The November 23 Edition
How good is the self-portrait on today’s cover – and the artwork inside? If you agree the artist has talent, you might be surprised to hear that he can’t find a gallery to represent him here. Reading Badiucao’s story in today’s magazine, you’ll glean a little about why that’s the case. It’s an alarming insight into what it means to be a dissident Chinese artist, even one who’s now an Australian citizen. Even one whose work has been shown and lauded overseas. People in the arts pride themselves on being bold, taking risks, speaking out against oppression. So why can’t Badiucao find a gallery to represent him in the country he loves and now calls home? Editor, Katrina Strickland
Watched, followed, threatened. Now an impostor is claiming to be me
Badiucao is an Australian, a Chinese dissident and an Age cartoonist. But that’s not stopping Beijing operatives from intimidating him in Melbourne.
- by Patrick O'Neil and The Visual Stories Team
Analysis
Analysis
‘No shame any more’: Why romance novel sales have doubled in five years
Once upon a time, they were a hidden, guilty pleasure. Now, romance novels are enjoying booming sales here and abroad – and specialty stores of their own.
- by Melanie Kembrey
‘The worst thing is losing your hands’: Hanif Kureishi on life as a tetraplegic
The British Pakistani author shares how his world has changed since the accident that left him paralysed below the neck.
- by Mick Brown
Two of Us
For subscribers
Going into the male-escort business, Anna felt social backlash. But not from Alla
Male escort agency owner Anna Grosman and psychic medium Alla Kuzmis both contend with the judgment of others – and give each other unconditional support.
- by Susan Horsburgh
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘We were so naive’: Glenn Maxwell on the rocky road to becoming a dad
Cricket’s record-holding batsman on his “rainbow baby”, mixing politics and sport – and his most enthusiastic fan base.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
For subscribers
An extramarital affair: Should we keep our wedding rings on?
These affairs tend to have two outcomes, writes our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
Next up on the wellness agenda, sleep – and the sleep retreat
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Konrad Marshall, Barry Divola, Sharon Bradley, Frances Mocnik and Nicole Abadee
Apple and dried cranberry crumble bars
This slice is equally good as a snack with coffee and tea, or for dessert plated up with vanilla ice-cream.
- by Helen Goh
This fun 1980s fusion dish is your new budget-friendly family dinner
Julia Busuttil Nishimura adds extra Japanese flavours to this taco-rice mash-up.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Review
Spice Temple
This seafood hot pot is some of the best value in the city right now
Our tip: split a steamboat between a group of four at the new-look Spice Temple.
- by Callan Boys
Review
Manze
This add-on is like the designer dress you stumble upon in an op shop: an absolute steal
Three-year-old Mauritian restaurant Manze is sitting in the sweet spot. Plus: its seafood platter is absolutely gorgeous.
- by Dani Valent
Do wine preservatives cause headaches (or did you just drink too much)?
Plus the easy and inexpensive fix to nullify sulphites in your glass of wine.
- by Huon Hooke
