Contains studies of three Australian novelists:
- "A web of possibilities : Such is life by Joseph Furphy", pp.15-69 and Appendices 209-12.
- "Parables of innocence and experience : three novels by Christina Stead", pp.71-141 and Appendices 213-18.
- "De-negotiating the business of living : A woman of the future by David Ireland", pp.143-208 and Appendices 219-20. Also contains a preface, pp.9-13 and a bibliography, pp.221-237.