Short Fiction, Poetry and Classic Book Reviews
The 2024 U.S. presidential race was the most dramatic in living memory. Hard-fought, controversial, and constantly entertaining, it was the roller-coaster ride that brought American politics into the post-Trump era. This piece will look at the eighteen months leading up to the election, and analyse the key events that brought about its extraordinary outcome. Back... Continue Reading →
It's been a while but now you're back, I see. Determination such as rarely found, Displayed in slender strand of ivory, Protruding once again there on my brow. What fiendish pride lurks in your keratin? So proud, you lord it over other hairs, Your fall from grace awaiting there within, I cannot take my daughter's... Continue Reading →
“Huh... I never noticed that before. See up ahead where the river makes a sharp bend? There’s a hill up on that bank, covered with trees. See it? I’ve seen it before… only not here. The Mekong. Just like that—the river bend, the trees. A hundred clicks north of Nha Tau. It’s funny the things... Continue Reading →
Of all the French existentialist novels that share a title with a hit John Farnham song, this is probably my favourite. It holds extra significance for me as my reading of this book coincided with my fifth attempt at learning French. Although I read an English translation of The Age of Reason, the names of... Continue Reading →
Leaving the army was hard on Omar Spyfe. He was a decorated soldier, but had got into some trouble after it was discovered he was making his own decorations—out of Roll-Ups. His commanding officer became suspicious when he spied Omar taking a bite of his Victoria Cross. Normally this would not merit a dishonourable discharge,... Continue Reading →
It was a bold move by George Orwell to name his story after the definitive Van Halen album. Sure, we all want to pay homage to our heroes, but Orwell (or any other writer for that matter) was only ever going to look amateurish next to the master lyricist, David Lee Roth. (If, by some... Continue Reading →
“New earrings? I don’t know why you keep buying those—it’s not like she’ll wear them.” “That’s not the point.” “At least get second hand ones. She’s not going to notice the difference, and you’d save yourself some money.” “Will you lay off? She put new earrings on the list, so I’m giving her new earrings.”... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is the first I have read of Mark Twain’s work, mainly because of a used car I bought fifteen years ago. I’ll explain. When I was much younger and slightly more naïve than I am now, I went to buy an automobile at a local car yard. The yard was... Continue Reading →
Before leaving the house for his mission—top priority, straight from the president—Paul stood in front of the mirror and studied his appearance. Visually, this was a useless exercise: it was a shaving mirror, and he had to stand on the other side of the room to fit in his entire reflection. He had no idea... Continue Reading →