The Wreck

Set against the fight for independence in New Caledonia, The Wreck is the first Kanak novel and a turblent examination of inter-generational abuse. Young Léna's quest is to gain an awareness of a repressed childhood trauma. It is, she says, like the excitement of a detective sensing he's about to uncover the clue that will open the gates of truth. ""Naked, cruel, indecent - whatever. I must have the truth. And I will track it down until it blows up in my face."" Déwé Gorodé is a poet, feminist and a prominent independence activist. Translated and with a critical introduction by Deborah Walker-Morrison and Raylene Ramsay.