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Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

ISSUE NO. 7

February 2025

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Culture

Book Review: The Stoning by Peter Papathanasiou

By

Alexander

Alexander writes from Ron Barwick Prison, Tasmania.

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One of the recent reads in our ‘Book Blokes’ book group is titled The Stoning, by Greek Australian author Peter Papathanasiou. It is another Australian book offering along the lines of Jane Harper and Sarah Barrie. The genre is crime fiction, set in the Australian outback, in rural, sometimes insular communities where everyone seems to know everyone else. This is set in the outback NSW town of Cobb where a woman, a local school teacher, has been stoned to death.

It is a small town, with a population of maybe a thousand or less, with two pubs, an asylum seeker detention compound, a group of Indigenous Australians with a smattering of white Australians. The stoning prompts the powers that be in the capital city to send a former child resident, now a detective based in Sydney, to investigate the murder. He happens to be a Greek Australian, Detective Sergeant George Maniolis. He is confronted with a police presence who a) has had little experience investigating a murder and b) has a laconic, cynical and unfair approach to crime.

Despite these constraints, the lack of resources, being targeted by whoever, in the form of somebody burning his prized Valiant, and other intimidating tactics, George does with difficulty eventually solve the case. I will not however comment further, because I don't want to spoil what is a great read with several twists.

Even so, the relationship he develops with the younger police constables, along with his belief that the simple answer is not as simple as it might appear, creates an interesting narrative (storyline) and a belief in the reader that justice will prevail. The novel addresses themes of discrimination, the veracity of placing legitimate asylum seekers in the outback for detention (interesting topic given current events) and the search for power. All in all, an enjoyable read, the outcome is not predictable, so you will want to read through to the end to find out who the perpetrator is.

Papathanasiou's writing is accessible to all readers, as it is engaging and relatable.

The Ron Barwin Prison library in Tasmania has a copy of this book on the shelves, or alternatively you can join the book club to receive a copy. Jane Harper and Sarah Barrie's books are also on the shelves.

One of the recent reads in our ‘Book Blokes’ book group is titled The Stoning, by Greek Australian author Peter Papathanasiou. It is another Australian book offering along the lines of Jane Harper and Sarah Barrie. The genre is crime fiction, set in the Australian outback, in rural, sometimes insular communities where everyone seems to know everyone else. This is set in the outback NSW town of Cobb where a woman, a local school teacher, has been stoned to death.

It is a small town, with a population of maybe a thousand or less, with two pubs, an asylum seeker detention compound, a group of Indigenous Australians with a smattering of white Australians. The stoning prompts the powers that be in the capital city to send a former child resident, now a detective based in Sydney, to investigate the murder. He happens to be a Greek Australian, Detective Sergeant George Maniolis. He is confronted with a police presence who a) has had little experience investigating a murder and b) has a laconic, cynical and unfair approach to crime.

Despite these constraints, the lack of resources, being targeted by whoever, in the form of somebody burning his prized Valiant, and other intimidating tactics, George does with difficulty eventually solve the case. I will not however comment further, because I don't want to spoil what is a great read with several twists.

Even so, the relationship he develops with the younger police constables, along with his belief that the simple answer is not as simple as it might appear, creates an interesting narrative (storyline) and a belief in the reader that justice will prevail. The novel addresses themes of discrimination, the veracity of placing legitimate asylum seekers in the outback for detention (interesting topic given current events) and the search for power. All in all, an enjoyable read, the outcome is not predictable, so you will want to read through to the end to find out who the perpetrator is.

Papathanasiou's writing is accessible to all readers, as it is engaging and relatable.

The Ron Barwin Prison library in Tasmania has a copy of this book on the shelves, or alternatively you can join the book club to receive a copy. Jane Harper and Sarah Barrie's books are also on the shelves.

Batman: Year One

Batman: Year One

Batman: Year One

By Grace J.
By Grace J.

First published in 1987, Batman: Year One follows Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham after 12 years away.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 4

4 MIN READ

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

By Vincent
By Vincent

Welcome to the planet where the apes are rulers and the humans – as far as we know – are reduced to a subspecies.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

2 MIN READ

Plays at Pentridge

Plays at Pentridge

Plays at Pentridge

By Michelle Wright
By Michelle Wright

Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison still holds powerful memories for many thousands of people. The prison’s towering bluestone walls were an imposing presence in Coburg, and almost all Melburnians have a story to tell about this notorious place.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 2

6 MIN READ

About Time Book Club: Archer’s Voice

About Time Book Club: Archer’s Voice

About Time Book Club: Archer’s Voice

By About Time
By About Time

This month, we’re reading Archer’s Voice, featuring our very own interview with the author, Mia Sheridan. Archer’s Voice is a New York Times bestselling romance novel. The novel centres on Archer Hale, a reclusive and mute young man with a troubled past, and Bree Prescott, a woman trying to escape her own traumatic history.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 5

7 MIN READ

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Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Reviewed by Mark

I've read thousands of novels over the last fifty-odd years and not one of them was romance, but while I'm trying new things – like paraplegia and prison – I might as well add in a romance novel to my life experience.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

3 MIN READ

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

By Vincent

Welcome to the planet where the apes are rulers and the humans – as far as we know – are reduced to a subspecies.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

2 MIN READ

Back to Black

By Vincent

‘Back to Black’ charts Amy's life from her teen years through to her success as a world famous musician and singer.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 7

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How to Write: Reviews

By The Prison Journalism Project

Here are some tips for writing a review, courtesy of the Prison Journalism Project.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 6

3 MIN READ

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A place for news and education, expression and hope.

Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.

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