WINNER: The 2014 Australian/Vogel's Literary Award
INDIE AWARDS 2015 – SHORTLIST
MILES FRANKLIN AWARD 2015 – SHORTLIST
Tomakazu Ibaraki is the main character. The story starts in 1942 as he is on his way to an internment camp in South Australia. He had been working as a doctor in Broome, before being detained and sent to Loveday camp where a number of resident Japanese nationals (as distinct from prisoners-of-war) are interned. Many of the men had lived and worked in Australia for years, but some of them are locked up merely for having a Japanese parent, even though they are Australian-born and bred, and it is the anger these men feel at being treated as enemy aliens that is one of the most interesting themes of the book. As the reserved Tomakazu struggles to fit in, it becomes apparent that he is suffering from a sadness and guilt that predates his arrival in Broome in 1938. The novel moves in time, from 1942 back to 1938 and also 1934, when as a new medical intern Tomakazu is offered the chance to pursue microbiology research at the Army Medical College. Only gradually does he learn what the aim of the research truly is, and the internal conflict between his moral integrity and the need to retain honour by keeping to his commitment of confidentiality creates insurmountable difficulties that affect the rest of his life choices.
After Darkness is a compelling and finely written book. It reveals a little-known aspect of World War II history through a character who has not been able to reconcile societal expectations and personal experience. I truly think Christine Piper is an author to watch, and I won’t be surprised if in years to come her name is in the list of great Australian authors launched by the Vogel Award. Lindy
‘A brave, profound meditation on identity, trauma, loss and courage… reminds us that there are two sides to every war and that history never ceases to be written… A novel that demands its place alongside Richard Flanagan’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Mark Dapin’s Spirit House.’ – Stephen Romei, The Australian
By:
Christine Piper Imprint: Allen & Unwin Country of Publication: Australia Dimensions:
Height: 198mm,
Width: 128mm,
Weight: 290g ISBN:9781760113117 ISBN 10: 1760113115 Pages: 304 Publication Date:28 January 2015 Recommended Age: From Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Long-listed for Miles Franklin Literary Award 2015 (Australia)
Shortlisted for Miles Franklin Literary Award 2015.
