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On the Java Ridge cover art

On the Java Ridge

By: Jock Serong
Narrated by: Lewis Fitz-Gerald
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Publisher's Summary

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

Critic Reviews

"Serong confirms his talent for multi-layered plot-driven novels that offer a commentary on modern Australia." ( Books + Publishing)

What listeners say about On the Java Ridge

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    5 out of 5 stars

A Contentious Issue

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Blew me away!

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Politics is a dirty business

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The narrator is fantastic

A wonderful book. Gripping, thought provoking, relevant to all Australians and Lewis Fitz-Gerald brings all the characters to life. I can’t wait to read more books written by Jock Sarong.

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5 people found this helpful

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Haunting, disturbing but necessary.

The story was immensely haunting, characters were well developed and I felt connected to them all. A relevant topic to all in Australia. A disturbing but necessary reflection on the effects of unwavering border security.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Ted
  • 10-03-2020

Absorbing

Great story,very prescient and almost too close for comfort to reallity
The naration must have been seemless as I was not aware that I was being 'read' to

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Stumbled on a bonzer.

Went out of my usual genre for this daily deal. So glad i did. Topical subject and not always a comfortable one. Dealt with here both from a humanitarian as well as a political view point. Excellent narration, great pace, with individual story lines that stoke the intrigue.
So easy to listen to, couldn't wait to tune in. Just how an Audio should be.
Will look out for more of this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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loved this book.

At times very sad but kept me interested and intrigued right to the end, loved the narrator.

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Hope Jock Seeing never stops writing!

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

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Talented author, topical issue

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).

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1 person found this helpful

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.