The Clay Dreaming
Synopsis
May 1868 – an Aboriginal Australian cricket team begins a tour of England. One of the players is on a quest to explore his Truth, or Dreaming.
Sarah Larkin’s quiet routine takes on a completely new aspect when King Cole, aka Brippoki, arrives unannounced on her doorstep, requesting her help. A curious friendship develops as together they research the fate and fortune of Joseph Druce, a convicted felon, transported to New South Wales nearly eighty years earlier: sneak thief, drunkard, cattle rustler, Royal Navy deserter – and quite possibly a murderer.
In this powerful début novel, Ed Hillyer has created an epic brimming with memorable characters and historical intrigue, and etched with documentary detail that brings both Regency and Victorian London vividly to life.
Author's Biography
Ed Hillyer – also known as ILYA – is a British writer and artist. His books include the award-winning graphic novel series The End of the Century Club, noir anthology It’s Dark in London and, most recently, a daring adaptation of King Lear for Manga Shakespeare.
Reviews
‘This reads like an author on their fourth or fifth book rather than their debut novel. The prose is masterly, the characters are full drawn... It’s not a book to be read quickly, but it is one that I don’t think people should miss out on.’ Simon Savidge's Longlist choices
’A love of cricket is no requirement, for this is a human tale and a story of London and its great river, but perhaps you too might find an unexpected connection that draws you into this delightful tale.’ Hackwriters
‘Every single page is full to bursting. Yet every single word earns its place...The whole novel is breathtaking in its scope and originality. This is a multi-layered literary read. Thoroughly recommended.’ The Bookbag
‘This vibrant, intelligent book draws its inspiration from possibly cricket's most remarkable team: the almost forgotten Australian Aborigine side that toured England in 1868. Hillyer has drafted an intricate tale about two unusual men who effectively exchanged destinies. But perhaps his greatest achievement is his ability to inject structure and humour into this tale and the result is a charming, unusual and poignant book.’ Cricket Magazine
£11.99 Paperback
Size in mm: Height of book 216mm Width of book 138mm Pages: 560
Publication date 11/03/10