I'm Afraid That's All We've Got Time For

A novelist questions why shes been shortlisted for the Prize of Prizes Prize; an artist duo has a messy break up; a schoolgirl is saved from a predator by a flash flood and a gang of dead animals; a surgeon has an incurable identity crisis; a budding actor cant see whats so funny; a pregnant food writer gets a craving for luxury consumerism. These thirteen stories by writer and literary translator Jen Calleja pick apart the hidden motivations behind our desires, and the ways we seek out distraction from difficult truths. They investigate histories, power dynamics, rituals, institutions the roles we adopt, as well as the ones we inherit. Known for her acclaimed poetry and translations, and as a performer in numerous bands, these facets manifest in an attention to the latent ambivalence of language, and the nature of storytelling itself. This writing is direct and considered it asks to be read, read out loud, retold, refashioned into fables with a distinctive mouthfeel. Im Afraid Thats All Weve Got Time For is a sharp, bold, inventive and prescient fictional debut from a versatile and brilliant writer.