronting and remarkable story of resilience and hope in the face of endless challenges. Akuch Kuol Anyieth and her family escaped war-torn South Sudan when she was five. They spent almost a decade in a refugee camp in Kenya before finally obtaining a family humanitarian visa for Australia. Unknown documents Akuch’s incredible journey.
‘Heartbreaking. Raw. Real. Unknown is the story every Australian needs to know.’ Michael Mohammed Ahmad, award-winning author of The Lebs
A sweet and moving story about friendship, big changes and living with uncertainty.
‘Timely and vivid, this brilliant book is a warm hug, a rustle of autumn leaves and the last day of term all rolled into one.’ Fiona Wood, author of How to Spell Catastrophe
We might be incredibly biased, but we’d happily wake up to any one of these books in our Christmas stockings.
See you in ’23!
