Summer Conversations, Volume 4, No. 2, summer 2004

Pandanus Books, ANU, 2004

This issue of conversations is lyrically introduced by accomplished poets John Mateer and Penelope Layland, with a selection of poems that illustrate the breadth and depth of their respective talents.

Tom Griffiths' evocative diary account of his recent Antarctic voyage, Voyaging South, provides an autobiographical excursion, accompanied by a stunning set of photographs of this alluring landscape.

Leon Trainer's short story, The Temple, brings to mind the image of H.P. Lovecraft on a secluded sojourn in Indonesia. Robert Hefner presents a slice of outback Americana in his tale, Pray for Rain, demonstrating what happens when young boys and Revivalist preachers collide. John Biggs' Just One Sip More is a melodic vignette of a particular moment in the life of a Chinese lady, once wed to a Westerner, and a gentle elaboration of events that contrived to create that moment. Finally, Justine Molony presents two contrary visions of truly Australian characters in The Family of the Deceased and Pure White Laminex, which resonate with each other across their difference in tone and identity.