These are tales of fugitive lives: dazzling portraits of women and men on the run; from their present, their past, their future – from themselves…

Here, finally, is the complete collection of short fiction from award-winning author Wendy James. Holding a discerning mirror to seemingly ordinary lives, James captures recurring themes of love, betrayal, passion and guilt to show just how vulnerable and intricate the human heart really is.

Whether narrating from the living room of a contemporary marriage, from the wheel of a desperate getaway car, or while composing an elaborate diversion in 18th century Salzburg, James has the rare ability to wryly comment on humankind with unnerving clarity and precision.

James has a strong reputation in sales as well as critical acclaim and awards, and has occupied a somewhat more mainstream position than the standard literary writer in Australia.

Praise for the author's previous work

This is a work of intelligence and talent informed by a deeply humane sensitivity...If Wendy James aspires to be our national novelist, she is on her way. In equal measures intellectual and sensual, Out of the Silence is a brilliantly cut literary gem sparkling from every angle.

Sydney Morning Herald