Shibboleth and Other Stories (ed by Laurie Steed, Margaret River Press)

Entitled Shibboleth, after the winning story by Jo Riccioni, this absorbing anthology of entries from the Margaret River Short Story Competition demonstrates the calibre of the short-story scene. The contributors are an active bunch, boasting novels (Julie Kearney, Jo Riccioni, Mirandi Riwoe and Michelle Wright), fellowships, short-story and poetry collections, published work, academic theses and awards. It’s also interesting to note that 23 of the 24 stories are by women. Thematic veins include fractured relationships, parent-child disharmony, mental and physical decline, and child abuse. The powerful, artful phrasing of ‘Shibboleth’, in which a former couple reunite in London, is joined by the freedom and clarity of runner-up ‘It Used to Be a Boyd’ by Magdalena McGuire, which opens with the narrator confessing she gets married every week. Highlights for me were: ‘Le Farfalle’ by Cassie Hamer, about an Italian boy’s migrant experience; ‘A House’ by Kate Glenister, which explores a daughter’s response to her mother’s death; and ‘The Drydown’ by Chloe Wilson, about the use of anti-depressants and an oppressive relationship. The volume’s abundance means it is best read slowly or intermittently to savour each story’s intricacy and craft. Margaret River Press’ commitment to showcasing Australian writers deserves support. Editor Laurie Steed describes the ‘right’ short stories as ones that ‘sear their mark upon one’s soul’. Repeatedly, this collection does that.

Joanne Shiells was formerly a retail book buyer and an editor of Books+Publishing

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