literary fiction. Archives -

Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett

This debut novel about three brothers is an intense sensory experience set in the harsh coastal area of Bruny Island, Tasmania. Joe has left his brothers Miles and Harry behind with their grieving and alcoholic father after their mother dies. “I hope he’s dead,” Miles says to Joe, emphasising the pain they have endured dueContinue reading “Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett”

The daylight and the dust: selected short stories by Janet Frame.

This short story collection covers four decades and themes from childhood to death. Frame was saved from a mental institution and a scheduled lobotomy when she won a most prestigious New Zealand literary award. Jane Campion directed the film adaptation of her autobiography ‘An Angel at My Table’ that details this suffering and recognition. DespiteContinue reading “The daylight and the dust: selected short stories by Janet Frame.”

A Room Called Earth by Madeleine Ryan

Madeleine Ryan takes us through her world for one night. Her perspective makes a lot of sense. She starts getting ready for a party and deciding what to wear. Her inner world carries us through each encounter until she meets and connects with someone. She takes him home and dances in the rain ““Dancing inContinue reading “A Room Called Earth by Madeleine Ryan”

Stories: The Collected Short Fiction by Helen Garner

Monkey Grip, Helen Garner’s first novel, is raw. The portrayal of single mother Nora and heroin addict Javo’s life is now cemented as a classic. Written in 1977, it started her long career. She delves into authentic experiences of Australian life and disregards writing rules. She has mastery of the short story form. In 2017Continue reading “Stories: The Collected Short Fiction by Helen Garner”