Stories from the Otto Bin Empire

by Judy Nunn

FAMILIES COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.

In these six captivating short stories, meet some members of the Otto Bin Empire - the homeless men and women who gather down by the docks.

Adam, the teenage runaway, who has just one to stay lost. Until life offers him a second chance.

Oskar, the elderly Polish immigrant, who to outsiders cuts a lonely figure. But every afternoon, at the giant chessboard in the park, Oskar becomes a star.

The poet Reginald, who claims he just wants to observe. Then he meets young Sally - and the scruffy kelpie who hangs around the bins – and is inspired in ways he’d never imagined.

Johnny, the generous, charismatic, habitual criminal, who is finally determined to turn his life around – if only he can stay out of jail.

Benny, the Big Issue vendor with a heart of gold, who loves nothing more than helping others.

And finally Madge, the much-loved Otto Bin matriarch. Her past has always been shrouded in secrecy, but now she’s ready to share her story . . .

Tragedy and betrayal, sacrifice and salvation, redemption and hope are all on display in this inspiring collection from master storyteller Judy Nunn.

Genres: Book Club

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

Judy Nunn (born 13 April 1945) is an Australian actress and author.

Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst I was at my local library I spotted this book on the new release shelf and I was pleased to see Aussie author, Judy Nunn had a new book out I was unaware she had a new book out, so I knew nothing about this book.
Otto Bin Empire is a collection of six short stories all of which are connected. Each story is about a different character all of which are homeless. Throughout this novel, we get an interesting insight as to how each character became homeless and how this reflects on their everyday lives.
I enjoyed this book and even though it was an easy and quick read I still found it entertaining and at times heart wrenching. Well worth reading. Recommended.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Judy Nunn needs no introduction.
An iconic actress of stage and screen and a bestselling author of Australian fiction.
This book is a selection of six short stories that connect together.
Welcome to the Otto Bin Empire…
A group of people who live homeless down near the docks.
There’s Adam, the teenage runaway.
Johnny, the good looking criminal.
Oskar, the elderly polish chess champion.
Reginald the poet who observes.
Benny, the Big Issue vendor with a big heart.
And Madge, the grande dame who holds them all collectively like glue.
Their lives mesh and so does everyday life….
These tender, authentic and honest tales give the reader the insight into life of a houseless person.
They are still people, that have had bad luck thrown at them and relate to each other and form bonds.
A voice that continues to bring social issues to readers and writes with compassion.
A great in between read from those heavy books.

[Anika Niehaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book. As my first Judy Nunn read, I thought the way she weaves together different voices and experiences is both powerful and thought-provoking. The characters felt so real, and their stories really stuck with me. Some parts felt a little rushed, which is the only reason I’m not giving it a full five stars, but overall, it’s a beautifully written and eye-opening read. Definitely recommend!

[Jackie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished. Eye-opening content that's given me food for thought about the homeless, the circumstances of how they got to where they are and what they need to do to survive. There but for the grace of god, go I or you...

[Belinda Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book. Some great characters. Quite different to Judy Nunn's usual stories but the same writing style.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book. Easy to read and the characters become known to the reader so easily. An insight into the lives of the houseless, the different stories as to why they end up living on the streets. Some escaping from dreadful home lives, some suffering from PTSD, others having been in jail. The story of the life of each individual stands alone, but Judy Nunn has woven them together making a complete story.
This book seems simple on the surface but delves into so many areas as to why people live on the streets and makes the reader look closely at society as a whole and question what more could be done for people who are living rough

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, funny and moving tale of a group of people doing it hard who revolve around a rubbish bin area - living there, loving there, laughing there, dying there and more. Madge is the stalwart who monitors, cares for, advises and writes about the residents. 6 stories about the poor, the lonely, the addicts, those who do it tough but still care, share and laugh together. Absolutely magical!

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Six moralistic short stories, similar (in many ways) to Trent daltons “Love Stories”.
Easy read, horrific events, though the bland descriptions make it almost romantic to be homeless.
I’m not sure why the author chose to tell the stories separately. With the same location and characters, they could easily have been combined into a single story, covering the events whilst minimising the information repeat.
Could make a 6 part Netflix doco-series??

Three stars

[Cristo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's wonderful to read a book based around the basic goodness in people instead of the "ubie" (ubiquitous, you'll understand if you read the last chapter of the book) crime books that overpopulate bookshelves.
Although the book had some sad parts, tearjerking actually, the overall feeling was one of hope for the human race.
I must read more of Judy Nunn's books, this one was not just a good read, it was a worthwhile read.

[Kathleen Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it took me a while to really enter 'the community', I found myself becoming quite invested in the lives of the characters. I credit this series of short, interconnected stories in helping me to recognise my own assumptions and fears when it comes to perceiving those who live on the peripheries of our lives and, therefore, our understanding.

[Jenny Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Judy you have written a lovely story. The story definitely gives you a look at the good side of homeless people. Not all homeless are against the world and the cards they have been dealt.
Can recommend Otto Bin Emire as a good read and a look into homelss living.
Put it on your list to read.
Loved it.....

[Eden High · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst Judy Nunn’s latest release ‘Stories from the Otto Bin Empire’ is in her usual near perfect writing style it has to be the most boring book she’s written to date. It lacks depth and strong story content, and has a weak and obvious ending.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any Judy Nunn book is a reliable GoodRead. The Otto Bin homeless / disadvantaged group are no exception. Adam's was full of hope. Benny's was the most heartbreaking. Author saves the best til last with Madge.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read.

[Laura Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

So raw and real, heart wrenching and heartfelt, beautifully put together with amazing characters

[Carol Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories…nice change from a novel

[Rita Speziale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I love Judy Nunn’s writing /stories
Community and support between homeless people and the stories that make these people who they are.

[Oznasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would call these long-short stories (from about 40 to 60 pages each). There is a total of six in the book and I enjoyed them all.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Good storytelling and believable, worthwhile characters. You won't look at the homeless the same way.

[Trudy Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story I didn't want it to end.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I really like all the characters and the way the story weaved the together. Not surprised though I always enjoy Judy Nunn’s books