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Dominic Hoey is a musician, poet and author based in Auckland, known by his stage name Tourette’s.
Here, in his debut novel, he follows the life of musician, Zlata. Zlata works days in an office where she awaits her sacking. The story follows her relationship with Hamish, who is a graffiti artist and drug dealer. Set in the streets of inner city Auckland, we follow the friendships of a group of drifters who struggle to survive and create their own rules and friendships. The concept of family is fringe to this group who lurch from party to fight to street to creative genius. Auckland is shown as a city struggling to find an identity. Where the suburbs are portrayed as deathly boring, it is the excitement and unpredictability of the city which is central to the story.
While Zlata works to secure a recording contract, Hamish is invited to show his art at a beautifully described opening. The conflict between artist, money and audience is well written. Violence is part of Zlata and Hamish’s relationship, and the question of ‘do I go or do I stay’ is explored.
While I struggled with the raw language and the hopeless situations, I understood that this is a world which I do not know. I felt myself living in the suburbs and casting judgement on these drifters and druggies. I suspect that this is a very real world which others will recognise.
This is not a cruisy read or a gentle excursion, but a raw, real read about what happens in the wide world.
Reviewed by Kathy Watson
Iceland
by Dominic Hoey
Published by Steele Roberts Aotearoa Ltd
ISBNÂ 9780947493431
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