Dark as Last Night

by Tony Birch

Dark as Last Night confirms, once again, that Tony Birch is a master of the short story. These exceptional stories capture the importance of human connection at pivotal moments in our lives, whether those occur because of the loss of a loved one or the uncertainties of childhood. In this collection we witness a young girl struggling to protect her mother from her father’s violence, two teenagers clumsily getting to know one another by way of a shared love of music, and a man mourning the death of his younger brother, while beset by memories and regrets from their shared past. Throughout this powerful collection, Birch’s concern for the humanity of those who are often marginalised or overlooked shines bright.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Indigenous, Australia, Audiobook, Book Club

Audible Audio

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Tony Birch is the author of Ghost River, which won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Indigenous Writing and Blood, which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. He is also the author of Shadowboxing and three short story collections, Father’s Day, The Promise and Common People. In 2017 he was awarded the Patrick White Literary Award. Tony is a frequent contributor to ABC local and national radio and a regular guest at writers’ festivals. He lives in Melbourne and is a Senior Research Fellow at Victoria University.

Reviews

[Tamar...playing hooky for a few hours today · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book of short stories by an Australian author my sister recommended. I am a huge short story fan, and these are gritty and quirky. Sadly, I do not have time to properly review. The last word in the first story was a total hoot! They are all a bit off-beat. I recommend!

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading this brilliant collection of short stories days ago, but found I needed time to sit with the heightened emotion it inspired before reviewing it. Birch has successfully tapped into the humanity of his "marginalised" characters, so often ignored, yet desperately in need of human connection. They find themselves alone, often unsupported, and unsure of their place in a world filled with violence, confusion, and loneliness. What Birch does so remarkably is to capture in a short story the one moment that often provides resolution, hope or a connection that can make a difference to their lives.

The characters vary in age - adults, teens and younger children - and Birch portrays them with care and integrity. Their situations differ: young people and adults caught in abusive situations; teens struggling with new friendships; kids trapped by bullying and needing protection; youth and adults learning to cope with rejection; an indigenous man returning to "country" for the last time. We feel privileged to enter their lives, to witness what goes unnoticed about their struggles, their confusion, their needs. There is nothing melodramatic about the narratives despite many of them revealing deep emotional unrest.

What Birch manages so expertly is to present a pivotal moment in the lives of his characters from which we can gain insight into the wider world they inhabit. These are truly masterful short stories, each and every one of them!

[Tundra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful collection of stories examining the interconnectedness of human lives and the relationships we have with those around us. My favourite stories were towards the end of the book; the man with the kite, and the death of a brother. They both ended with a positive glimpse of the future and the kindness of a stranger as a pivotal event in someone’s life.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was already familiar with several of these stories but it was still good to revisit them in this collection. The three stories about Birch’s brother were standouts for me.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Little Red lit a match and held it towards the policeman to get a decent look at his face. 'Yes, I have information. As does that poor woman in that house. Information. It's here with this girl. Lift her dress, she'll have a story on her body to tell you. Women. Children. We carry our stories with us. Your job would be easy if you looked.'

From the title story, 'Dark as Last Night. '

Oh, what a short story collection. It is deeply centred in the real. Some stories had 1950s/60s feel, that made me nostalgic for an older generation, without social media. All stories observe the subtle and expose the overt behaviour, that marginalised individuals experience. Whether it is, a young girl navigating her father's domestic abuse, an aboriginal man finally seeing his country due to being part of the stolen generation and a young boy with a new bike that is noticed by some local bullies. There are stories where moments of grief are expressed poignantly, yet simply, making you pause and linger on the honest emotion.

The story, 'Bicycle Thieves ' absorbed me completely in place and character, that when it ended I was overwhelmed with tears and emotion I didn't know I was experiencing. I think this is the first time a short story made me cry. Tony Birch is a brilliant story teller and I look forward to exploring his back list.

[Toni Kely-Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was great and the stories were good focusing on characters who live on the fringes of society and face violence, etc. But this also reaffirmed to me why I don't read short stories often (hardly ever) because just when I get invested in the story and the characters, they stop! I understand there is an art to the short story and these are well-written, I'm just not the reader for them.

[Caitlin Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Birch is a master story teller and this collection of short stories emphasises that. Despite some stories only being 10 pages long, I was invested in the characters and the meaning of their stories. Absolutely adored 'Bobby Moses' and 'The Librarian'.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixteen self-contained short stories ...

I finished each of these stories reflecting on just how well Mr Birch captures situations and feelings. I wanted to know more about some of the people in these stories because they had become real. I did not need more for each story to work: each story is complete. But consider the lives portrayed, subjected to violence— marginalised into invisibility, living bound within the claustrophobic constraints of domestic violence— or journeys into shared pasts.

These short stories are full of human interactions, memories, regrets. Mr Birch’s characters might be adults, or teenagers, or younger children. They might be alone, bullied, confused. They might be invisible or struggling to learn about their heritage.

And, in each of the situations we are introduced to Mr Birch’s characters, they are humans struggling to find their own place in the world.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Erin Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written short stories that encompass the complexity of human nature and connection.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another very good short story collection from Tony Birch who is recognised as a master of the short story form.

[Tom Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like Chloe Wilson’s ‘Hold Your Fire’, Tony Birch has written a strong short story collection with ‘Dark as Last Night’, one that should be talked about more. Birch has produced bittersweet stories steeped in painful realism: the plight of First Nations children and adults and of loss and violence through all ages. ‘Dark as Last Night’ never falters in a compilation full of insight and zeitgeist, Birch showcasing the strength and importance of these Australian stories, and the power of the short story form. Giving life and meaning to the mundane and everyday, Tony Birch is an author I’m keen to read more of.

[Saskia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the short stories. Found them VERY short though. So much so that I needed a break in between each one cause I would take the old story into the new story and get confused. Overall pre good 3.5

[Lauren Hobday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally why did this book have to end?! 😩🤩

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good collection of sixteen short stories, mostly about adolescents. A young girl struggles to protect her mother from her father’s violence. Two teenagers who are trying to get to know one another by way of sharing their love of music. The teenage boy’s sister and her friend try to prepare him for his music sharing date. A man mourns the loss of his young brother. Siblings stick up for one another. The stories are about human connections at important moments. There are some poignant and humorous moments. A rewarding reading experience.

This book was first published in Australia in 2021.

[Penne Moschetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually many short stories but I really enjoyed this compilation. While each was quite short, the themes were really powerful in rendering aspects of humanity, especially those of disadvantaged environments. How individuals rose to confront their circumstances were beautifully depicted, Excellent reading.

[neve · Rating 3 out of 5]

found myself in the middle of a cheeky depressive episode whilst reading this and didn’t have the urge to read it at all. it took me longer than expected but i’m glad i finished it. the stories are beautifully written and it was really an enjoyable read, just wishing i had read it in a better mental state. will definitely put it on my “read again when mentally stable” list !!!!!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all short story collections, this is a varied bag of narratives. However, Tony Birch's deeply empathetic and informed writing leaves you wishing you had more time with his characters than we're given.

[Ros Gaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Tony Birch I’ve read. It was outstanding. Truly authentic Australian stories, written with compassion and affection for the everyday characters, even those with evil intentions. A commendable spotlight on indigenous lives. Highly recommended.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Birchs style, it's direct but still descriptive. It works beautifully in short stories and this was a great collection.

[Bronwen Heathfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am already a fan of Tony Birch so it came as no surprise that I enjoyed this short story collection. I also enjoy the short story form - that quick immersion into a world, tension mounts and then a satisfying conclusion- no time to get too annoyed with endless plot twists and unbelievable or unlikeable characters. Tony’s stories are mostly set in the 60s of The Western suburbs of Melbourne but not all. They all have strong characters facing challenges of some kind. Read them, you will laugh,smile and feel sad.

[Amy Heap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t often reach for short stories, but when I do I am rarely sorry. These have a beautiful, haunting, nostalgic sense of place. They are tender and lovely, even though the subject matter isn’t always, and I found them poignant, thought-provoking, and so easy to read.

[Elle Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literary brilliance. Devoured and adored this. Stories that went for 15 or less pages at times that I connected with immediately and will stay with me for ever.

[Shirley Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Birch really is the master of the short story. Like any short story collection, some are better than others. But the great ones are pure perfection and works of art.

[Kate Broadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this collection of short stories. I’m always so impressed when a writer can convey so much about their characters in so few pages. I went straight to the library and borrowed The White Girl to read next!

[nina.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark as Last Night is the second short story collection I’ve read by Tony Birch and reading this has just cemented my view that he is THE master short storyteller.

Every story in this collection was a joy to read. Birch is somehow just able to create these vividly described yet so plainly ordinary characters. Each story focuses on human connection and the quietness of the everyday. There is an underlying sadness woven through in particular the few stories where a loss of a brother or a connection with a brother is foremost. This you find out in the afterword is a love note to Birch’s own brother who passed away.

He such a craftsman with his words! I loved reading every single story and read this very quickly. If you too love short stories then do yourself a favour and try a collection by Tony Birch.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

While somewhat new to collections of short stories, I found Tony Birch to be brilliant at this form.
In so few pages he was able to have me captivated and so invested in the characters. Each time.
A common thread of down-trodden, cast aside and 'otherness' runs through each short story but they all carry their own energy and are unique across characters and their journey.
I highly recommend.

[Danny Seipel · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of these stories are good, a couple are excellent
Starman has one of my all-time favourite endings.

[Cass Moriarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Tony Birch style, DARK AS LAST NIGHT (UQP 2021) explores themes of (toxic) masculinity, class (particularly the working class), poverty, violence and race. This collection of short stories especially focuses on semi-autobiographical stories in honour of Birch’s brother Wayne, who died a few years ago, and the grief, loss and unending sorrow of his leaving. Through these stories, Tony Birch explores guilt, love, memory, loyalty, responsibility, family, sibling bonds and the wider cultural and community engagement as he depicts the enormous grief associated with his brother’s passing.

Many of the stories in this collection have been published previously in literary journals, newspapers or anthologies.

The titular story Dark As Last Night is written from the perspective of a young girl with an abusive father and a heavily pregnant mother. It’s an unsettling story that engenders increasing fear for the child but delivers a shocking and satisfying ending.

The tale After Life describes the cleaning out of a house after someone (the narrator’s younger brother) has died – the personal touches, the memories, the banal up against the sacred. This story teaches us what can be gained by loss (or despite loss).

Bobby Moses is an unforgettable character in search of his lost childhood. Bicycle Thieves is a delicious tale of revenge, boyhood bravado and brotherly loyalty. Probate tackles the unenviable and complex grief that accompanies the loss of someone you did not love or did not respect or care for. The sting in the tale is the highly humorous ending. Starman explores adolescent angst. The Blood Bank: A Love Story explores caution versus being carefree, social distancing and human interaction.

The Death of Michael McGuire: Dead Man Walking gives the reader heightened anticipation and terror. We know something bad is going to happen because bad men have wronged other bad men. But the ending is unexpected, prosaic, surprising and genuinely uplifting in a strange way, with a poignant twist. The Manger explores the dark secrets the Catholic church has visited on children – nothing too explicit but it certainly leaves you thinking. The story Together is about caring for someone intimately, especially an older person, and bearing witness to their death. It chronicles the strength of some who withholds their grieving so that others may express theirs. (I found this story of death and its aftermath particularly resonant.)

The Librarian is a love story to librarians everywhere and all they offer and give. The story Animal Welfare is disturbing, a thriller, almost horror writing. Other topics in other stories cover topics such as flight, dementia, the joy of kites and the relationships between young and old.

Without Sin features an unforgettable character in Jonah Webb, a 40-year-old man-child who learns a valuable lesson about how to be a man in the world. It touches on friendship, bullying and offers an ultimately delicious revenge. Lemonade directly references Birch’s guilt over his brother, the kindness of a stranger and really plumbs the depths of emotion and sadness. Riding Trains with Thelma Plum is a covid pandemic story about race, music, joy, fearlessness, hate, prejudice and community.

Overall, this is a stunning collection with memorable and endearing characterisation introduced in short, sharp stories that hold the world in only a few pages. Tony Birch’s writing is always easily recognisable as very Tony Birch, yet it is also surprising, challenging, thought-provoking, humorous, wicked, just and searching. I never tire of reading him.

[Productive Procrastinator]

I DNFed this, so I'm not leaving a rating (although, as a matter of principle, I don't formally leave ratings for any contemporary texts). The stories I read were decent, but they were all overly didactic and too simple for me. I don't mind a minimalist style, but I find that it only really works with certain types of social commentary or with the modernist "iceberg rule" instated, which none stories of these had. There is no mystery left at the end of these works (everything is spelled out with obvious symbolism or sometimes slightly unnatural dialogue), and there is no ambiguity in terms of their messaging, so re-reading value is non-existent. Anything potentially occurring underneath the surface is not properly hinted at to be read into in good faith. "Lemonade" has some very beautiful passages in the first half, as does the connected story "After Life", but the stories don't really ever create memorable images nor characterisation nor commentary (although the two aforementioned stories do have some nice sentiments to them). There really is a lack of detailed description, which is really quite inexcusable in the third-person stories. Moreover, this collection suffers from the great terror of modern Australian publishing of sub-standard editing (outside of the issues I've covered, there's just some sentences that read awkwardly that should have been smoothed out before publication).

These are okay, and there's nothing bad here, but there's also nothing that is compelling me to finish the stories that I skipped over. It's a broader issue in Australian publishing, but the contemner with conventionality and a lack of ambition is frustrating, especially when Birch demonstrates that he is capable of great things. Not every work of fiction has to be reinventing the wheel, but these felt too safe or unadventurous for me, and I have to side with William H Gass' sentiment that so many books have already been written that one must attempt to forge something new when seeking to complete a work of writing for public consumption. It was tracking for a 3/5 score, but, again, I'm not going to assign it a rating.