Tim Winton's precise understanding of his fellow Australian's day-to-day lives, loves, hates, theories and beliefs has never been more astute than in this collection of interlinked short stories. I have read quite a few of his books and he's never come close to topping this one. I recently discovered a debut novel called The Magpie by Alan Edward Roberts that reminded me of this book, tidy characterisation and a pure sense of place. I am going to read The Shepherd's Hut by Tim Winton soon, I'd also recommed Breath by him too.