Margo Lanagan was born in 1960 and spent her formative years in Raymond Terrace (NSW) and Melbourne.  She completed her education with an honours degree in history from the University of Sydney.  For many years, Margo travelled widely but now lives in Sydney.

Many of her novels are set in Sydney but the concerns are universal and thought provoking.  Her subject matter may be confronting but it is presented in a balanced, non-judgmental way.

 
 

The best thing features a teenage girl whose life seems to be falling apart.  Mel is doing her HSC, is pregnant, has lost her friends and her family is disintegrating.  The only good thing in her life is her relationship with Pug but even that is threatened.  Mel is presented with a number of choices throughout the novel and the steps she takes as she comes to terms with her predicament are treated in a sympathetic and non-judgmental way.

The sensitive issues raised in this book make it of interest to an older audience.
 
 

The Tankermen - Finn has left home and is living on the streets of Kings Cross when he comes across the Tankermen. What is the foul waste the Tankermen are pumping into the drains? Where do they come from? Where do they disappear to?

Shortly after this first sighting Finn makes friends with a biker, Jed and the two of them find themselves caught up in a life and death adventure when they attempt to uncover the Tankermen's secrets.

This novel is set in Sydney and many of the landmarks will be familiar to local readers.  However, the fantasy elements ensure that the action that unfolds is totally original.
 
 

Walking through Albert is set in an old house that Emma's parents are renovating.  Urgent measures are called for when Emma and her friend Ren feel a ghostly presence in the house.  What is the story behind the spirits' distress?  Who can they turn to for help?  They certainly cannot tell their parents that a ghost walks through them when they are in the hallway!

This is an exciting story that includes a bit of mystery, adventure and humour.  I particularly enjoyed the chaotic scenes that develop when Emma and Ren attempt to clear out the ghosts before Emma's sister gets married in the house.

 

WildGame.  Macka loves video games and is intrigued by the new one which has just arrived at the local VideoZone.  This game makes you feel part of the action but Macka gets more than she expects when a wild animal leaps out of the game and lands in her lap.  How can she protect this creature? Should she try to return it to the game?  Her dilemma increases when she realises her decision will have an effect on the future of the animal's species.

Fantasy and realism are intertwined to make this novel an original and very enjoyable read.