Pieces from Australian Novels

Pieces contains extracts selected to appeal to a wide range of readers and interests from 11 highly regarded Australian novels. The extracts are intended to introduce students, particularly those for whom reading is not a favourite activity, to a variety of novels.

The extracts average 3500 words each and introduce students to the major characters of the novel. Each extract has a brief introduction to put the events and characters in context, and is followed by a synopsis of the novel.

The novels are:

• Maestro
• Illywacker  
• The Day of the Dog
• After January
• Our Sunshine
• The Secret River                    
• Matilda, My Darling  
• The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith    
• The Well                              
• Plains of Promise      
• Cloudstreet