AFTERSHOCKS

Another extraordinary novel from the prolific writer who admits in his foreword that he spent three weeks in New Zealand to research his invented Island in this book. The island finds itself in the position of several real post-colonial, mixed-race modern countries where Wilson met Penny Whistle who throughout his three days in Christchurch could be singing 18th century English songs in a robust baritone among the ruins, never repeating himself. He hopes he will be forgiven for putting Whistle into the story. On The Island, just as on many other islands, marriages are unhappy, people fall in love and the seasons pass. The town of Aberdeen is no different until the earthquakes. These seismic ripples tear down houses, forge bonds, and shake the foundations of humanity and religion. In the midst of it all, Nellie and Ingrid fall in love. Although the English characters inhabit actual place names like Winchester and some named Midland towns, these two are fictitious. There is a funeral in Winchester Cathedral because the author wanted his heroine Nellie to pause beside the grave of Jane Austen. 275pp, paperback.