Laura Jean McKay Books

A GuardianBest Fiction Book of 2023 The brilliant new short story collection from the Arthur C. Clarke Award--winning author of The Animals in That Country. A family of cat farmers gets the chance to set the felines free. A group of chickens tells it like it is. A female-crewed ship ploughs through the patriarchy. A support group finds solace in a world without men. With her trademark humour, energy, and flair, McKay offers glimpses of places where dreams subsume reality, where childhood restarts, where humans embrace their animal selves and animals talk like humans. The stories in Gunflowerexplode and bloom in mesmerising ways, showing the world both as it is and as it could be.

WINNER OF THE ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD A SUNDAY TIMESBOOK OF THE YEAR Out on the road, no one speaks, everything talks. Hard-drinking, foul-mouthed grandma Jean has never been good at getting on with other humans, apart from her granddaughter, Kimberly. Instead, she surrounds herself with animals, working as a guide in an outback wildlife park. Then, a strange pandemic begins sweeping the country, its chief symptom that its victims begin to understand the language of animals. Many infected people lose their minds, including Jean's son, Lee. When he takes off with Kimberly, Jean follows, with Sue the dingo riding shotgun. As they travel, they discover a stark, strange world in which the animal apocalypse has only further isolated people from other species.

Set against the backdrop of Cambodia's haunting history and vibrant culture, the narrative explores the contrast between its tragic past and the welcoming spirit of its people. It highlights the allure of the country as a destination for tourists, showcasing its potential for adventure and discovery. The juxtaposition of the killing fields and the majestic temples of Angkor serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and hope in a land where anything is possible.