Another Australia

by Winnie Dunn (Editor), Declan Fry, Sara M. Saleh

A suburban psychic’s ominous warning. A conversation in Yuwaalaraay. A glimpse of a shameful, hidden history. A love that moves a mountain. In this unwavering follow-up to After Australia, twelve more boundary-pushing Indigenous writers and writers of colour show us all that is and could exist in our versions of Australia.

Featuring Shankari Chandran, Osman Faruqi, Declan Fry, Amani Haydar, Shirley Le, L-FRESH The LION, Mohammed Massoud Morsi, Omar Musa, Sisonke Msimang, Sara Saleh, Nardi Simpson and Anne Marie Te Whiu.

Published by Affirm Press in partnership with Sweatshop Literacy Movement and Diversity Arts Australia.

Edited by Winnie Dunn.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Anthologies, Australia, Indigenous

288 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

Winnie Dunn is a writer of Tongan descent from Mount Druitt, Western Sydney. She is the general manager of Sweatshop Literacy Movement. Her work has been published in Meanjin, The Guardian and Sydney Review of Books. She is also the editor of several critically acclaimed anthologies, most notably Another Australia (Affirm Press, 2022). She was the recipient of a 2023 Australia Council for the Arts grant. Dirt Poor Islanders (Hachette) is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an eclectic collection, from poetry to memoir to fiction, all exploring aspects of Australian identity which don't get much airtime. Some of my favourite writers are here - unsurprisingly Sisonke Msimang's contribution is a knockout, as is Omar Musa's - but on the whole the collection felt less satisfying or provoking than I was expecting.

[Natalia Figueroa Barroso · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Sweatshop writer I’m biased but it’s a spectacular collection of varying portrayals and analysis of ‘Australia’. Each piece exploring colonialism, White supremacy and the systems of oppression that come from living in a country where sovereignty is yet to be ceded. Highly recommend.

[elbow ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

my favourite stories:
- the innocence project - sisonke msimang
- communities of concern - sara m saleh
- paper thin - anne-marie te whiu
- gr8ful - shankari chandran

[Kettletot · Rating 4 out of 5]

particular enjoyed Bad Transplant; I Am … ; Coi Boi

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong collection of short stories that really aren't stories in the usual sense. As a reader I couldn't connect with all of them, strangely those who were reviewed elsewhere and made me pick it up in the first place. But hey, I still gobbled it up in a sitting! There's one (love) story, A Mountain Without A Peak, that I've since re-read twice. That is by a longshot my personal favourite. I've read this writer before. He draws a narrative of how Australia is also bound in the fate of our personal (love) stories, and I presume in the beauty but also tragedy of his story, he brings a deeply insightful message that leaves you and this collection with 'that' gut feeling...
Recommended definitely.

[Natasha (jouljet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays and short stories from authors in Australia who are not always published and front and centre in mainstream literature - but representative of the true, diverse Australia we see and are on the streets, on the trains, in reality.

Stories and accounts acknowledging Australia's blak history, it's racist policies and enduring structures, and the experiences of migrants and second generation Australians. The generational transfer of stories, hardships and challenges, but also growth, opportunity and resilience.

Contemporary literary names here, established voices that many of us know and trust to capture truth, challenge views, broaden perspectives. A great collection of pieces.

[ˋ°•☆&;josie.ೃ࿐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story series is a collection based on the experiences of various Australians as they navigate wide-spread systemic racism, governmental atrocity and historical amnesia.

As well as shining the light on these important aspects of modern day and historical Australia I appreciated the celebration and exploration of some of the diverse cultures present in this colourful country.

This would have been five stars if more First Nations authors were present.

I have never heard of the project before and definitely plan on reading the preceeding collection, After Australia.

[Jim Rimmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great follow up to After Australia and while it retains the energy of tight short stories from a diverse range of writers it shifts gear from speculative fiction to being far more rooted in the present.

I look forward to reading larger works from a number of these writers soon, or just more short stories.

[Fei · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories, reflections, and memories from Aboriginal and authors of color in Australia to show a clearer story of country and community. Some i wish went further in where Australia could go and/or be imagined to be. But on the whole a solid collection.

[VinitaF · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t often finish a book in one day but this was really easy to read. Thoughtful at times but mostly highly accessible narratives and commentary on the diversity, injustices, hopes, dreams and humanity that is non- white Australian.

[Alli_aye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of essays and short stories. Nice variety and authors I can’t wait to read what they write next

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the stories were good. Others I didn't always connect with the story.

[peachy · Rating 5 out of 5]

essential reading. funny, heartbreaking, truthful - Another Australia should be on every curriculum.