The White Porcupine — Jonathan Falla

THE WHITE PORCUPINE is a virtuoso novel by a critically acclaimed British author. It is a mystery, and a profound exploration of loyalties: father and daughter, lovers and friends, soldiers and nations. Set in Java in the 1940s and the Netherlands in the 1970s, it tells the peculiar story of Ben Pinksterbloem, a military radio expert caught up in a post-colonial drama. Ben is brave, cunning, and ruthless, but in Java he commits the soldier's ultimate betrayal.

Thirty years later, loyalties are tested again. The children of Ben's former comrades launch a despairing act of terrorism, hijacking a train and a school, demanding the righting of past wrongs. Ben attempts to intercede - but the tragi-comedy may be beyond his control...

THE WHITE PORCUPINE is Jonathan Falla's fifth novel and displays all his skills in dramatic storytelling, with strange landscapes, powerful characters, and bizarre humour. The critics have said of his previous work: "A very witty writer with a gift for gallows humour." (Observer, London). "An outstanding novel." (Sunday Times, London). "An original, unflinching work on a subject of great importance. The strength of the writing and the subject carry all before them." (New York Times). "Compelling and tragically relevant." (BBC Radio 4).