Shortlisted for the 2020 NSW Premier's Literary Awards Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-fiction
Longlisted for the 2019 Stella Prize
The follow-up to Fiona Wright's essaycollection Small Acts of Disappearance winner of the Nita B. Kibble Award and the Queensland Literary Award for Non-fiction,shortlisted for the Stella Prize and the NSW Premier's Award for Non-fiction.
Our bodies and homes areour shelters, each one intimately a part of the other. But what about those whofeel anxious, uncomfortable, unsettled within these havens? In The World WasWhole, Fiona Wright examines how we inhabit and remember the familiar spacesof our homes and suburbs, as we move through them and away from them into thewider world, devoting ourselves to the routines and rituals that make up ourlives. These affectingly personal essays consider how all-consuming theengagement with the ordinary can be, and how even small encounters andinteractions can illuminate our lives.
Many of the essays are setin the inner and south-western suburbs of a major Australian city in the midstof rapid change. Others travel to the volcanic coastline of Iceland, themega-city of Shanghai, the rugged Surf Coast of southern Victoria. The essaysare poetic and observant, and often funny, animated by curiosity and candour.Beneath them all lies the experience of chronic illness and its treatment, andthe consideration of how this can reshape and reorder our assumptions about theworld and our place within it.
'In this exquisite follow-on from her award-winning memoir-in-essays Small Acts of Disappearance, Fiona Wright continues to set the standard for the essay form in Australia.' - Jo Case, Books+Publishing
Praise for Small Acts of Disappearance:
'Wright has a gift for compression, lyricism, and apoet's ear for rhythm, all of which animate even the most heartbreakingpassages.' - The Australian
'Each essay works as a kindof poetic auto-ethnography, moving between inexplicable realities of the selfand those of the world-at-large; between life's surfaces and interiors.' - Sydney Morning Herald
Shortlisted for the 2020 NSW Premier's Literary Awards Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-fiction
Longlisted for the 2019 Stella Prize
The follow-up to Fiona Wright's essaycollection Small Acts of Disappearance winner of the Nita B. Kibble Award and the Queensland Literary Award for Non-fiction,shortlisted for the Stella Prize and the NSW Premier's Award for Non-fiction.
Our bodies and homes areour shelters, each one intimately a part of the other. But what about those whofeel anxious, uncomfortable, unsettled within these havens? In The World WasWhole, Fiona Wright examines how we inhabit and remember the familiar spacesof our homes and suburbs, as we move through them and away from them into thewider world, devoting ourselves to the routines and rituals that make up ourlives. These affectingly personal essays consider how all-consuming theengagement with the ordinary can be, and how even small encounters andinteractions can illuminate our lives.
Many of the essays are setin the inner and south-western suburbs of a major Australian city in the midstof rapid change. Others travel to the volcanic coastline of Iceland, themega-city of Shanghai, the rugged Surf Coast of southern Victoria. The essaysare poetic and observant, and often funny, animated by curiosity and candour.Beneath them all lies the experience of chronic illness and its treatment, andthe consideration of how this can reshape and reorder our assumptions about theworld and our place within it.
'In this exquisite follow-on from her award-winning memoir-in-essays Small Acts of Disappearance, Fiona Wright continues to set the standard for the essay form in Australia.' - Jo Case, Books+Publishing
Praise for Small Acts of Disappearance:
'Wright has a gift for compression, lyricism, and apoet's ear for rhythm, all of which animate even the most heartbreakingpassages.' - The Australian
'Each essay works as a kindof poetic auto-ethnography, moving between inexplicable realities of the selfand those of the world-at-large; between life's surfaces and interiors.' - Sydney Morning Herald
How the radical music of the 1960s was birthed amid unprecedented upheaval and systemic repression.How the radical music of the 1960s was birthed amid unprecedented upheaval and systemic repression...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
Sign In
your cart
Your cart is empty
Menu
Search
PRE-SALES
If you have any questions before making a purchase chat with our online operators to get more information.
