Australian authors, fiction and biographies
The Rhoda Barr Collection, established by retired lecturer Mr Bill Barr, exists to entertain its readers with a stunning array of Australian Literature. Established in 1994 and originally intended as a delightful break from mechanically geared agricultural texts, the collection contains a wide range of different Australian authors and literature.
Mr Bill Barr was an agronomist and mechanics lecturer at Hawkesbury Agricultural College from 1958 to 1978. As a commemorative tribute to his late wife Rhoda, Mr Bill Barr commenced his generous donation to the Library to enrich the teaching institution that he was strongly connected to as well as an ongoing way to reflect on Rhoda’s life.
New books are added to this collection annually, showcasing a range of subjects including historical accounts, biographies, popular Australian culture, periodic lifestyle pieces, indigenous works and fiction.
To explore this collection, view the Rhoda Barr collection online or browse the shelves in person at the Graham Swain Library, Hawkesbury Campus.
Blood in the Dust
Emboldened
After Before Time
Inside Out
Thirst for Salt
Staff recommendations
Scrublands by Chris Hammer
Recommended by Lauren Tupper, Academic Services Librarian
First in the Martin Scarsden series.
Scrublands is an engaging and atmospheric crime drama about a journalist who travels to an Australian country town, Riversend, one year after a terrible tragedy. Riversend’s young and charismatic priest, on a seemingly normal Sunday, suddenly opens fire on and kills five parishioners before being shot dead himself. Martin Scarsden, troubled by his own past, is there to write a feature on the anniversary of the shooting. Martin soon discovers that the town has dark secrets that powerful forces are determined to keep buried.
This is a multilayered mystery, full of complex and interconnected characters. The plot threads are tightly plotted and woven together – Chris Hammer’s skills as a former journalist are evident here. The environment in its stifling desert heat is a character in its own right! And Martin, what a fantastic character – an imperfect, damaged man but still so determined. I really liked him.
A well-paced and interesting novel! The audiobook read by Dorje Swallow is excellent, as is the miniseries starring Jay Ryan and Luke Arnold. Australian rural crime at its best.
Recommended for fans of mysteries where things aren’t what they seem.
Notable quote: “But then again, the troubled are always young; the old are simply pathetic. Grow old and the edges come off: the mind rationalises, the heart concedes, the soul surrenders. We all grow old and frail, inside as well as out.”
Black River by Matthew Spencer
Recommended by Suzanne Robinson, Library Client and Collections Officer
Yet another strong and viable debut from a new Australian author. This was a page turning and thrilling ride surrounding the murder of a girl on the grounds of an elite boarding school. Black River is a gritty and palpable police procedural, set around the corner from where I grew up in Western Sydney.
Full of all the usual Aussie colloquialisms, the book has down to earth writing matched well with an interesting and unique storyline.
Suburbs from Breakfast Point, to St Marys, Mt Druitt, Toongabbie, Pemulwuy, Blayney and Orange are mentioned, so for Sydney siders and those living in the west this adds an extra layer.
The vibrant Parramatta River ties this all together with wonderfully evocative, well-drawn and likeable characters, this is a series to keep an eye on.
Interesting facts
Range of Publication Years
Number of titles in the collection
Common Collection questions
You can virtually browse the collection via the Library search box and also search for a particular title and check holdings.
Lastly, you can visit the Hawkesbury campus Library during open hours to browse titles on the shelves.