Description

‘A strange and joyous marvel’ Richard Flanagan
‘Delightful… Enchanting’ Guardian
‘Spectacular’ Culturefly

A young man named Levi McAllister decides to build a coffin for his sister, Charlotte – who promptly runs for her life. A water rat swims upriver in quest of the cloud god. A fisherman named Karl hunts for tuna in partnership with a seal. And a father takes form from fire.

The answers to these riddles are to be found in this tale of grief and love and the bonds of family, tracing a journey across the southern island that takes us full circle.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE READINGS PRIZE FOR NEW AUSTRALIAN FICTION

Publisher Review

Probably the best book I've read all year. * Molly Aitken * Rich. * Strong Words * [With a] magic realist flair that will appeal to fans of Angela Carter... It is glorious, messy, and a bit weird. * Press Association * Robbie Arnott is a vivid and bold new voice in Australian fiction * Danielle Wood * Ambitious storytelling from a stunning new Australian voice. Flames is constantly surprising-I never knew where the story would take me next. This book has a lovely sense of wonder for the world. It's brimming with heart and compassion. * Rohan Wilson * Visionary, vivid, full of audacious transformations: there's a marvellous energy to this writing that returns the world to us aflame. A brilliant and wholly original debut. * Gail Jones * Flames is a spectacular novel; exciting and spirited, overflowing with imagination. Arnott invites us in to a thrilling new world where everything may look familiar, but there are magical surprises to be discovered around every corner. Join him on the journey, and you will not be disappointed. * Culturefly * A strange and joyous marvel. * Richard Flanagan, Man Booker-winning author of The Narrow Road to the Deep North * Flames feels solid, significant and emotionally resonant. * Guardian *