"Melbourne" by Sophie Cunningham is one of series of books covering the history, ambience and culture of some of Australia's major cities. Each book has a slightly different feel, determined by the author's perspective and history within their city. The original version of this book was written after the Black Saturday Fires and was published in 2011. This update includes a new forward by the author. Cunningham describes her life and upbringing in Melbourne's inner-city suburbs (think Carlton, Fitzroy and alike) and adventures out to Monash University at Clayton. She examines politics, First Nation history, architecture, the environment, AFL the arts, and most importantly the cities contribution to writing and publishing. Her book is set out across a year, season by season - the changing weather being a feature of Melbourne. As a relative newcomer to the city (my 16th year) I was enthralled by the history, background and hidden secrets of the place I now call home. I had previously read the Adelaide and Brisbane books in the series and have enjoyed them all for different reasons. A great read for Melbournians and history buffs. ( )

Melbourne is a must for all home sick Melbournians. It makes you want to go back and visit your own stomping ground just as Sophie has done. While this book is a snapshot of a year in Melbourne, beginning with the horrific bush fires of 2009, it is also a reminder that one person’s Melbourne is certainly not another’s. Melbourne holds her secrets close and Sophie reveals some of them but they are Sophie’s stories and experiences and other Melbournians may not relate at all. She revisits the suburbs of her childhood and talks about the history of the literary scene in inner city Melbourne. No story of Melbourne is complete without a mention of the AFL and Sophie is unashamedly a fan of the sport.

She has captured the feel of Melbourne in this lovely little book which is part of a series, the other books are Brisbane by Mathew Condon and Sydney by Delia Falconer. The book is a lovely to hold and read.
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