Wellington has always boasted a strong literary tradition, from its most famous daughter, Katherine Mansfield, to the richly talented young writers who have graduated from Victoria University's creative writing class in recent years. In this impressive collection of short stories, poetry and extracts from novels and memoirs, Kate Camp captures the character of a unique city. Her anthology encompasses excerpts from novels as diverse as those by Robin Hyde, Damien Wilkins and Noel Virtue, short stories by William Brandt, Patricia Grace and Samara McDowell, and a special appearance by Carmen. The city that emerges is a passionate and vibrant place. Wellington is 'like a beautiful, moody lover,' Kate Camp says in her introduction, 'at least you know you're alive.'