Cirrus@Austlit

'I signed away ten years of my life at high school. Three hundred or so teenagers did likewise around the country; from Sydney and Melbourne to the wind-rustle quiet of burnt umber townships. We had similar reasons – wanting to be heroes and leaders, chasing self-respect, escaping loose ends, following Simpson and his donkey.' (Introduction)

'The morning heatwave, having grown rampant on the city skyline, overspills into the streets of Phnom Penh. Our tuk-tuk driver drags a veil of dust through the heavy amber spears of sunlight. He wears a wholesome white cotton shirt and brown fisherman’s trousers. The urban musk of petrol, fruit and rubbish billows the fine fabric into a Michelin Man burlesque. He pilots with patient aggression around meteoric potholes and slaloming squads of mopeds. Rusting Ford trucks flaking green and white paint heave across tight corners, chickens screeching and pallets shifting in the back.' (Introduction)

 (Publication abstract)