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On the Java Ridge

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On the Java Ridge

By: Jock Serong
Narrated by: Lewis Fitz-Gerald
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About this listen

In Canberra, a federal election looms and Cassius Calvert, Minister for Border Integrity, is facing a new hard-line policy regarding asylum-seekers. Off the Indonesian island of Dana, Isi Natoli, skipper of the Java Ridge, and a group of Australian surf tourists are anchored beside an idyllic reef. A few kilometres away, Roya and her mother are amongst the passengers fleeing persecution aboard the Talakar. When a storm breaks, these stories collide with chilling consequences....

©2017 Jock Serong (P)2017 W. F. Howes Ltd Crime Thrillers Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Espionage Thriller Crime

Critic Reviews

"Serong confirms his talent for multi-layered plot-driven novels that offer a commentary on modern Australia." ( Books + Publishing)
All stars
Most relevant
How to deal with the influx of boat people? With the issue of lives risked, who should be trusted? Jock Serong exposes the real dilemma of illegal immigration through a tale of what becomes of vulnerable peoples, through a nation's dehumanisation, be it by distance, ignorance, apathy, lack of moral obligation, of unsatisfactory or no response; hidden behind the guise of legislation... This author provides exquisite descriptions and metaphors which easily build lasting images; action that carries the reader as they follow the experiences of a group of desperate escaping political prisoners.

A Contentious Issue

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Jock Serong is amazing in my opinion. Each book I read I find more impressive than the last. Cannot recommend this novel highly enough. Both the beauty and harshness of reality are depicted so clearly and accurately. This story felt so incredibly real.

Blew me away!

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This was the second book of Jock Serong I listened too, the first "rules of backyard cricket". Jock doesn't sugar coat especially when it comes to politicians he describes them perfectly which is not pretty. As with backyard cricket the book can be a little slow in the beginning but keep listening Jock is a wonderful story tellers and he is not in the less predictable. Maybe an eye opener for readers who believe in politicians. I love Lewis Fitz-Gerald narration he doesn't attempt female voices which so many male narrator try and fail. A long listen but worth it.

Politics is a dirty business

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Love this man's books...he never let's the reader down...brilliant reading by Lewis Fitz-Gerald..hard act to follow.

Hope Jock Seeing never stops writing!

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Jock Serong can write about anything, and write well! The narration is also excellent. I gave the story 4 stars only because I couldn’t consider it equal to his novel, The Rules of Backyard Cricket, which is one of the best I’ve ever read (and I say this as someone who has no interest in cricket).

Talented author, topical issue

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This story is terrifyingly realistic and should give all Australians cause to closely monitor their Government.

Mandatory reading for all Australians

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I'll start by saying that the narrative was second to none.
A very different story line to what l normally read and l did enjoy it.
But...... I have never felt so angry and disgusted after finishing a book like l have with with this one.
If this was Jack Serongs intentions, he certainly hit the nail on the head. I Look forward to reading he's future novels.

Wow.....

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Have to say this is the best book I’ve listened to all year. Performance was amazing. Story kept me open mouthed and hard to stop listening. Right till the very shocking and satisfying end.

Wow this book blew me away , opening up my eyes about refugees, border protection and Australia politics.

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This is an exceptionally well written book, full of detailed but exact descriptors that bring this story very much to life. This book is not happy, but it is excellent, and should be on the shelf of every Australian concerned with the moral course being steered in our region.

The most important book I’ve read in years...

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Very captivating and hard to put down. Very challenging and believable concepts. Question our leaders.

Every Australian would be wise to read.

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