Barbara Anderson’s first book, I think we should go into the jungle (1989), was one the outstanding events of New Zealand literary history. A first book by a writer over sixty, and a first book of short stories, it was nevertheless an immediate bestseller, reprinting twice and going on to successful publication in the UK and Commonwealth. Since then she has been celebrated primarily for her eight bestselling novels, including Portrait of the Artist’s Wife, which won the 1993 Wattie Award. Barbara Anderson’s Collected Stories contains the stories from I think we should go into the jungle and her second collection, The Peacocks (1999), as well as recent stories never before published in book form in New Zealand. With settings ranging from mid 20th century Hawkes Bay farms to 21st century hairdressing salons, and Barbara Anderson’s characteristic mix of sharp wit and warm characterization, this hugely enjoyable book consolidates her status as one of the leading short story writers of our time.