Australia Day
Short Stories by Melanie Cheng
‘Australia Day’ is a thoroughly engaging collection of short stories where the main characters are struggling to find connections in their community and relationships. All feel like outsiders in some way. Sometimes because they have come from elsewhere. Sometimes because they have lost their way in a place they have always known.
There is wit. There is charm. And there is a great deal of sadness as the characters work out where and how they belong. Most of the stories left me wanting to know more. Some readers may find this an unsatisfying aspect of short stories but I think it is the mark of a skilled writer. Let’s hope Melanie Cheng decides to write a novel next!
Carol Jones 