The Essential Bird

A landmark selection of outstanding stories from one of Australia's finest writers Carmel Bird is acknowledged as one of the masters of short story writing in Australia. She is one of the most exciting, original and electrifying writers around. this collection brings together the best of her short stories to date. Stories to beguile, bedazzle, disturb and amuse. Stories that nudge reality's farthest borders, explore history's darkest moments, and redefine the human spirit's infinite capacity for wonder - and love. through the shimmering veil of fiction, Carmel Bird gives us a world that is both whimsical and profound, and unquestionably her own.

'I think Carmel Bird's stories are terrific, and the first thing any review should say is, simply, buy them.' Sydney Morning Herald

'These short stories are of the rare sort that you should avoid reading alone. They are about people we could never have guessed were so loveable.' The Australian