Salvage is a novella by Jason Nahrung, put out by Twelfth Planet Press, and the first longer work of his I've read (I think I've read a short story before, just don't ask me which one).

Salvage is set on an island near Brisbane, where a couple take their first holiday after a miscarriage. Melanie is the main character and the story primarily follows her continuing journey in coming to terms with the miscarriage, the coldness that has crept into their marriage since, and her husband, Richard's, distraction with work.

While on the island, she meets Helena, a somewhat mysterious waif, with a medical condition that prevents her from fully enjoying their surroundings. She is also holidaying there with her husband. The two women strike up a friendship, but it turns out to be not entirely what Melanie expected.

I liked Melanie as a character but I'm not sure I'd want to be friends with any of the other characters in real life. Richard, while not positioned as an antagonistic character per se, was central to some of Melanie's issues. I'm not sure that I would have put up with him as much as Melanie did.

I found Salvage to be quite dark. I'm inclined to classify it as the horror version of magical realism. The fantastical elements didn't come to the fore until near the end and would have surprised me if I hadn't been expecting them (since Twelfth Planet Press do primarily publish speculative fiction). The publisher is categorising it as "Australian Gothic" which I think is fairly apt. As far as the horror element goes, there was a bit of ickiness and a bit of violence, but nothing which is likely to give me (most people?) nightmares.

I recommend Salvage to people after a quick, dark read. (It's definitely not a cheery story.) I think people who are into contemporary/mainstream/whatever-you-want-to-call-it books would also enjoy Salvage as, like I said, the fantastical elements are relatively minor. I'll certainly be on the look out for more books/stories from Jason Nahrung.

4 / 5 stars

You can read more of my reviews on my blog.… (meer)

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Tsana | Dec 22, 2012 |

THE DARKNESS WITHIN door JASON NAHRUNG

I appreciate being able to read books by Australian authors - particularly in this genre which is rare. I enjoyed this story, it was entertaining and fast paced and Emily is likeable as the heroine. The Australian flavour is distinct but not overdone and there is a good mix of action, romance and magick.The storyline itself is not terribly original but is well thought out and the ending has a suprise or two. I would think it could be a precursor to a series but nothing yet.

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shelleyraec | 1 andere bespreking | May 9, 2011 |

The darkness within door Jason Nahrung

Young photographer Emily is summoned to a local church at midnight to receive her grandmother's diary, though lost.

Emily discovers her grandmother was in fact a witch, the diary is her grimoire, and Emily is to inheirt her powers.

This makes her a target for an evil coven, and also for the mysterious vampire who insists his wish is to help her...

Great debut book from Jason. More, please!

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lorelorn_2007 | 1 andere bespreking | Jun 27, 2007 |

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