I've finally managed to get my novel Cut Loose published here in Australia. It is set in Sumatra, and follows the travels of two young Australian brothers to Bukit Lawang, Berstagi and Danau Toba. Bukit Lawang is pretty central to the book, with the climax being centred around the 2003 flood. The book's been well received, but is with a minor publisher, so I'm trying everything I can to get word out to people who might really enjoy the book. Friends who have travelled in Sumatra have loved it. It's aimed at young adults (15-20 age group) but anyone who like travel will really enjoy it, because it is a backpacking story. You can get it direct from the publishers at this URL: http://www.ginninderrapress.com.au/page2/fiction.html scroll down until you see my name and the book title. They take orders from overseas. I can also take an order and post it out (signed), but unless you are in Australia I think the publisher is easier. Either way, email me because I'd love to know people are reading it and also what they think of my story. My email is [email protected] and my website is www.lucychesser.com.au . The first independent review of Cut Loose has appeared in Suara VILTA (an Indonesian teacher's journal here in Australia) it says:
Cut Loose is an absorbing, fast moving teenage novel that would appeal to the 15 years + student. It is set mainly in Sumatra and touches down briefly in Bali. This novel depicts the thrilling and sometimes traumatic experiences of two teenage brothers travelling alone for the first time. It successfully evokes the rich texture of life in Indonesia: the everyday lives of the people who inhabit the land, drenching torrential rains, tropical rainforests, chaotic transport, Padang restaurants, the tourist industry, housing and much more. A smattering of travel Bahasa Indonesia is used throughout the book which supports the language taught in the classroom. In addition, many current issues that could be followed up in English or SOSE lessons are dealt with sensitively. These issues include drugs and alcoholism, pollution, wildlife conservation, illegal logging, relationships and personal identity. Whilst it is an excellent resource for a transdisciplinary curriculum, some schools may find the strong language used and drug references inappropriate for their educational setting.