The University of Canberra’s 2019 Book of the Year has been named as The Natural Way of Things, described as a ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ for the 21st Century.
Written by Charlotte Wood, The Natural Way of Things follows the story of a group of young women being held captive in the Australian desert.
The University of Canberra (UC) Book Project, now in its seventh year, provides a book to all beginning students and staff at the university with the aim of generating conversation and engagement within the community.
Ms Wood (pictured), was the winner of the Stella Prize in 2016 for The Natural Way of Things and has gripped readers with its provocative exploration of contemporary misogyny.
It was chosen as the 2019 UC Book of the Year by a panel of experts including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Nick Klomp; UC Distinguished Professor Jen Webb; UC Librarian Christian West; author Craig Cormick; and PhD student Ian McHugh.
Professor Klomp said he hoped the book would engage a wide audience with its universal themes of power, morality, judgement and friendship.
“The themes, language and flow of The Natural Way of Things are enthralling, and I have no doubt students and staff will be glued to the story as soon as they turn the first page,” Professor Klomp said.
He said the Book of the Year was a fantastic initiative that was growing in popularity each year.
