Cirrus@Austlit

'Clementine Ford wonders whether the #MeToo movement represents a turning point for women, Anna Spargo-Ryan thinks not: 'In the wake of #MeToo, when women said "this time it will be different", it wasn't.' Joumanah El Matrah picks over the idea of religious freedom, Liz Conor recalls the section 18C case against cartoonist Bill Leak, and an earlier race controversy over the work of Eric Jolliffe. Clare Payne argues that women are entering a new age of economic empowerment. Timmah Ball brings an Indigenous perspective to the home ownership debate, Hugh Mackay offers calm reflections on the madness of Year 12, Carmel Bird ponders her many connections to Nobel Prize contender Gerald Murnane, and Harry Saddler listens to the world with the ears of a dog.

'There's new fiction from Randa Abdel-Fattah, Beejay Silcox, Laura Elvery and Vogel Prize winner Emily O'Grady. The edition's poets include: Fiona Wright, John Kinsella, Kevin Brophy, Kate Middleton and Hazel Smith.' (Publication summary)

'Summer is the time for good stories. This lively new collection from Black Inc. draws together new and published short fiction from some of our country’s most talented storytellers, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Australian short fiction. Each of these memorable tales will stay with you long after reading – and the collection as a whole makes the perfect holiday gift. Whether you’re by the pool, on the beach or lazing in the park, spend your summer with Australia’s best writers. Featuring new stories from Tony Birch, Stephanie Bishop, Elliot Perlman, Aoife Clifford, Michael Mohammed Ahmad and many others, this brilliant collection continues Black Inc.’s long tradition of discovering and celebrating the country’s finest writers.'   (Publication summary)