PRAISE FOR THE CRYING PLACE

‘Lia Hills travels country and talks country. The Crying Place is a necessary read if you want to know your place in Australia.’
Bruce Pascoe

‘… a brave and devastating novel … its grace, its compassion and its deep humanity makes you see our country anew.’ Christos Tsiolkas

‘… an impressive novel of friendship and the haunting contradictions at the base of Australian society.’ Alex Miller, dual winner of the Miles Franklin Award

‘One of the books of the year!’ Michael Cathcart, Radio National, Books and Arts Daily

‘… extraordinary … a frank, poetic and boldly human work.’ The Weekly Review

‘… impressive … it recalls some of the broken urgency of the Tim Winton in Dirt Music.’ The Australian

‘… an eloquent vision of the red and rugged interior on its own terms, and of those of its inhabitants … there’s a link here with Patrick White. He, too, wanted to show the mystery and poetry that lurks behind a disguise of ordinariness … evocative and beautifully realised.’
The Sydney Morning Herald

‘… richly imagined … Hills’ writing is evocative and vivid, creating a novel that shimmers like a red sand landscape in desert heat.’
The Weekly Times

‘… a coming of age story, both for individuals and the nation.’
The Saturday Paper

‘The curiosity in Lia Hills’ novel The Crying Place comes from the way it was first recorded – orally spoken and taken down with voice recognition software in order to get closer to traditional methods of storytelling.’ The Guardian, March literary highlights

‘… remarkably brave … spellbinding.’ Riverine Herald

‘In Lia Hills’ capable hands, the landscape becomes a character in its own right … The Crying Place is a beautifully written and haunting novel that focuses on the importance and significance of the journeys we take in life.’ The Big Issue

PRAISE FOR THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO LIVING

‘This is an inspiring debut novel and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, to those interested in the mystery of what it means to live, and who wish to find their own “fragment of truth”.’
Jostein Gaarder, bestselling author of Sophie’s World

‘… acutely insightful … Although this novel begins with a death, it is a celebration of life, companionship, and love.’
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

‘Hills’s rich imagery and masterful storytelling come together to create a tale that is both poetic and compelling.’ Kirkus (starred review)

‘… impressive debut.’ The Dominion Post

‘Hills endows her character with a poetic sensibility.’
Australian Book Review

‘Beautifully crafted … a truly engaging read.’ The Age