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Common People
Common People | Tony Birch
6 posts | 3 read | 1 reading | 8 to read
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 a young girl who is gifted to a middle-class family for Christmas to a homeless deaf 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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Rissreads
Common People | Tony Birch
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Pickpick

#Ozfiction

What a fantastic collection of short stories about all kinds of people in Australia. I found myself invested in them all. I‘m glad I have finally read some of his work.

Crazeedi How have you been Nerissa?? Sending thoughts and a Litsy hug❤💙💚💛 5y
Rissreads @Crazeedi I am good. I have been on holidays for 2 weeks and back to work next week at school with some kids attending if their parents are essential workers but all kids learning online for another 3 weeks. The holidays have been fine, I‘ve got to spend a lot of time with my boys and we have had a few laughs! I hope you are healthy and happy x 5y
Crazeedi @Rissreads 🥰🥰 5y
34 likes3 comments
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MrsMalaprop
Common People | Tony Birch
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Pickpick

Yay, I finally got me some Tony Birch. I‘ve had him on my radar for some time as he‘s an Australian Aboriginal writer that I‘d not read.

I chose this book of short stories to start with. I shared my story of buying this book with Tony looking over my shoulder earlier this year, an encounter I‘ll never forget @Rissreads 😂😍🙌.

This was a contemporary, punchy, gritty collection of stories about, well, common people. I loved it ❤️👏.

Rissreads You‘ve convinced me to start it next. Yes meeting him was hilarious! 🤣 5y
LeeRHarry This a good one of his 😊 5y
MrsMalaprop Thanks for the recommendation @LeeRHarry 👍. My hesitation with The White Girl is that I heard it‘s a bit YA & I already have a good grasp of our history. Having read these excellent short stories I might just have to try it now. 🙏 5y
LeeRHarry @MrsMalaprop it is a bit YA so if that‘s not your thing...😊 5y
54 likes5 stack adds4 comments
blurb
MrsMalaprop
Common People | Tony Birch
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@Rissreads & I were at the Literature & Ideas Festival this morning browsing books. We were looking at the wide range by Aboriginal author Tony Birch, who I‘ve been wanting to read, trying to choose one to start with. This bloke comes up between us, points to one & says, “That one‘s good.” I look at him and blurt, “Oh, you‘re the author!”.

Nerissa & I both bought Common People, which, incidentally wasn‘t the one Tony recommended. 😂

#ozfiction

LeahBergen 😆😆😆 5y
Rissreads It was weird but made my day! 😂 5y
47 likes2 comments
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Abailliekaras
Common People | Tony Birch
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Pickpick

Compassionate, understated, these stories are slices of life in #Australia, giving us characters on the fringe of society, people you might overlook on a bus, at school, in a hospital waiting room. Tony Birch writes cleanly and maintains suspense and sometimes a sense of menace, but there is optimism throughout. It‘s realist so expect some swearing and tough moments, but told with empathy. #Auslit #readaroundtheworld

45 likes2 stack adds
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Abailliekaras
Common People | Tony Birch
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An Ivan Milat (backpacker murderer) joke. #Spooky #UncannyOctober day 30

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Abailliekaras
Common People | Tony Birch
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I bought these recently and can't wait to read them. Both come highly recommended and look at those covers! 😍 #nativeandindigenousreads #riotgrams #AusLit #Australia

Cinfhen Both look amazing 💗 7y
Abailliekaras @Cinfhen I'll report back soon! 7y
32 likes2 comments