Sprawl – edited by Alisa Krasnostein
Twelfth Planet Press, 2010
340 pages
RRP: AU$29.95
ISBN 978-0-9804841-8-2

Reviewed by Russell B Farr

Sprawl is an anthology of 16 stories, 1 cartoon and 1 poem by a number of notable and critically acclaimed Australian SF writers, put together and published by the team at independent press Twelfth Planet. The anthology seeks to explore urban fantasy in an antipodean setting.

A handful of the stories in this anthology are exceptional pieces. Simon Brown’s “Sweep” is a well-told, chilling tale of adolescence. It is remarkable in both its depth of feeling and subtlety. “Walker” by Dirk Flinthart is another fine story, an amazing urban fantasy tale that respectfully includes indigenous Australia. Lisa L Hannett’s “Weightless” was almost flawless in its telling, magical in its narrative and incredible sensual in the lasting impression it leaves on the reader.

Cat Sparks’ “All the Love in the World” is a visually and emotionally stunning post-apocalyptic SF tale that seemed a little out of place among the urban fantasy. Angela Slatter’s “Brisneyland by Night” has some incredible elements in its telling but lacks a knockout punch at the end. Other stories I wanted to enjoy more included contributions by Kaaron Warren, Deborah Biancotti,  Barbara Robson and Paul Haines, all wonderfully talented writers whose work in Sprawl was satisfying, but not representative of the best stories they can deliver.

There were two solid stories by writers I am only just becoming familiar with: Thoraiya Dyer and Pete Kempshall. Dyer’s “Yowie” is a powerful piece with a somewhat forced ending; while Kempshall’s “Signature Walk” is a wonderfully visceral and satisfying tale of a Perth summer.

Editor Krasnostein’s introduction admirably sets Sprawl up as an attempt to “showcase our vibrant local scene”. The result of this is a handful of standout tales flanked by some pretty good stories.