Book Review–Cracklescape by Margo Lanagan

Margo made me cry again with one of her stories in this collection.  So yes, I liked it.  Like it so much that I saved reading the last story for some six months after buying.

I also love the Twelve Planets range and the cover art of Amanda Rainey. The wasabi green cover of Cracklescape is no different, it helps make an impressive alternative rainbow on my bookcase.

But you’re here for the stories.

There’s four, in line with the brief of the Twelfth Planet Series.  They offer a range of what Lanagan is capable off while also being decidedly more grounded in an Australian setting.

The Duchess Dresser is an offbeat ghost story, a great mood piece that I found unsettling but not distressing.

The Isles of the Sun is a tale of magical disappearance told from the point of view of the child experiencing it and the mother left behind.

Bajazzle I’ll let you discover for yourself.  Witchcraft, an unlikeable but recognizable misogynist protagonist and a whole lot of feeling uncomfortable if you’re a bloke.

Significant Dust, a story of escape woven into a tale of a historical reported UFO sighting.

Significant Dust was the story that had me reaching for the tissues.  It’s not quite so gutting as my favourite Lanagan, Singing My Sister Down, because there’s a hopeful ending or at least Margo has left enough room for me to imagine one.

I’d recommend this collection to your Lit friends that think that the fantasy genre is populist and lacking in depth and quality of prose.  Margo’s one of those writers that you can’t pin down, or pigeonhole. A writer who can turn her hand to almost anything and make it her own.

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This review is part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2012.  Please check out this page for more great writing from Australian women.

 

 

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Australian Women Writers gets air time thanks to Tara Moss

Thanks to the wonderful Tara Moss, the Australian Women Writers Challenge got a mention on Radio Nationals Drive.

You can find the segment here.

And while you are here.

Are you male and have you signed up for the 2013 challenge? If not, why not – feel free to answer in the comments?

 

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FableCroft announces its TOC for One Small Step anthology

It’s in draft stage at the moment, but Tehani has given us a quick look at the authors who will be dazzling us in One Small Step. 

My comments in italics

“Sand and Seawater” by Joanne Anderton & Rabia Gale

I loved Debris (Novel) and the Bone Chime Song (Short) by Jo - she’s one to watch in my opinion.  Couple this with Rabia Gale who’s work I was impressed with this year and yeah it’s looking good

 

“Indigo Gold” by Deborah Biancotti

Deb Biancotti -, nuff said, loved her Bad Power collection

 

“Firefly Epilogue” by Jodi Cleghorn

Haven’t read any of Jodi’s work yet, but she’s a tireless community minded author/editor.  She’s in good company here.

 

“The Ways of the Wyrding Women” by Rowena Cory Daniells

I am a Daniells Fanboy

 

“The ships of Culwinna” by Thoraiya Dyer

Another writer to watch.  Have enjoyed everything of hers I have read.  Been writing quality for some time now.

 

“Shadows” by Kate Gordon

YA Aussie author, who writes about shapeshifting Tassie Devils.  Fresh and interesting.

 

“By Blood and Incantation” by Lisa L. Hannett & Angela Slatter

These two are dangerous together, dangerously good.

 

“Ella and the Flame” by Kathleen Jennings

Wonderful artist and has stories in my TBR pile.

 

“Original” by Penny Love

Haven’t had the pleasure

 

“Always Greener” by Michelle Marquardt

Haven’t had the pleasure

 

“Morning Star” by DK Mok

Haven’t had the pleasure

 

“Winter’s Heart” by Faith Mudge

Haven’t had the pleasure

 

“Cold White Daughter” by Tansy Rayner Roberts

Tansy Fanboy

 

“Baby Steps” by Barbara Robson

Haven’t had the pleasure

 

“Number 73 Glad Avenue” by Suzanne J Willis

Haven’t had the pleasure

So with 50% of the collection filled with damn fine writers I have read and respect I think this might go on the Birthday list.  Its coming out sometime early next year.

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