Kirjahaku

On a midsummer's night in 1941, a family is illegally arrested, by order of Stalin, in cosmopolitan Rīga, Latvia, and deported in cattle wagons to the frozen wilderness of Siberia. Sixty years later, the son, Laimonis aka Lucky, now an actor, visits Sydney and recounts the events to his long-lost sister, Māra, and her household. Māra, an architect, missed out on arrest and suffers survivor guilt. Her son, Andy, is a depressive musician and her daughter, Zinta, a wayward activist, their problems probably effects of the initial trauma. There are many family secrets, and a mysterious old man who spooks Lucky in the supermarket. Lucky's tale helps each family member reach some stability. This is a fast-paced and informative novel about survival, resilience, family and love, appealing to anyone interested in how history shapes us, or in their Latvian heritage.

On a midsummer's night in 1941, a family is illegally arrested, by order of Stalin, in cosmopolitan Rīga, Latvia, and deported in cattle wagons to the frozen wilderness of Siberia. Sixty years later, the son, Laimonis aka Lucky, now an actor, visits Sydney and recounts the events to his long-lost sister, Māra, and her household. Māra, an architect, missed out on arrest and suffers survivor guilt. Her son, Andy, is a depressive musician and her daughter, Zinta, a wayward activist, their problems probably effects of the initial trauma. There are many family secrets, and a mysterious old man who spooks Lucky in the supermarket. Lucky's tale helps each family member reach some stability. This is a fast-paced and informative novel about survival, resilience, family and love, appealing to anyone interested in how history shapes us, or in their Latvian heritage. 'I loved your book so much, maybe because of my parents' similar experiences.' Laura Morwood 'A good mix of the Siberian horror and other, current themes. The characters are believable, although a little eccentric, which makes them interesting and typically Latvian.' Silvia Sarac 'Engaging and interesting and a good read despite the difficult subject.' Linda McInally 'A captivating story relevant to many contemporary Australians.' Linda Hopkins 'A complex, four-part focus and stories that sprawl across more than half a century and much of the planet are all handled very engagingly. A lot of issues are covered with a light but deft touch while still fashioning an enjoyable read.' Tom Flood

Love, War and Crocodiles is an account of the many adventures and loves of Arvids Blumentals, aka Crocodile Harry, one of the most unusual migrants to arrive in Australia after WW2. Harry was a Latvian patriot who went to war at 17, lost his homeland, and became a crocodile hunter, gravity surveyor, opal miner, writer and womaniser. He called himself a baron and married an opera-singing German lady he'd never met. He appeared in a high-profile inquest, entertained Tina Turner and Olivia Newton-John and was the subject of many media stories. His dugout in Coober Pedy was featured in Mad Max 3 and still attracts tourists today. This carefully researched book looks at Harry's diverse pursuits, his intriguing personality and the historical background of a war that shattered a generation of men. Few others reacted as flamboyantly as Harry.