This is the sort of collection to give readers literary indigestion, not because it is so rich, but just because it is so full of the weirdness that is Australia. Best taken in small doses, something quite achievable, as most of the tales are only a page or two long.

Pobjie has latched onto the idea that this is a seriously weird nation. Where else, indeed, would one find several micronations; lots of disappearing ship stories; strange animals roaming the bush, ranging from panthers to lions and including yowies and bunyips; really odd moments in sport; murders most foul and odd; and fake medieval castles.

Among those odd moments in sport are the one-sided Rugby League final in 1909 (a seriously strange year all round, according to the author); the infamous underarm bowling incident in cricket; as well as a couple of anecdotes involving fast bowler Dennis Lillee. Who created the Marree Man? And where is Ned Kelly’s skull?

While there may be no answers in this book for those questions, it raises plenty of others, as well as recounting tales about a drowned prime minister and the dashing opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s a definite antipathy to Victoria and Melbourne showing, and while not all the tales are funny ha-ha, they certainly are funny peculiar.

Although Pobjie’s style of wit may grate with some readers, 100 Weirdest Tales From Across Australia would make a wonderful gift for travellers newly arrived in Australia, right up there with tales of drop bears, and killer crocs, spiders and snakes.

Reviewed by Jennifer Somerville

ABOUT THE AUTHOR