'The biblical tale of shepherd boy David’s defeat of the giant-sized Goliath and his subsequent rise to become king of Israel have been passed down through many generations. In her new novel, acclaimed historical fiction writer Geraldine Brooks delves beyond the legend to reveal the life – and loves – of a man who continues to fascinate 3000 years after his death. She shares the experience of writing about the man and the myth with Maureen Eppen.'

'Tom Houghton, a new novel by Australian writer Todd Alexander, is a gritty and emotive portrait of a broken man and a lost young boy, who are both swept up in the allure of Hollywood and the charisma of Katherine Hepburn. Angus Dalton finds out more.'