A History of the Beanbag
This is my first collection of short stories, shortlisted for the WA Premier's Book Awards in 2008.
ABOUT A HISTORY OF THE BEANBAG
With photographic precision, Susan Midalia captures the fleeting beauty, light and darkness in the ephemera of everyday life. From the silences between people and the ordinariness of places, objects and events, she conjures narrative jewels of intelligence and grace. A collection with a difference - a scenic tour of the surprises, secrets and fears beneath the cracked veneer of domesticity and suburban complacency. Like the beanbag of the title, the stories are an invitation to settle yourself in for a reading experience by turns vivid, haunting, bizarre and strangely comforting.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
'These are stories distinguished by their profound sensitivity to the unexpressed dimensions of ordinary people; they are works of rare lucidity, integrity and sureness of style. A beautiful and wholly accomplished collection.' Gail Jones
'These are finely crafted and carefully observed stories about life in suburban settings.' Sydney Morning Herald
'This writer abolishes ordinariness by showing that it is usually extraordinary if you consider it attentively ... her gifts are those of a remarkable poise and clarity of manner, and an economy and range in storytelling which sustains interest from first to last.' Adelaide Review.
'Midalia is particularly good with life's awkwardnesses, especially as endured by the innocent and naive ... Deep in the heart of heart of the most comfortable suburbia there's a faulty valve, and Midalia is adept at finding it.' The Australian Literary Review.
'... poetic and poignant, vivid and entertaining.' Subiaco Post.