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Common People Paperback – 31 July 2017

4.1 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

From the 2016 Victorian Premier's Literary Award-winning author of Ghost River.

In this unforgettable new collection, Tony Birch introduces a cast of characters from all walks of life. These remarkable and surprising stories capture common people caught up in the everyday business of living and the struggle to survive. From two single mothers on the most unlikely night shift to a homeless man unexpectedly faced with the miracle of a new life, Birch's stories are set in gritty urban refuges and battling regional communities. His deftly drawn characters find unexpected signs of hope in a world where beauty can be found on every street corner - a message on a T-shirt, a friend in a stray dog or a star in the night sky.

Common People shines a light on human nature and how the ordinary kindness of strangers can have extraordinary results. With characteristic insight and restraint, Tony Birch reinforces his reputation as a master storyteller.

Stories include- 'The Ghost Train', 'Harmless', 'Colours', 'Joe Roberts', 'The White Girl', 'Party Lights', 'Paper Moon', 'Painted Glass', 'Frank Slim', 'Liam', 'Raven and Sons', 'The Good Howard', 'Sissy', 'Death Star', 'Worship'.

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Product description

Book Description

From the 2016 Victorian Premier's Literary Award-winning author of Ghost River.

About the Author

Tony Birch is the author of Ghost River, which won the 2016 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 two short story collections, Father's Day and The Promise. 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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of Queensland Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 31 July 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0702259837
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0702259838
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 340 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 1.78 x 22.86 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

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Tony Birch
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4.1 out of 5 stars
112 global ratings

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Top reviews from Australia

  • Reviewed in Australia on 7 December 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A great read of unique, innovative and highly memorable stories by the brilliant Tony Birch.
  • Reviewed in Australia on 13 February 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Good read
  • Reviewed in Australia on 2 October 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Every story in this book is written beautifully. Bich has a wonderfully direct style. His imagery and characters are mesmerising and the fact he speaks to the reader about social issues as well makes this book a winner for me.
  • Reviewed in Australia on 25 September 2019
    Format: Kindle
    I had not read anything by Tony Birch before, indeed I had not heard of him despite him being Australian. These short stories are beautifully written and I wholeheartedly recommend the book.