A collection of nine stories set in Australia that for the most part explores themes of family bonds, war and nostalgia. The title story, "Dream Stuff", is a strange story where the line between dreams and reality is blurry; it truly portrays the essence of the entire collection in which dreams play a large part of the story-telling.
The first story "At Schindler's" is a story that shows a family that is trying to accept that the father is gone, that the war took him and that they have to move on. The protagonist Jack is a young boy who is mostly affected by his father's absence and guided by dreams as well as being slapped in the face by reality eventually accepts the truth.
"Closer" is a story that portrays a strictly religious Australian family who refuse to accept that one of their members is gone a different path in life. It is a story that shows how religious leads to narrow-mindedness and cruelty towards loved ones.
"Night Training" is a story that portrays the misuse of power to release one's frustration over the weaker ones. The protagonist Greg, a young soldier, is left with regret at not being able to say no to the harassment.
"Sally's Story" is a story about a prostitute who eventually finds her luck. The most striking part of the story though, is the way she describes the behavior of young soldiers who use her services.
"Jacko's Reach" is a story that shows nostalgia connected to the place that is about to be destroyed, and it describes how the symbolism of that place that connects everyone whose lives had been influence by it will remain.
"Blacksoil Country" and "Lone Pine" are both grim stories where the main theme is the theme of violent murder. "Blacksoil Country" shows how racism, hate towards that which is different, leads to violence. "Lone Pine" shows unfortunate people being in the wrong place at the wrong time falling victims to the cruelty of desperation.
The collection ends in a hopeful story, called "Great Day", that shows familial bonds and how they are what matters the most in life.
