Published 22 April 2009 · Main Posts modesty prevents them Jeff Sparrow Being such shy, retiring types, my co-editors have been all coy about their achievements. Lacking inhibitions of that kind, I note that Rjurik will soon publish a book of his short stories in Britain, while Kalinda‘s novel The Danger Game is rapidly taking shape. Here’s some of the encomiums it has attracted: ‘Kalinda Ashton’s The Danger Game is an unflinching examination of familial and communal bonds. It is a masterful, poignant, powerful and true. Ashton¹s is a remarkable voice and this is a wonderful novel.’ Christos Tsiolkas ‘The Danger Game is an exquisitely written portrait of a disintegrating family in a turbulent era.’ Amanda Lohrey ‘Ashton’s The Danger Game announces a new and vital voice in Australian literature. The writing hits every note on every page.’ Tony Birch ‘Kalinda Ashton loves her damaged characters, and makes us love them too. With forgiveness, an enormous sensibility for suffering, and a wry, forensic eye, she explores the injuries that lie inside their souls. This subtle and engrossing debut novel combines Ashton¹s exquisite feel for language with precise observation of suburban lives. Lonely Jeremy, survivor Alice and risk-taking Louise are people we know from life; discovering their secrets and stories makes The Danger Game a wise, disquieting, and memorable read.’ Kate Holden ‘A brilliant novel about a damaged family, The Danger Game breaks your heart and promises to put it back together again. In Jeremy, Ashton has created a character whose demise leaves you stunned and wishing there was another way. He will stay with me.’ Ian Syson I think it’s pretty good, too. Jeff Sparrow Jeff Sparrow is a writer, editor, broadcaster and Walkley award-winning journalist. He is a former columnist for Guardian Australia, a former Breakfaster at radio station 3RRR, and a past editor of Overland. His most recent book is a collaboration with Sam Wallman called Twelve Rules for Strife (Scribe). He works at the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne. More by Jeff Sparrow › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 4 October 202418 October 2024 · Main Posts Announcing the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers 2024 longlist Editorial Team Sponsored by Trinity College at the University of Melbourne and supporters, the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers, established in 2014 and now in its ninth year, recognises the talent of young Indigenous writers across Australia. 16 August 202416 August 2024 · Poetry pork lullaby Panda Wong but an alive pig / roots in the soil /turning it over / with its snout / softening the ground / is this a hymn