Once, Two Islands by Dawn Garisch
On the larger of two islands in the southern Atlantic seas, a baby girl is born one dark winter's day, while the spin-drift wind sings strange songs around the gullies and cliffs. But Gulai's mother dies soon after giving birth and her father, Dr Orion Prosper, the only medical doctor on the island, blames himself. For days afterwards he stays locked in his room, refusing to talk to anyone. But Gulai never stops crying and her aunt is forced to seek advice from Sophia, the island's other healer, in secret. Thus begins Gulai's life on Ergo Island - betraying her father a mere ten days after her birth and becoming inextricably linked to the traditions he is working to eradicate.Left to make her own sense of the world around her, Gulai is curious to learn more about the 'witch' the islanders publicly revile but privately visit, the 'madness' which drove a young woman to her death and the secrets which lie at the heart of all their lives; secrets which will change everything once revealed. This is a beautifully written novel which evokes a strong sense of foreboding yet still catches the reader by surprise when hidden truths come to light.
'Garisch is a fine poet whose ability exceeds the recognition she has achieved so farIt shows in this novel, a reworking of The Tempest. Here Caliban is more likeable than Prospero, and the real magic lies in female wisdom.' Ken Barris, The Sunday Independent's Readers' Picks 2007 (SA)
Dawn Garisch has published three youth novels and poetry, has had a short play and a short film produced, and has written for the newspaper and for television. Once, Two Islands is her first novel for adults. She runs workshops on creativity and is a practising medical doctor. Her fascination lies in relationships, process and conflict, and the power of images and the imagination. Garisch has two grown sons and lives in Cape Town.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781905802166 |
| ISBN 10 | 1905802161 |
| Title | Once, Two Islands |
| Author | Dawn Garisch |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Myrmidon Books Ltd |
| Year published | 2009-04-01 |
| Number of pages | 288 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |