Cirrus@Austlit

'Pieces contains extracts selected to appeal to a wide range of readers and interests from 11 highly regarded Australian novels The extracts are intended to introduce students, particularly those for whom reading is not a favourite activity, to a variety of novels. The extracts average 3500 words each and introduce students to the major characters of the novel. Each extract has a brief introduction to put the events and characters in context, and is followed by a synopsis of the novel.

'The novels are: Maestro by Peter Goldsworthy, Illywhacker by Peter Carey, The Day of the Dog by Archie Weller, After January by Nick Earls, Our Sunshine by Robert Drewe, The Secret River by Kate Grenville, Matilda, My Darling by Nigel Krauth, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith by Thomas Keneally, The Well by Elizabeth Jolley, Plains of Promise by Alexis Wright and Cloudstreet byTim Winton.' (From the publisher's website.)