Sydney

Female | 20s | under 3 minutes
Starts on page 35

EXTRACT: There’s this memory of Mum that I keep replaying in my head. She’s in the kitchen and she’s got the radio on. She’s singing along, even though she doesn’t know the words. She’s… watching something cook on the stove, I think, and then she turns around to check the recipe she’s using, and in the pot on the stove there’s a wooden spoon, and… then it ends. That’s it. This one dumb memory. It doesn’t mean anything and I can’t stop thinking about it.

Alex

Female | 30s | 3 to 5 minutes
Starts on page 49

EXTRACT: And I just… God. Started shaking. With this rage. Felt like I was – like I was coming out of my skin. Couldn’t speak. Couldn’t think. I hated him, for saying that, and I hated that I didn’t believe it and I hated that I couldn’t just say “thank you” and move on to the next thing, and it happens all the time, for all kinds of reasons. Barely means anything anymore. “Oh, look, I’m angry again”.

TOAST REVIEW

THE WEST AUSTRALIAN

"...a strong piece of writing..."

TOAST REVIEW

AUSTRALIAN STAGE

"A beautifully considered work, bringing laughter, tears and bitter-sweet memories as well as its own considerations of ever fresh topics, Toast confirms that family is the best and worst part of our lives."

TOAST REVIEW

ISOLATED NATION

"...an apt and astoundingly accurate portrayal of grief and family..."