Floodline

There is warmth, humour and compassion, and a resolution that's nothing short of inspiring ... brilliantly original ... This ranks up there with Kate Grenville or Peter Carey.' Judith White, The Bulletin on Captain Starlight's Apprentice. What remains after everything is washed away? Funny, moving and utterly compelling, Floodline tells of the unexpected salvation that can be found on the edge of disaster. When the city of Horneville is destroyed by a flood on the eve of a huge gay mardis gras, Mikey Brown - the feisty, sexy and dynamic host of a Christian shopping channel - knows exactly what she needs to do. Taking her sons with her, she sets out on a grand mercy mission. The journey is more than a flood clean - up for Mikey - she wants to save the city and teach the godless inhabitants a lesson. Her husband was lost to her after attempting to 'mission' to this same festival and this is her chance to lay the past to rest. Mustard - an enthusiastic, ebullient, 8 year old - doesn't believe his father is dead. In fact, he is determined to find him and knows that Horneville is the place to start looking. If anyone can bring him back, Mustard can. Down in the city, the floodwater surrounding the Horneville City Hospital is steadily rising, turning what has been a place of refuge into a disaster zone. Deep in the hospital chaos, Nurse Gina Donaldson is forced to make a life and death decision with shattering repercussions. The arrival of Mikey's little troupe helps Gina find hope in the most unlikely places. Both Mikey and Gina must stare down their pasts in order to find salvation, but will they have the courage? This extraordinary novel is a brilliant feat of imagination and characterization from an acclaimed writer at the height of her great powers. It is surprising, revelatory and original in every way. 'Powerful and accomplished ... Heyman reveals her pedigree as a playwright and poet in stunning language and original imagery ... Profoundly moving.' The Scotsman on The Breaking.