I feel a real connection with this New Zealand author as she depicts the Auckland of my generation. She has created a cast of characters that, although at times are a little exaggerated, they are none the less a recognisable reflection of the ‘80’s generation. There is a complexity to this tale as we follow the many diverse characters and finally discover their connectedness to each other, something I was still trying to clarify in my mind at the close of this novel. It has pace and realism and won the Deutz Medal for Fiction in 2003. (7.5) ( )

This novel unravels the mystery surrounding the Shag incident which occurred 20 years ago in 1985. Howard Shag was a famous NZ writer and also an ex-All Black rugby player. One night he was abducted by several females and tortured, apparently for a rape. He ensured the abuse remained a secret and disclosed nothing to the Police. He became a recluse and stopped writing altogether.

There are quite a few other characters, with each chapter being told by a different person. Through these different perspectives and histories the pieces of the puzzle are gradually assembled. Twenty years later it turns out the women had acted on false information and it was actually another man who had committed the rape.

By the end of the book most of the characters have come to terms with their past mistakes and guilts, and even Howard has come out of the cupboard and is no longer a recluse.

I’m not a big fan of this book, probably because I’m not wild about mysteries in general. The novel is very plot driven, and the plot is very intricate. It relies on coincidences that strain credibility. Importantly, the relationship on which the whole novel centres (ie between Howard and Jasper) seemed very implausible given their age and social differences.

On the positive side, there’s a very diverse cast, including lesbians, journalists, psychiatrists, prisoners, drug dealers, Rugby players and socialites. This wide canvas provides Johnson with the opportunity for the some sharp commentary on contemporary culture, and some of the scenes are very amusing. The book is distinctly Kiwi. The descriptions of Auckland and Sydney are very authentic. ( )