Caius Atlas

Featured in

  • Published 20160202
  • ISBN: 978-1-925240-80-1
  • Extent: 264pp
  • Paperback (234 x 153mm), eBook

THE BABY-NAME BOOK is the size of a pack of cards, left on top of a bin outside the port. I picture a pregnant woman reading it, circling her belly with her palm, looking up to see the ferry arrive which will take her back to England. She’s been on holiday, beside a clean, warm beach in France. Maybe she left the book by mistake, having found the perfect name, or maybe she and her husband could never agree. Maybe, the baby never arrived.

I write Almaz on the inside cover and take it back to my tent to read. My Eritrean name isn’t listed. Temperance Ophelia and Claire Adelrune are my favourite names for a girl. For a boy I’ve chosen Monroe Carlisle and, my favourite, Caius Atlas.

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

If you are an educator or student wishing to access content for study purposes please contact us at griffithreview@griffith.edu.au

Share article

More from author

Confected outrage

EssayMany of us can name our favourite childhood lollies. But what if a lolly’s name, or the name of another popular food item, is out of date? What if it’s racist, harmful or wrong? What happens when the name of a lolly doesn’t work anymore?

More from this edition

Economics of power

EssayThe only serious threat to the real interests of the United States can come from a failure to adjust sensibly to the newer world...

Listening but not hearing

EssayABORIGINAL AFFAIRS – ONCE the subject of Australian innovation in policy and law reform attended to by the routine scrutiny of an informed and...

The limits of ‘new power’

EssayIN THE PAST decade, using the internet to harness people’s passion and direct it in support of issues and causes has become an important...

Stay up to date with the latest, news, articles and special offers from Griffith Review.