A beautifully crafted novel of self discovery - it is through Lian's loss of identity in a confrontingly foreign culture that she is able to find compassion for her Vietnamese mother's difficult life and an understanding of their unforgiving relationship.
'A rich book-a lyrical account of a girl's growth and self-discovery, and at the same time a deeply sympathetic exploration of Muslim culture.' J.M. Coetzee
Lian is a stranger in a strange land, fighting her mother, Phi-Van, from afar. Haunted by her mother's story, Lian has run to the other side of the world, only to discover the true nature of what it means to be an outsider. As she loses herself in the confusing life of Yemen, her new foster mother country, she cannot see that the tyranny of Phi-Van's greater suffering is also her lifeline. But she must break too before she can grow.
This is a rich and strange journey under the sea to the place that defines and limits us all.
A luminous book about language, identity, culture and family; about a refugee mother who lost them all and a daughter who went to find them.
PRAISE FOR HIAM
'A debut that is truly stunning...' Australian Bookseller & Publisher
'Its brilliance, innovation and daring is undeniable.' Australian Book Review
'Sallis drives her story with fine writing, intense imagery and a nimble shuffle between past and present.' The West Australian
About Eva Sallis
Eva Sallis was born in Bendigo. She has an MA in literature and a PhD in comparative literature from The University of Adelaide where she now teaches. She won The Australian/Vogel Literary Award in 1997 for her first novel, Hiam.