National Fictions is a study of Australian literature and film. It is also a study of Australian culture; viewing the novels and films as products of a specific culture - as narratives with similar structures; functions; forms and meanings. It covers a wide range of texts; offering both close analysis and an account of their place within the system of meanings the book proposes as dominant in Australian culture.The second edition of this influential work includes a new Afterword which traces recent changes in Australian literature and film; examining the growth of womens writing and popular fiction; as well as current trends in Australian cinema. Turner asks whether these developments really mark a shift in the Australian narrative; and whether it is still possible to speak in terms of a national culture....a ground-clearing book... a seminal work; setting an agenda for cultural studies beyond the stockyards and croquet lawns of literary criticism. - David Carter; Australian Literary StudiesAs a global syncretist; Turner is without peer. - Stuart Cunningham; Media Information Australia
2014-07-22 2014-07-22File Name: B00MYC3R52
Review
76 of 78 people found the following review helpful. I love this book!By GigiI purchased this book from a couple of weeks ago; picking up a chapter here and there; each one being like its own complete little book-within-a-book. Ive read a lot on similar topics over many years but this is hands-down my favorite book. It makes me feel good. Anna Johnson is an author Id simply enjoy knowing; like any terrific friend. She has learned to live so wisely and well on a shoestring; without sacrificing great style and sumptuous experience. She writes with deep heart on what would seem sometimes to be lighthearted topics; but which arent at all lighthearted when its stuff directly affecting you; in your own life...which; for many of us in The Great Recession; has left us with a sense of literal and/or emotional deprivation of no longer enjoying things you formerly could do or afford and being completely rattled by making the months rent or mortgage.She says in the preface; "Money is the heartbeat of life but hardly the soul. And yet it underscores every moment. For everyone; except perhaps the very rich; money is a grind." To me; shes got a finger on the pulse; her words hit home with me. She talks of; "Restraint. Proportion. Invention. All form a holy trinity to living better; and deeper; without so many of the props." She describes her book as "a cobbled collection of my secrets for survivalist glamour." And I definitely feel that women of all ages and generations can benefit from the books contents...maybe in the way theyre choosing to edit or fill their closets; get a sort of balance to their days on what they need or dont need for comfort and function; to feed themselves and family/friends simply and healthfully and to not stop "living" just because circumstances change and budgets are tight. The author has found ways around the concept of "no wiggle room." She refuses to live a colorless life.Im not saying I embrace every single idea of hers but thats something; too; that she recognizes early on about us all having different limits. For example; when it comes to second-hand buys; I personally grew up with too many hand-me-downs; few new things and no extras so; today; I cannot tolerate going into a thrift shop. Anna Johnson gets this. But she has given me lots of other ideas...and hope. Ive actually earmarked pages and made written notes about "penniless pleasures" of hers. I like what she has to say about how to create your own comfortable cocoon when at home or traveling. And shes reminded me of simple; fun things Ive forgotten or havent thought to do...for instance; Im West Coast and know nothing about the Northeast USA; but I love the chapter about taking an $8 train and being a (fashionable)"tourist" for the day in The Hamptons to get out of a New York City summer. In other words; dont sit around and moan; do something about it; and make it fabulous.The illustrations (the authors own) and collages in the book are delightful; whimsical; eye-popping tints (note the teal/dark turquoise book cover). There are gems in mere sentences: "Often if I am poor in dollars; I try to make myself rich in time; keeping the creeping apathy of empty pockets at bay by doing something swift and cheap that makes my home and spirits feel enriched. If I cant alter the big things; I like to generate change on a small scale." I feel SAVVY CHIC is a handbook...I mean; just look at the Table of Contents: Clothes; Shelter; Income; Food; Travel; Entertainment. This author has become a kind of life coach now for me; yet shes very honest about her flaws; "I cannot use a credit card. I wish this limitation was based on principle alone but the fact is that Im reckless. Utterly so. Compared to many; I have a somewhat archaic understanding of money. I spend exactly what I have in my pocket; often not wisely." This is one of the reasons why I love this book: Anna Johnson is real and shes honest. Its so refreshing; and Im so glad she is sharing her lessons learned; with tools for living abundantly; with flourish! Her "Notes to Ones Broke Self" is something Ive re-read again and again: "I am not what I earn...I have a better idea...I can hang tough...I have dignity...plan; dont panic...(and) I am replete." (Pages 105-107; uplifting; empowering.) Im hooked; Ill read anything Anna Johnson has to say; and Im waiting in anticipation for her next book. Shes a wonderful author.34 of 35 people found the following review helpful. Inspiring and honestBy StinaI bought this book because as a younger woman I got a lot out of Ms Johnsons earlier (wonderful) book "Three Black Skirts" (that book actually saved me money that; when a poor university student; Id otherwise have had to have spent on a plumber; as it had an idea in it that I used to fix our toilet! My boyfriend who was a tightarse was very impressed.) I also bought it because I thought the writer has aged a bit since that earlier book; as I have also; and as she is an Australian girl; like me; and as she has a little boy; like me. This is a cool book. It is a bit in approach like a US/Australian "Entre Nous" (by Debra Olivier) which I love also. This book has nice and quite sophisticated and quirky fashion tips; good recipes and is written honestly and sweetly; and doesnt make you feel like your own life is stuffed up or not good enough. I love the personal insights into the writers world and wardrobe! Thanks dear author!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Shes a Savvy Author!By P. C. NepeanI just finished reading this gem; and hesitate to loan it out; as I highlighted so much and fear it may never be returned to me! Anna Johnson speaks my language- fun; upbeat; easy to read; practical and applicable advice on a plethora of life matters. I learned some really great information re. vintage clothing; for example; that I never knew before; and it changed the way I approach vintage styles- youll have to read it to find out what I mean! (Part1: Clothes.) :) Part II: Shelter; Part III: Income (I ADORE! how she speaks financial language WITHOUT using intimidating over-the-top 3 figure income examples and suppositions!); Part IV: Food; (Im not much of a foodie; but she makes me want to be!) Part V: Travel- practicality and simplicity for the enjoyment of the journey and destination!; and Part VI: Entertainment. On a budget. And Oh-So-Much FUN! And heres another thing I appreciate about her writing style- You dont have to be single; OR married; to appreciate her insights. Not a "quick" read; but an easy one to take your time with. Her approach is clear from the onset: "The Logic of Libertine Thrift." Brilliant!
