Climbing the Coconut Tree

Historical crime and coming of age fiction novel inspired by true events set on a Pacific island in 1948.

Publisher Marketing: 'The novel was an enjoyable summer read, well written and researched. The descriptive language employed by the writer easily transports you into the Pacific colonial world of the story's protagonists and puts you, the reader, in amongst the action. ' Adam Hussey, Historical Novel Society " The atmosphere is gripping and the 'feel' for the island real. I'll look for more by this author ." Peter Lingard, author of Boswell's Fairies "Bluey, a young naive man is thrown into another world of alcohol and violence. His eyes are opened wide to the way other racial groups are treated and his world is tossed upside down by a vicious double murder. A gripping read to the end, this story also gave me a picture of Australia's past on the other side of colonialism." Eugene Publisher Marketing : Inspired by true events, this is a story about eighteen-year-old Bluey Guthrie who, in 1948 leaves his family to take the job of a lifetime on a remote island in the Central Pacific. Bill and Isobel, seasoned ex-pats help Bluey fit in to a privileged world of parties, dances and sport. However, the underbelly of island life soon draws him in. Bluey struggles to understand the horrors left behind after the Japanese occupation, the rising fear of communism, and the appalling conditions of the Native and Chinese workers. All this is overseen by the white Colonial power brutalising the land for Phosphate: the new gold. Isobel has her own demons and watches as Bill battles to keep growing unrest at bay. Drinking and gambling are rife. As racial tensions spill over causing a trail of violence, bloodshed and murder, Bluey is forced to face the most difficult choices of his life. Contributor Bio: Karakaltsas, S C S.C Karakaltsas is a Melbourne based writer. This is her debut novel.

Format: Paperback | Pages: 316 | Publication Date: 2016-03-10