Stories

‘Garner is a natural storyteller.’ * James Wood, New Yorker *
‘Garner’s stories share characteristics of the postcard: they flash before us carefully recorded images that remind us of harsher realities not pictured. And like postcards they are economically written, a bit of conversation is transcribed, a memory recalled, an event noted, scenes pass as if viewed from a train—momentarily, distinct and tantalising in their beauty.’ * New York Times *
‘A perfect introduction for first-timers who have not yet experienced the pleasures of Garner’s writing.’ * Sydney Morning Herald *
‘Helen Garner’s collections of fiction and nonfiction corroborate her reputation as a great stylist and a great witness.’ – Peter Craven * Books of the Year 2017 *
‘These visceral, incandescent stories treat us to Garner’s companionable brilliance.’ * New York Times *
‘Her prose, as always, is honest, energetic, spare, and precise.’ * Kirkus Reviews *
‘These stories ignite new ways of seeing the world.’ * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *
‘A collection of 14 short stories that illuminate the universal conundrum of how to balance doubts and regrets along with convictions and faith.’ * Carol Haggas, Booklist *
‘Without doubt, Garner is a versatile, skilled writer, with a sure command of voice and a style that can’t be pigeonholed…Anyone who appreciates intelligent, well-crafted prose will find much to enjoy in this collection.’ * BookReporter *
‘Garner’s writing is salutary; if you’re heartsick or world-weary, you’ll feel better after a few pages of it.’ * Los Angeles Review of Books *

Helen Garner writes novels, stories, screenplays and works of non-fiction. In 2006 she received the inaugural Melbourne Prize for Literature, and in 2016 she won the prestigious Windham–Campbell Prize for non-fiction and the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award. In 2019 she was honoured with the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature. Her novels include The Children’s Bach, Cosmo Cosmolino and The Spare Room. She lives in Melbourne.

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