AustLit

'Fundamental problems such as global warming, the progressive exploitation of resources, and the disrupted ecological balance have inevitably directed attention increasingly to nature and the environment. The prevailing anthropocentric view of the world, in which humans are the measure of all things, has been shaken for a long time. This also affects the sciences, not least the humanities. Therefore, it is appropriate and an expression of our times that the publishing house Routledge has begun a new, promising scholarly series entitled "Perspectives on the Non-Human in Literature and Culture", which is launched by the present volume.' (Introduction)

Billed as an Australian farcical comedy, Breakfast with Julia is set in Sydney's King's Cross. The action focuses on a United States lieutenant-commander who does his best to compromise a young married woman while her husband is away on a tropical expedition. When the husband returns he imagines that the mysterious comings and goings in his flat are hallucinations brought on by his recent trip. Complications, and additional humour, are provided by Conchita, a Latin American female intruder.