Something Else

David Parkyn's novel Something Else is a richly layered story that navigates the intersections of art, memory and societal change. Set against the backdrop of inner-city Auckland in the 1960s, the narrative follows an 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.

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

Prints of Sally Griffin