Black Earth, White Bones

9781869418625

186941862x

Kit Wallace has spent his whole life running away. Through luck and lack of purpose he has finally washed up in the Pacific nation of Ventiak. Here, on the top floor of the Royal Albert Hotel, he avoids his past by drinking whisky and writing poetry he fully intends no one should ever read. Yet, despite himself, he has been drawn into the lives of the people around him. When he is invited to join a scam in the phosphate industry, which will defraud the Ventiakans of millions of dollars, he is torn between disbelief, self-serving cynicism and a loyalty that takes him by surprise. His life begins to unravel and he is forced into action. Meanwhile, in the upland forest, the Rage is beginning: a periodic rampage of millions of ants will sweep over the island, carrying all before it.In this, his fifth novel, Chris Else has created an utterly convincing Polynesian setting with its own brilliantly realised language, culture, flora and fauna. His humour and wisdom are at once merciless and forgiving as he uses language to explore man's - and woman's - deep-seated need to be both an individual and to belong. On River Road"Else has always been a meticulous observer of people and places, and he evokes them here with authenticity and conviction." David Hill, The Listener"I would recommend it as a worthwhile read for anyone who has an interest in writing". Rosemary Tennant, Wanganui Chronicle"On River Road is crisply told and psychologically astute." Luke Strongman, The PressThe Beetle in the Box"The Beetle in the Box is a powerful, well-crafted work." Steve Scott, The Press"An intriguing read, prompting a more analytical way of thinking about people and their motivations and relationships." Mary-Anne Baker, The Nelson Mail"A cool, at times decidedly chilly, love story but its understatement is irresistible." Penelope Bieder, NZ Herald