Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Gerald Murnane, Giramondo Publishing, $34.95.
Having been out of print for more than 20 years, this volume is a compilation of GM’s shorter works of fiction.
They include such masterpieces as ‘When the Mice Failed to Arrive’, ‘Stream System’, ‘First Love’, ‘Emerald Blue’, and ‘The Interior of Gaaldine’, a story which holds the key to the long break in Murnane’s career, and points the way towards his later works, from Barley Patch to Border Districts
As a writer, M ahs an intricate and individual style. However, not many can match his prowess when it comes to writing subtle portraits of family members – children in particular, parents, uncles and aunts – and in his analytical skills which contain satisfaction, embarrassment, concern and awkwardness.
