Writing and Society Research Centre

The Writing and Society Research Centre, at Western Sydney University, is proud to be home to the Sydney Review of Books, a free online literary review dedicated to long-form literary criticism, in the tradition of the New York Review of Books and the London Review of Books.

At a time when opportunities for the in-depth analysis and robust critical discussion of books have diminished greatly, the Sydney Review of Books presents extended essays by prominent critics and writers, examining recently published titles and placing them in relation to the authors' work as a whole, and the larger issues which they bring into play. It publishes regular feature, 'Critic Watch', keeping a close eye on the practice of reviewers and the reception given to high-profile authors. While the focus is on Australian fiction, non-fiction and poetry, consideration is also be given to significant overseas literary titles.

There is now a significant archive of essays available on the Sydney Review of Books website (opens in a new window), with new postings at regular weekly intervals. The contributors include Peter Pierce, Nicholas Jose, Kerryn Goldsworthy, Evelyn Juers, Delia Falconer, Bernadette Brennan, Brian Castro, Lisa Gorton, Ivor Indyk, David Malouf and Susan Sheridan.

The editor is Catriona Menzies-Pike who holds a PhD in English literature from the University of Sydney. She has worked online as an editor, journalist, and reviewer since 2008. Prior to joining the Sydney Review of Books she was arts editor at The Conversation website and managing editor at pioneering independent news and analysis website New Matilda.