Notable Queensland Works: A Curated Reading List

**Zig Zag Street (1996)** by Nick Earls follows 28-year-old corporate lawyer Richard Derrington, who navigates a breakup over six weeks while living on Red Hill’s Zig Zag Street. The novel, which features quirky mishaps like an accidental concussion caused by a high heel, won the Betty Trask Award in 1998 and is seen as emblematic of Brisbane's essence.

**The Comfort of Figs (2008)** by Simon Cleary centers on three construction workers on the Story Bridge. One tragic accident reshapes their lives, intertwining their obsessions and the weight of family secrets. This impactful story was shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards prior to publication.

**Johnno (1975)** by David Malouf is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the friendship between schoolmates in Brisbane during the mid-20th century. Through its vivid depictions of the city’s parks and gardens, the book serves as both a nostalgic journey and a profound exploration of identity.

**Edenglassie (2023)** by Melissa Lucashenko offers insights into Queensland's history, tracing the narrative between the end of convict transport and Queensland's declaration as an independent colony in 1859. By juxtaposing historical retellings with present-day reflections, it has quickly become a vital Queensland read.

**Tirra Lirra by the River (1978)** by Jessica Anderson, which won the Miles Franklin Award, tells of a woman's escape from a constricting marriage in a small Queensland town to Sydney and ultimately London. In her old age, she revisits her roots to contemplate her past.

**Boy Swallows Universe (2018)** by Trent Dalton, a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age novel, depicts a teenager navigating a troubled family dynamic. It has won multiple awards and has been adapted for both stage and screen, achieving significant acclaim.

**Praise (1992)** by Andrew McGahan is a semi-autobiographical narrative rooted in themes of addiction within a complicated relationship. Celebrated as a catalyst for the grunge-lit movement, the novel won the Australian/Vogel Literary Award and the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize for Best First Book.

**Tenderfoot (2025)** by Toni Jordan is set in 1970s Brisbane and revolves around Andie as she faces the upheaval of her childhood amid her family's greyhound racing business. The book garnered several accolades, including a long-listing for the Miles Franklin Award in 2026.

Additional titles noteworthy for consideration include **The Tasmanian Babes Fiasco** (1997) by John Birmingham, **Flood Children** (1981) by Thomas Shapcott, and **Gravity Let Me Go** (2025) by Trent Dalton, among others.

In the realm of memoir, **He Died with a Felafel in his Hand (1994)** by John Birmingham recounts his eclectic share-house experiences in Brisbane. This work has adapted into both a film and a long-running stage play, marking a significant contribution to Brisbane's literary landscape.

**Pig City (2004)** by Andrew Stafford documents the struggles faced by local musicians amid political oppression in 20th-century Brisbane, receiving accolades for its insightful narrative.

**Brisbane (2010)** by Matthew Condon forms part of a series focusing on authors' perspectives of their hometowns, combining contemporary observations with historical reflections.

Various poetry collections, such as **Reliefs (2022)** by Jarad Bruinstroop and **The Jaguar (2022)** by Sarah Holland-Batt, expand the literary landscape, each addressing themes of personal and environmental significance.

This curated list highlights the rich and diverse narratives emerging from Queensland, encouraging readers to explore the unique voices and stories ingrained in the region's literature.