Sunday 26 February 2012

57. Things a Map Won't Show You: Stories From Australia and Beyond edited by Pam MacIntyre & Susan La Marca

Things a Map Won't Show You: Stories From Australia and Beyond edited by Pam MacIntyre and Susan La Marca
Published February 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:
An unforgettable collection of short fiction, poetry and comic art from Australia and beyond . . .
Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, always compelling, this collection featuring both established writers and emerging talent will broaden your horizons and excite your imagination.



This is my second short story collection so far this year.  At this rate I may read more short story collections this year that I have in my whole life!  I have said before that I am not a huge short story fan, but this may be changing.  Maybe it's because I am reading so much this year, that I appreciate the idea of a short story much more!



One of the best things about this collection is the diversity of the authors.  There are authors from India, New Guinea, New Zealand and Korea as well as Australian authors, those you will recognise such as Paul Jennings, Ursula Dubosarsky (to name a few) and names that will be new to you, Tanveer Ahmed and Obed Raggett.


As I have said earlier, the best thing about short stories is that everyone will find something in it that appeals to them.  Some of the standout stories for me were:


Out of the Yellow by James Roy:  A story of a country family visiting the ocean for the first time, and the reaction of the 'too cool' older brother.
Milford Sound by Peta Freestone: A haunting story about life and death in the remote New Zealand sound,  family, loyalty and the Maori connection to the land.
The Exotic Rissole by Tanveer Ahmed - The story of Darryl, the rissole and potato eating Aussie, and his curry and samosa eating mate Tanny.  Both boys are fascinated by the culture of the other.
The Year King by Michael Pryor: The story of a boy who faces beheading if he doesn't become king, but knowing that after his reign of one year he will be beheaded anyway....unless he finds a way to change things.


The book is primarily made up of short stories, but it does include poetry and even one story told in graphic/comic style. 



Who will like this book: Boys and girls age12+
Read it if you like: What You Wish For: A Book For Darfur (Book 19 on the 366books blog)



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