the slap

The slap heard round the barbie Author: Christos Tsiolkas Most of us have been there at one time or another.  The casual, relaxing get-together with friends that’s interrupted by the shrill misbehavior of someone’s child.  As the children bicker the adults inwardly wince, either because the situation is unpleasant or because the child belongs to them and they now have to broker the peace.  In the normal course of things the parents glumly perform their duties and have an extra beer and the day shifts back into its pleasant rhythm.  But what if it didn’t work that way?  What if [...]