On the Java Ridge

In this exciting thriller from Australian author Serong (The Rules of Backyard Cricket), Cassius Calvert, federal minister of border integrity in Canberra, announces a tough immigration policy days before national elections. No unauthorized boats, even those in distress, entering Australian waters will be given maritime assistance. Meanwhile, two such ships are approaching Australia: the Takalar, which is transporting refugees, and the Java Ridge, which is owned by a charter company taking surfers on holiday. Aboard the Takalar is a nine-year-old girl, Roya, who is fleeing the Taliban and has witnessed more tragedy than most adults. After a storm drives the two vessels to seek shelter on an island, Cassius prepares to meet the threat they pose with “remote measures” by the government’s “private sector partners, Core Resolve.” Meanwhile, Cassius must also deal with acute headaches of undetermined cause and his unsatisfactory long-distance relationship with his nine-year-old son, Rory. Serong does a masterly job building tension. Readers will have a tough time putting this one down. [em](June) [/em]