Written between the 1930s and 60s, this collection of New Zealand short stories focusses on working class life. Mostly narrated in the first person, the reader feels Sargeson's conversing with him, telling him events from his own life, in a colloquial voice.
So the experiences seem to be those of the author himself and people he knows; rooming houses, pubs, jail, lowly employment, the Slump, form the backdrop, as well as recollections from childhood. The earlier stories are very short, only a page or two; the longest ("That Summer") almost a novella.
Some pack a punch (I was particularly struck by "A Great Day", where the good clean fun of two chaps going sailing takes an unexpected twist...) With others I couldn't quite see the point. Homosexuality is hinted at throughout, though our protagonists with their 'cobbers' are not averse to female company too.
I came across Frank Sargeson while reading the autobiography of Janet Frame (to whom he was mentor and friend.)
Of varying quality but worth reading. ( )