An electric collection of fiction from the Prime Minister’s Prize shortlisted author
Transactions, the second work of prose fiction by Ali Alizadeh, presents a provocative and panoramic view of our contemporary world. Spanning themes such as immigration and globalisation, war and poverty, human trafficking and global warming, sexual abuse and exploitation, and love and survival, the book highlights the complexities and traumas of the modern world.
Based on his extensive world travels and his experiences migrating from Iran to Australia as a teenager, Ali has created a manuscript of story cycles (connected stories and characters) that is both shocking and humorous, often at the same time. These are ‘global’ stories in their setting and their themes, featuring characters such as a spoiled Emirati rich girl, an Iranian asylum seeker in Amsterdam, a Liberian refugee seeking aid from a charity, a Ukrainian prostitute, a Danish sex trafficker and a Chinese gamer.
These stories offer something exciting and new in contemporary fiction. Stylistically and thematically, Transactions is fresh and adventurous; the characters living on the edge of what is considered civilised society, often caught between East and West and in the web of global politics.‘A powerful work of prose fiction … a challenging and surprising collection from a talented writer.’ Books Publishing 4. 5 Star Review
‘There's something urgently contemporary about this cosmopolitan story cycle. Welcome to the dark side of the global village.’ Caroline Baum, Booktopia Buzz
‘A treasure box of unexpectedly linked stories, written with compassion and sparkling intelligence.’ Jeff Sparrow
‘Alizadeh demonstrates a masterful eye. Transactions is equally cynical and silly, intriguing and infuriating, haunting and hilarious. Alizadeh’s stories are also a testament to his considerable literary skill.’ Australian Book Review
‘Alizadeh’s prose shines.’ Art/Smitten
‘With only a handful of pages to craft each story, Alizadeh manages to cultivate powerful themes and compelling characters, provoking strong emotional reactions with each new turn. A remarkable work.’ Readings. com. au
‘Alizadeh deftly contrives a sense of connectedness between these global citizens … all with penetrating, poetic prose.’ Sun Herald
‘Religion, immigration, politics and sex are covered in poetic prose.’ Sunday Age
‘In his powerful new collection … Alizadeh is at his best weaving this vast narrative tapestry that is punctuated by striking scenes; consistently forcing questions about the many ways power is exerted on a simultaneously personal and international scale. Alizadeh's collection gives real consideration to the human cost of the transactions that he so vividly and lyrically explores.’ Weekend Australian
‘A great book of linked stories which explore, question and critique global capitalism. Just bloody damn good.’ Angela Meyer, Goodreads
‘A noteworthy poet, his stories bear the discipline of this craft. Both lyrical and economical, there’s a steeliness behind them (and, rather unexpectedly, a sly humour as well).’ Canberra Times / Sydney Morning Herald / Saturday Age
