Zebra contains 13 short stories and one novella all set in the Australian landscape. The short stories use a mixture of first, second and third person narrators offering a variety of observations and opinions. The author shows compassion for the suffering of the sick, and those alienated from partners, countries of origin, or empathetic help.

In ‘Dismembering’, a woman splitting up possessions after a marriage break-up has such a vivid nightmare of dismembering a body and burying it in the backyard that she cannot separate the dream from reality. ‘Welcome to Country’ describes the fenced-off desert land separating those who refuse to submit or conform. Charitable people get past checkpoints to throw supplies over the fence. The narrator feels empathy towards these alienated people and travels there taking a special gift. ‘Migraine for Beginners’ produces deep sensitivity for migraine sufferers while describing with acidic humour the useless advice of some medical professionals. The poignant story of Mr Bennelong sent to London away from his Indigenous roots describes his outward respect for British fine clothes and mannerisms, but his secret derision of their excitement about his success with a knife and fork.

The novella ‘Zebra’ describes the life of a fictional Prime Minister in Australia who is not power-seeking but only desires to help the needy. Her biggest challenge is her aggressive, name-calling neighbour Kerr, who keeps moving his fence to claim more of her land. Handling him becomes her greatest personal achievement. She develops an affinity with the zebra delivered to the Lodge from a US zoo. It is separated from its country of origin but keeps a respectful independence in its new surroundings.

Debra Adelaide combines poignant issues with humour and attention-grabbing language to produce a memorable collection.

Reviewed by Judith Grace