Something Else

David Parkyn's Something Else is a richly layered and ambitious novel that navigates the intersections of art, memory and societal change. Set against the backdrop of inner-city Auckland in the 1960s, the narrative follows a reclusive artist who, facing the demolition of his studio and the desolation of a city threatened by drought, embarks on a metaphorical and literal journey of self-discovery.

The protagonist's quest to locate a mysterious iceberg - last seen buried deep within Freemans Bay - serves as a compelling metaphor for confronting submerged memories and unresolved past events.This voyage becomes a conduit for exploring broader themes, including the shifting dynamics of modern art movements, the complexities of political activism and the nuances of personal relationships.

 Parkyn's prose is both evocative and introspective and critics have lauded Something Else for its bold narrative scope and linguistic prowess capturing the zeitgeist of a transformative era in New Zealand's cultural history. The inclusion of expressionist illustrations by Sally Griffin at the beginning of each chapter adds a visual dimension that enhances the narrative depth and artistic resonance.

In summary, Something Else is a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between personal introspection and broader societal currents. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect and shape our understanding of the world.

Review The freshness of ‘Something Else’ - besides Sally Griffin's lovely, expressionist illustrations at the head of each chapter - is that it tells a story from our recent history that has seldom been told. New Zealand Books