Ozlit Luminaries Name 2005 Faves

Quite a few Australian writers liked Marilynne Robinson's novel Gilead this year, according to an article in The Age in which Ozlit luminaries talk about their favorite books. One, Nikki Gemmell, mentions the following children's book, which is a few years old.

And a beloved Aussie book? Jackie French's Diary of Wombat (Angus & Robertson, $14.95). I know it word for word because I've read it so many times to my little boys. It's a kids' book that adults get pleasure out of reading, unlike so many children's books (Enid Blyton, for some reason, is now like wading through thigh-high mud.)

Nikki Gemmell is the Australian-born, London-based author of Alice Springs and The Bride Stripped Bare, among other works. Her books are available in the United States.