‘How to describe the short stories that make up The Double, Australian poet and academic Maria Takolander’s first volume?’ asks the Australian, settling on ‘fiercely intelligent and idiosyncratic, sometimes shot through with black humour, sometimes pressing down on the reader with the full weight of human horror’ and declaring that The Double ‘announces the arrival of a considerable talent.’

artsHub Australia calls Maria’s stories ‘beautifully melancholy, full of arresting, dream-like sequences and imagery that stay with one long after the final page is turned.’

Deakin University, where Maria is a senior lecturer in the School of Communication and Creative Arts, interviewed Maria about her debut story collection.

Until 15 September, you can purchase one story from The Double, ‘Mad Love’, in e-format for only $2.99 from Amazon, Google Play and other e-retailers. The Double is available now in bookshops and online.