During a visit to her birthplace, Mafalda, the third daughter of the juggler Orontius, finds an ancient coin in the ruins of a chapel where Saint Catherine was celebrated in 1551. The coin shows the profile of a head that resembles hers in every detail. Full of curiosity as to who this woman from the distant past was, she and a childhood friend set off for Egypt and St Catherine's Monastery. This is the beginning of an exciting journey full of historical events, love and Mafalda's spiritual insights as she searches for her identity.
In the late Middle Ages, Orontius grows up in poverty in a peasant family. After the sudden death of his mother, his father entrusts him to the vagabond Eberlein to protect him from hunger and hardship. The only condition is that Eberlein and his troupe take Orontius to a monastery in Siegen on his 15th birthday. An adventurous time begins for the boy. At the monastery, Orontius learns about the life of the Franciscans and becomes a monk. It is during this time that he meets Gregory of Metz, with whom he forms a deep friendship. However, he doubts the abbot's integrity. After more than two decades, Orontius leaves the monastery to visit his father. There he discovers that everything has changed. From then on, he learns about life in all its brutality, but also in all its beauty.
The story follows the lives of three generations in the late Middle Ages, exploring themes of belief, friendship, betrayal, and the struggles of life. The reader is taken on an exciting adventure through danger and unexpected discoveries. The story promises to weave together history, adventure, romance, and spirituality to create an enchanting and thrilling tale.
The main theme of the book is the exploration of cultural differences and the challenges that arise when people from different cultures come together in an Australian context. Through Michael and Brolga's relationship, the story examines the ways in which cultural barriers can be overcome through love and understanding. The theme of cultural exploration is further emphasized through Michael's investigation of the bones of human historical significance, which offers insights into the origins of the Aborigines. Additionally, the book touches on issues related to health disparities and how they can stem from one's heritage. Overall, the book explores the complexities of cultural differences and the impact they can have on individuals and their relationships.
The overarching theme of the book is one of self-discovery and acceptance. Sebastian, as a gay man, feels constrained by the limitations placed upon him by society and his upbringing. His journey to Australia represents a physical and emotional escape from those limitations, allowing him to explore who he truly is and what he wants from life. Throughout his adventure, Sebastian is confronted with new and challenging experiences that force him to re-examine his assumptions about the world and his place in it. He learns to embrace the beauty and complexity of different cultures, including the Aboriginal spiritual world, and gains a deeper understanding of the nuances of the legal system. But the murder he witnesses also forces Sebastian to confront his own vulnerabilities and fears. As he fights for his own safety and vindication, he learns to trust in his own strength and resilience. Ultimately, the book is a celebration of the power of self-discovery and the importance of acceptance, both of oneself and of others.
'Seventy-Five' is set in a world where a ruthless government has decreed death at the age of 75. The story follows George and Magda, a couple whose life is shattered when their children take sides: Duke works for the government and Ella joins the resistance. As George's 75th birthday approaches, the family must decide whether to accept their fate or risk everything for a chance at a different life. On their journey, George and Magda encounter the possibility of life in an underground world that offers hope and healing beyond government control. The book deals with the possible realities that can unfold in our future world; both the relentless exploitation of a corrupt government and the tantalising prospect of discovering a new world, whether as mere wishful thinking or as a tangible reality.
Homeless Sofia Waters arrives at a hospital suffering from exhaustion and severe leg pain. She meets Angela, who works for a charity, and tells her her story of being a once famous children's author who lost everything when her family took advantage of her financially. Sofia later meets a dying woman named Avril, who gives her the key to her villa and instructions to find a valuable diamond and have it appraised by a certain person. Sofia sets out to find the diamond appraiser but discovers that he has been murdered. She meets a man named Jamie Jamieson, who was the appraiser's business partner and knows the identity of the killer. Together they work to bring the killer to justice and expose a nationwide cartel of diamond dealers who buy diamonds from clients at undervalued prices and sell them on the international market at much higher prices. With Jamie's help and connections, the diamond is exhibited in galleries and museums, and the Cradle of the White Lioness, Avril's estate, becomes a place for street children and the homeless. Sofia takes over running the Cradle of the White Lioness and shares her experience with the homeless, young, and old.
The Koru of Times is a multi-generational odyssey that weaves together Māori heritage, love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Aotearoa (New Zealand), this saga follows the trials and triumphs of a Māori tribe, beginning with Amiri, a brave warrior, and Hahana, their union symbolising tribal unity. But their legacy is one of tragedy. The invasion of European settlers unleashes chaos and shatters Amiri's village. Survival becomes paramount as Hau, a trusted warrior, protects Manaia, daughter of Amiri and Hahana, and leads her together with her care mother to a place near a spring, where they rebuild in the face of adversity. The narrative moves through time to focus on Waiora, Manaia's son of mixed descent, whose thirst for knowledge sparks a journey to reclaim the severed sacred heads of his ancestors from England. London becomes the setting for Waiora's quest, intertwining his destiny with Koa, a helping hand, and Reginald, an unexpected ally. Together they bridge cultures, restore ancestral honour, and forge lasting friendships, crossing barriers in search of reconciliation. The story shifts to Waiora's daughter Hinewai and Tāne, whose love story unfolds in the shadow of Pakeha atrocities during the Gold Rush. Their flight to London, guided by family ties, leads to the establishment of an art business at 55 Proolmise, nurturing indigenous art and a new generation in a foreign land. The next chapter follows Manu Manuka, the sole heir to the prized artefacts shop in London, whose life takes a tumultuous turn when he's wrongly accused of murder. As Manu grapples with imprisonment, a web of deceit and revenge unravels, tracing back to a vengeful carpenter with a deep-seated grudge against Māori success. His cousin Kahu and wife Hine join the fray, rallying to Manu's side and strengthening Māori-London relations through their trade in indigenous artefacts. The family expands through the trials of World War I, witnessing Ihaka's artistic expression amid conflict, Rua's tragic sacrifice, and Pare's devoted nursing. Amidst the echoes of war, Ihaka's art becomes a narrative of truth, fuelling the family's fortunes, which have expanded to include Rachel and Elias. But the upheaval of the Second World War leads them to shelter Jewish children, including Eva, when they surrender their mansion-turned-hostel to the military. Determined to protect these displaced souls, Ihaka and his family take thirty-two Jewish children to Hau's village in New Zealand, where they find healing in the protection of the bush and Māori hospitality. As the family reunites and faces life's trials, Eva and Elias's love blossoms, culminating in the bittersweet realisation of infertility and a rare disease. Fast forward to the present day, Eva anticipates the arrival of her great-grandchild and cherishes her connection to Hau's village and the legacy of hope and resilience it embodies. As the new family lineage unfolds, the youngest generation, Connor and Veronica, uncover a global conspiracy, revealing the enduring spirit of justice and integrity culminating in the anticipation of new life amidst the echoes of history.
Homeless Sofia Waters arrives at a hospital suffering from exhaustion and severe leg pain. She meets Angela, who works for a charity, and tells her story of being a once famous children's author who lost everything when her family took advantage of her financially. Sofia later meets a dying woman named Avril, who gives her the key to her villa and instructions to find a valuable diamond and have it appraised by a certain person. Sofia sets out to find the diamond appraiser, but discovers that he has been murdered. She meets a man named Jamie Jamieson, who was the appraiser's business partner and knows the identity of the killer. Together they work to bring the killer to justice and expose a nationwide cartel of diamond dealers who buy diamonds from clients at undervalued prices and sell them on the international market at much higher prices. With Jamie's help and connections, the diamond is exhibited in galleries and museums, and the Cradle of the White Lioness, Avril's estate, becomes a place for street children and the homeless. Sofia takes over running the Cradle of the White Lioness and shares her experience with the homeless, young and old. Yana and Timmy are two of the children seeking refuge at Sofia's shelter. Yana was forced into an arranged marriage with her older cousin but managed to escape with Timmy's help. While at the shelter, she becomes embroiled in a string of puzzling dog killings. To help solve the case, Yana joins forces with detective Jack Renna, and over time, the two develop a romantic connection.
The book, "Wet under the Rainbow" by Akariza Laurette Annely, explores the profound impact of the genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda on the younger generation. It provides a deeply personal account of the aftermath and consequences, delving into the struggles, hopes, and dreams of Rwandan youth as they rebuild their lives in the shadow of the dark past. The author highlights themes of loss, trauma, resilience, and the ongoing challenges faced by the younger generation. Through vivid storytelling, the book sheds light on the often overlooked perspective of young survivors, emphasizing the need for empathy, compassion, and support. It serves as a powerful reminder of the long-term effects of mass violence and calls for engagement in healing and reconciliation efforts. The narrative also addresses questions of identity, justice, and forgiveness, challenging readers to reflect on the lasting impact of violence. Overall, the book portrays the resilience and hope of survivors and the role of storytelling in preserving memory and fostering a brighter future.
