Cirrus@Austlit

'With its honest portrayal of the complexity of human relationships and the difficult choices we face, Last Best Chance is a compelling and thought provoking read.

'When Rachel, a forty-something single woman, finds herself running out of options on her path to motherhood, she seeks treatment at a fertility clinic in Central Europe. Telling half-truths to her family and the clinic's medical team, Rachel questions how far she will go to become a mother, even though she struggles to articulate her desire to become one.

'Meanwhile, expat Jess loves her new life with Viktor despite their struggle to make ends meet and her confusion about her life's purpose. Viktor and his friends live their lives passionately while Jess just seems to be living.

'With the city preparing for a green-energy expo, Jess sees the opportunity to ignite a career dream, while Rachel fears that it might jeopardise her dream of having a child. Will a chance encounter between the two women give each what she desires?' (Publication summary) 

'A debut collection of stories surveys contemporary environmental and climate terrain.'

'A dystopian future that bears too scary a resemblance to certain contemporary realities.'

'The Glass House, Brooke Dunnell's debut novel, is a stunning portrayal of family and friendship, secrets and betrayal.

'Relieved to take time out from her faltering marriage, Julia Lambett heads across the country to her hometown to help her father move into aged care. But moving an elderly man is easier said than done, especially when her father reveals that a guest has come to stay.

'Soon after her return, Julia bumps into her childhood friend Davina. True to form, Davina takes a determined interest in all the things that Julia hoped she had left behind. Along with four decades of possessions to be managed and dispersed, Julia uncovers some long-forgotten, deeply unsettling memories.' (Publication summary)

'A survivalist tale in the darkest days of the Anthropocene.'

'Tomorrow, when Skyler’s gone, she’ll give the dog both cans of food, then get the bolt cutters and set her free.

'Brooke Dunnell’s collection of stories links females and dogs in surprising yet hauntingly familiar ways. Cleverly crafted, it explores a range of voices, ages and socioeconomic conditions, prodding you to see society through fresh eyes. From a missing person’s case, and a boy grappling with puberty, through to a girl watching helplessly as her brother trains his dog to kill, this book will pull you in from beginning to end.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

‘The Districts' cricket clubhouse was a dark brick bungalow at the edge of a large suburban oval. Though the approaching summer would soon dry the grass to a stubbly hay and force spectators onto the marginally cooler cement verandah, on this spring morning the ground was still damp and green under Brian Gerrity's shoes. Sliding his key into the door of the clubhouse, he smiled as the heavy weights of the lock shifted at his touch...’ (Publication abstract)