AustLit

'Tommy Norli was born on Murchison Station to a black mother and a white father. His father waited until two days after the birth to come and visit mother and child. By way of making up for his delay-or maybe for the pregnancy itself-he brought Tommy a rattle he had made from a dry gourd and a lamb's knuckle...' (Introduction)

'Like every morning, Siobhan goes down to buy a Coke Zero and to smoke. The first thing I hear is the click of the lock as she leaves; I think it’s right to say it wakes me. She takes her time; she flirts with the wistful old solitaire who owns the corner shop; she stands, I imagine, gripping the can like a commuter trying to stay upright' (Introduction)

'Walking home down George Street, in Fitzroy, last year, I saw a front window of a former shop, now a private residence, covered in handwritten notes. On the door were instructions: Pssss! Tell us your secret. Have something you need to get off your chest? Something to say, but you can't? Write it down and put it through our door. We'll post it in our window. No names please.' (Introduction)