Fracture by Elyse Hoffman

This short story is set in World War 2 between a SS private and a Jewish fugitive who were formerly childhood friends in 1943. Our main protagonist is Franz an overzealous member of the SS. In the Third Reich, he has found what he mistakenly feels is home- a foreign concept due to his violently abusive upbringing.

Petrichor by Melanie Rees

Set in South Australia, this short story starts at a very bleak time for Clayton and his family. The drought has dug in deep on their family property and his older brother is gone. Clay is left feeling powerless and frustrated by his family’s reluctance to speak about emotional issues. 

The Ruby Locket by Melissa Wray

Set in a dystopian future, the novel begins with Saxon and Manny finding a young girl (Kerina) in the wasteland at the edge of their village, presumed dead. The distance between towns is large and the terrain is unforgiving. To their complete surprise the young woman is alive and despite potential ramifications for hiding rambler, they decide to take her in.

Wimmera by Mark Brandi

***Trigger Warning… this book review discusses child sex abuse, predators and domestic violence*** Wimmera by Mark Brandi is a period novel, set in rural Victoria in the late eighties and later in the nineties. Brandi’s novel follows two protagonists Ben and Fab, beginning year 6 of primary school. They are best friends, united against theContinue reading “Wimmera by Mark Brandi”

Silver by Chris Hammer

  In Hammer’s second novel we are once again following Martin Scarsdale, in the wake of his time in the Riverina. He has written a book and is joining his partner from Riversend, Mandalay. As soon as the protagonist arrives in seaside town Port Silver where his partner and her son have been living, itContinue reading “Silver by Chris Hammer”