Cirrus@Austlit

'The sad news that This Water: Five Tales will be Australian writer Beverley Farmer’s last work of fiction is announced in the first line on the back cover of the book. So it is hard not to read this collection of stories as a kind of testament or intimate reflection on the transience of life and the frailty of human powers.' (Introduction)

'Coming-of-age stories about teenagers in peril are commonplace but Anna Spargo-Ryan’s delightful second novel, The Gulf, is exceptional in many ways. It’s the story of 16-year-old Skye, who lives in Adelaide with her mother, bank teller Linda, and adorable 10-year-old brother, Ben. The family is down on their luck and it’s a tough existence, but Skye enjoys school and she and Ben have friends.' (Introduction)