Media Bites 20220809_v5

Abominations L I ON E L SHR I V E R

Great Australian Ambos B I L L ‘ SWAMPY ’ MARSH

A masterful collection from one of the most acclaimed writers of our time. Novelist, cultural observer and social satirist Lionel Shriver is among the sharpest talents of our age. A writer who embraces ‘under-expressed, unpopular or downright dangerous’ points of view, she regularly deplores the conformity of thought and attitude that has overtaken society. Bringing together thirty-five works curated from her many columns, features, essays and op-eds for the likes of the Spectator and Guardian , speeches and reviews, and some unpublished pieces, Abominations reveals Shriver at her most

‘Yeah, while some of my stories are quite gory, others can be very enlightening. Though, in hindsight, the best outcomes are when the patient pulls through. It’s then that you know you’ve done your job, and you get a bit of a buzz out of that.’ Put the sirens on and get ready to hit the road, because fact is stranger than fiction in this fabulous Australia-wide collection of ambos stories from bestselling author Bill ‘Swampy’ Marsh. Rural and remote ambulance drivers and paramedics are a dedicated and gutsy bunch who work tirelessly to care

iconoclastic and personal. Relentlessly sceptical, cutting and contrarian but also frequently moving and vulnerable, this collection showcases her piquant opinions on a wide range of topics, including religion, politics, illness, mortality, family and friends, tennis, gender, immigration, consumerism, health care and taxes. Though some of the more divisive essays in Abominations have ‘brought hell and damnation down on my head,’ as she cheerfully explains, she also offers insights on her novels and explores the perks and pitfalls of becoming a Released: 07/09/22 TPB | 400pp

for their communities, often in isolated and inhospitable conditions, with few resources but plenty of experience, courage and care. Ambos deal with it all: car crashes, delivering babies, snake bites, heart attacks, lost bushwalkers, drug overdoses – even the occasional crook camel. One thing they are never short of is a story or two to tell. This memorable and eye-opening collection of real-life accounts of professionals and volunteers alike racing by road, air and water to save people in strife, is by turns, poignant, bizarre, heartbreaking and hilarious. Bill ‘Swampy’ Marsh is an award-winning writer and performer of stories, songs and plays. He spent most of his youth in rural south-western NSW and Released: 07/09/22 TPB | 304pp AU $32.99 NZ $35.00 Imprint: ABC Books billswampymarsh.com

AU $32.99 NZ $35.00 Imprint: HarperCollins

NON - F ICT ION