Another Time Another Place: A Collection of Short Stories

by Monica Cook (Editor), Sarah Mokrzycki (Editor), Anna de Souza (Contributor)

Featuring stories from 10 new and vibrant authors, each of whom are current or former students of Swinburne University of Technology's Master of Arts (Writing) program, this anthology will transport you into another time, and another place.

196 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2015

Reviews

[Jeanette]

An anthology produced by some Swinburne Creative Writing students - it includes historical stories (fiction and nonfiction) as well as steam punk, science-fiction and even one fantasy (mine).

[Del Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening story of the anthology Another Time, Another Place is Mrs Bishop’s Bed which follows the thought processes of a pioneer settler’s wife lost in the forest, and its skilful telling ensures the reader is ensnared from the outset. The breathtakingly poetic writing of Anthony Wood keeps the reader riveted to the page in an ever upwardly-spiralling combination of words which takes one to a whole new level of reading experience, both spiritually uplifting and emotionally satisfying, while at the same time exploring the human psyche to a depth seldom encountered in the literature of today. It unfolds a simple tale told with multiple layers of meaning and is a fitting prelude to the stories which follow. Next comes Call me Jane, a well-crafted manor house murder mystery by Sarah Mokrzycki whose characters come to life as the tale unfolds, a challenge well met in such a short span of words. The world of the still, the Mob and the speakeasy in the Prohibition era are called to mind in the intriguing account, in Rumrunnery, of skulduggery and betrayal as unfolded by Anna de Souza. Even those who do not prefer fantasy fiction, the lyrical prose of Jeanette O’Hagan’s Broken Promises will promote a change of heart and is a most worthy addition to the collection, whilst devotees will be delighted.
Isolated is contributed by Porle Joen who invites us to share her world of futuristic horror, whilst stretching our minds and credulity with each newly invented concept. As I read Tattle Tale, with its clear and concise delivery of a tale well told with never a spare word, I was reminded of Conan-Doyle and delighted to find in reading about the author that TC Phillips is a disciple of that master storyteller of 19th Century dark. This one is another must read. Similarly, The True Story of Miniature Pineapples by Simon Rowe drops us right back into the 21st century with a jolt, and we land on our feet laughing. Buried Horns by Monica Cook weaves fantasy and history into a creative story of a world apart. Rift by Jennie Keech is the kind of bizarre parallel universe meets back to the future and will appeal to a large audience of readers. Which brings us to the final tale, The Journey by Starsky Tan, based on truth, it leads an adopted child on a journey of discovery to find his birth mother and an explanation of her decision to let him, her baby, go. There is a wealth of creative excellence between the covers of Another Time, Another Place, and it is an anthology of short stories well worth the read.

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many anthologies have been marketed with the phrase 'something for everyone', but Another Time, Another Place really delivers. From fantasy to horror, crime to classic myth, exploration of both inner and outer worlds, Another Time, Another Place takes the reader on ten marvelous mini-journeys into the hearts, minds and worlds created by some extraordinary authors - both up and coming as well as experienced. Ten snapshots of worlds beautifully imagined and brilliantly executed, from the mundane to the bizarre, the reflective to the reactionary, from here to an amazing time and place - and back again. There is much to be enjoyed within these pages, and I thoroughly recommend taking a peek for yourself. You won't be sorry!