The Shark and Other Stories

A rich woman confined to a wheelchair commissions a portraitist to create for her an ideal mate. A successful doctor confronts his past life in a deserted cottage. A young idealistic teacher is caught in a web of power in a decaying country town. In these gripping gothic tales individuals fears and fantasies come startlingly to life to confront them. A disturbing and original new voice in Australian writing.[Swinbourne] demonstrates a rare confidence with language that makes for compelling reading. - Weekend AustralianEven the shorter stories quickly create an atmosphere of foreboding and menace. - Sydney Morning HeraldThis is good meaty material - a springboard for good fiction. - Sunday Tasmanian