This collection captures the shifting landscape of Australian prose through a curated selection of short stories and narrative pieces from the mid-1980s. The anthology presents a variety of voices, each navigating the social and cultural tensions inherent in the Australian experience of the era. Through diverse narrative frameworks, the authors explore themes of isolation, urban identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The collection serves as a snapshot of a specific literary moment, highlighting the stylistic experimentation prevalent among Australian writers at the time.

This anthology is regarded as a significant archival effort that documents the evolution of Australian short fiction during a pivotal decade. The selection reflects a deliberate attempt to showcase the breadth of talent operating within the country's literary scene at the time. Readers and critics often point to the collection as a vital resource for understanding the thematic preoccupations of Australian writers in the mid-1980s. The work remains a foundational text for those interested in the development of modern Australian prose and the specific stylistic trends that defined the era.