The Immaculate Heart of Mary (Steel City, 1910) Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Magda descends on Polish Hill like so much of the metal whose siren song lured our fathers and grandfathers away from their matki and motherland. Within a week, she is selling newspapers on the street corners. Within two, she has us organised. […]
flash: The Immaculate Heart of Mary Read More »
Letters to Einstein Reading time: about 2-3 minutes December 1902 Novi Sad Darling Albert, We had a daughter, just for a day. I don’t know whether to be relieved or to allow myself a tiny ache of sadness. My mother’s tongue is sharp with disapproval since I brought disgrace upon her. She berates my father,
flash: Letters to Einstein Read More »
Interview Highlight Reel: Albatross Island Season 7 Winner Vicki Scott Reading time: about 2-3 minutes [Day 1] Marc Fisher (Producer): Welcome to Albatross Island. Vicki Scott: Thanks! Gotta admit, I thought this competition was fake when you first slid into my DMs. [laughing] VS: I’m Vicki, a 23-year-old fitness model and eco-tour guide. I love
flash: Interview Highlight Reel: Albatross Island Season 7 Winner Vicky Scott Read More »
Spelling Things Out Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Leaving dusk behind, I slip into the library’s light. Coat on the peg, I slink into the corner. Slumped on the floor, back against the radiator, is my spot. Miss Robin, the librarian, comes over with hot chocolate and a biscuit. I leave crumbs on the carpet,
flash: Spelling Things Out Read More »
Desi’s Doctor Reading time: about 2-3 minutes The metal gates rang like crazed gamelan under the fists of the mob. The chorus shouted and clapped. My clients were unsettled by the ruckus; the old man with a lump in his throat and the woman with a bloated tongue. They whispered, sharing doubts, and that I
flash: Desi’s Doctor Read More »
Occupational Hazard Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Session 1 ‘Your patient is here, Ruby.’ Maddie, the temp who smelled like lilies, handed me the paperwork. June Allen, 46, marital issue. Maddie giggled. ‘She’s a chatty one.’ ‘She’s in the right place. Chatting is my jam. Send her in.’ Before I got to my feet, June
flash: Occupational Hazard Read More »
Himalayan Blues Reading time: about 10-15 minutes Week 17, Wednesday March 12th 1913 How I wish I had never heard of this infernal flower. I have gazed upon it many times in my feverish dreams, so desperate am I to see it for myself. As it now stands, my quest is temporarily thwarted. I lie
fiction: Himalayan Blues Read More »
Inspirations #1 ‘Inspirations’ is our sometime feature where our writers delve into the genesis of their work and/or their creative process. Follow the links to fall in love with them all over again, or visit our ever-growing Archive to discover new favourites. Contents: 1. david lambert 2. Jennifer Todd 3. Rebecca miles 4. Dominic palmer
feature: Inspirations #1 Read More »
One Step at a time Reading time: about 20 minutes Early morning, the dawn weaker than milky tea. At the bedroom window, mug in hand, Dulcie watches the cars and buses creep—slow and stop, then creep—slow and stop, brake lights reflected red in the puddles. Soon, the season will slip; summer bending to autumn’s sway.
fiction: One Step at a Time Read More »
Dances Reading time: about 15 minutes He had always known the line of his life: to be as other men of his like and station. How that was to be achieved was far less important than the fact that it was achieved; that he had maintained what needed to be maintained until early middle age
