Rainbow’s End by Jane Harrison

Commissioned by Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Co-operative, this play fulfils expectations of high-quality, thought-provoking and emotionally powerful drama.

Set in the 1950s, in the northern Victorian area of Shepparton and Mooroopna, Rainbow’s Endcreates a resonant “snapshot” of one particular Koori family to dramatise the struggle for decent houses, meaningful education, jobs and community acceptance.

Three generations of women, Nan Dear, Gladys  and Dolly, live on the Flats in a shack furnished from the local tip and subject to flooding. For Nan, even the Flats represent progress of a kind, while Gladys has bigger ambitions for a real house and a real job for Dolly.

The Life and Crimes of Harry Lavender

This is a straightforward private investigator mystery that follows the well-worn path of chasing down obscure clues that show a bit of promise until the protagonist hits on something that leads to a dangerous encounter with bad guys who don’t appreciate the snooping by a lousy woman P.I. The strength of the book lies in Claudia’s strength, ingenuity and sheer doggedness. The setting of the book is a little bit more exotic than usual and Marele Day achieves a good sense of place in her depiction of Sydney. The only weakness I really found disappointing was a reliance on coincidence to move the story forward that went beyond what I would consider the bounds of believability.

Although on the surface we are given the impression that Claudia is an easy-going woman with a flippant attitude to life, we soon learn that she has had a rocky past that has featured a divorce complicated by two children being involved. She is also haunted by the unknown whereabouts of her father who has joined the ranks of Sydney’s homeless. Everywhere she goes she remains on the lookout for her father, realising that even if she were to see him it is unlikely that she would recognise him anyway, but compulsively looking nonetheless. By story’s end, it’s obvious that she is a strong woman who doesn’t give up regardless of the obstacles placed in front of her.