Little Deaths

by Peter Goldsworthy

A collection of short stories about Death.

The car keys --
The death of Daffy Duck --
The nice surprise --
Pointing the bone --
Tea and macaroons --
Tuxedo Junction --
The booster shot --
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam --
The list of all answers --
What comes next.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Australia

146 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Peter Goldsworthy grew up in various Australian country towns, finishing his schooling in Darwin. After graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1974, he worked for many years in alcohol and drug rehabiiltation. Since then, he has divided his time equally between writing and general practice. He has won major literary awards across a range of genres: poetry, short story, the novel, in opera, and most recently in theatre.

Reviews

[Joel Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know the season anymore under the stars, communing with the curlews while the distant clouds glitter. I move slowly over mountains looking for snow. When there is none, I assume we've flown too close to the sun. Up there, there is air, distance, and the wrapping papers of lollies that were discontinued. Will we be discontinued too? I have ended many things, but could I end myself; could I end you? The music plays, but I am still. Is watching an art, or just an activity; my eyes make paintings of moving people. I am filled with sadness for all of this; that it cannot be captured. Though, what flamingo looks good in a cage; what minotaur does not come to want, again; what snow does not become water [what sadness does not become joy] One day, we will either be very old or not in these bodies. With nothing to feel or remember / / luckily, everything is stored in the glittering clouds and I have felt your body.

I found this book in a box at my local botanic garden. In an age of binge watching series and subsequent collective grieving on social media, it seems strange to be profoundly affected by writing from decades ago and have no-one to share it with; have no-one know what lies here. Peter was my GP in a former life; maybe I could go {back} and interrupt the lancing to ask whether I will become a sunbeam? What a beautiful, strange burden life is; and death, I guess. I'll put it back in the box and imagine talking to the person who finds it next.

[Don Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing collection of short stories by a great Aussie author.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have to be my favourite collection of short stories. 'Jesus wants me for a sunbeam' is such a beautiful, sad story.

[Catsalive · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ★ - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...