Bleak Rooms

by Peter Goldsworthy

Genres: Short Stories

134 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Peter Goldsworthy grew up in various Australian country towns, finishing his schooling in Darwin. After graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1974, he worked for many years in alcohol and drug rehabiiltation. Since then, he has divided his time equally between writing and general practice. He has won major literary awards across a range of genres: poetry, short story, the novel, in opera, and most recently in theatre.

Reviews

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read short stories often but I'm glad I picked up this slim volume of Goldsworthy's early works. This is one of Australia's most accomplished authors (Maestro, Three Dog Night, Everything I Knew & others) & his touch is so sure it is almost surgical. Hardly surprising, considering he started his adult life as a medical practitioner. His approach to character & relationships is tender & considerate, even when pointing out flaws & foibles. The only aspect of this read that left me scratching my head was the title of the collection. While several stories feature failed relationships none were coated in bleakness. Highly recommended.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read this many years ago, re-read recently. Short stories. Goldsworthy has a very plain clear writing style but very concise, no words wasted. Great dialogue. Very good with the emotional twist and some stories particularly poignant, one or two of them bring tears to the eyes. He recycles ideas sometimes and a couple of the stories are less successful- “Innocence” tries to fit in too many themes and the ending, which should be wrenching, disappoints; on the other hand I would say “Requiescat in Pace” is a near perfect short story, intellectual, literate, clever use of language, but with a devastating gut punch at the end, no less impactful because you see it coming. Some stories are a little contrived (“triple-word score”, waiting for the barbarians”) but still impressive and enjoyable. I admit that I relate to the middle-class Adelaide setting. The final story is gripping with a delicious surprise and a delightfully ambiguous ending.