Redemption

by Oliver Corfe

"Redemption" is a novel of profound ideas told within the prosaic life of Malcolm Manning. Failing in almost everything he attempted, in old age he is ultimately the catalyst for a revolution in thinking. The novel is in two parts. The first, "Yureidla", tells of Malcolm setting up a small business in Adelaide during the 1970s. He is persuaded to read an unpublished novel written by a fellow lodger, which tells a series of stories set in ancient Australia, India, Persia, Palestine, and Britain. These address the themes of estrangement, migration, and the influence of myths; and optimistically suggest that the least heroic can contribute to the common weal. The second part, "The Evening Light", tells of Malcolm in old age. Still single, he has created a fictional past that is more comfortable to live with. Escaping from a home for the aged in which the authoritarian government has detained him, Malcolm seeks help from a criminal specializing in the sale of political positions. Within the corrupt world of 2024, Malcolm's idealized memories suggest an attractive philosophy worth pursuing.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[Pru · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and profound novel set in South Australia. The story-within-the-story demonstrates the versatility of the author's narrative style, and the in-depth research that has gone into creating this entertaining and informative tale. Set in multiple time periods including the not-too-distant future, the book offers a sense of hope at a time when many people are feeling despondent about political and environmental issues. This book is particularly appealing to anyone from South Australia who will be familiar with the place names, but also anyone with an interest in history - ancient and modern, the migrant experience or narratives that champion seemingly average people.