Fire: A Collection of Stories, Poems and Visual Images

(Paperback)

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Twenty five works make up this collection. Playwright David Milroy's story, Walardu and Karla, draws on an Aboriginal legend of Karla, the fire that 'had burned for more than twenty years.' Poet Miriam Wei Wei Lo explores several ways in which fire informs people's lives, both literally and symbolically, across different cultural contexts and times. Paul Hetherington's poem Bushfire captures 'the aftermath of fire,' where 'nights (are) charred with recollection.' Sharon Tassicker, Curator at the Janet Holmes a Court Gallery at Vasse Felix, shares a selection of art works from their 2013 fire exhibition that illustrate some of the myriad qualities, associations, symbols and emotions that fire generates from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal perspectives. Mike Rumble's photographic essay recalls both 'the natural beauty and power of the fire' and the recovery of the bush after fire. These are just some of the rich and diverse range of responses to fire contained in the poetry, fiction and visual material in this anthology. Some refer to contemporary events and are often realistic; others use legend, history and memory in their work.

Reviews

'A superb and necessary anthology of literature, images and commentary on our relationship to fire in its many manifestations. The works collected here are confronting, challenging, vital and also healing. We witness the destructive effects of fire, but also the visionary and pragmatic role it plays in our lives. These contradictions are often expressed through pain and respect. Editor Delys Bird and Margaret River Press have given us a landmark book that is much needed in these times, and will be much discussed.' - John Kinsella