Cirrus@Austlit

'Under Centauri contains fifteen short stories about life in contemporary rural Australia. The stories are about local people encountered during extensive overland travel through remote regions. They include a story about a Greek migrant with a speech impediment who found acceptance in Darwin during the devastation of Cyclone Tracey; how a fishing boat crew encouraged a crocodile to follow their vessel in order to get rid of the refuse thrown overboard—and the consequence; how a dead child saved his mother during a major flood. They are humorous or poignant, universal in their themes, socially aware and have emotional impact.' (Publication summary)