From Ashes to Ashes tells the story of Peter Morrison, son of a school teacher in rural New South Wales. When Peter’s beloved teacher is pushed to enlist in World War II by his father, his boyhood is fractured by trauma and doubt.
As he comes of age, Peter veers from the values of his conservative parents and begins a lifelong march to the beat of two different drummers. While one leads him to teaching and family, the other draws him to illicit love and classroom scandal.
With maturity, Peter rights his choices, retiring as a respected school principal. However, finally verging on dementia, he hears, again, the beat of the other drummer.
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
“Compared with his previous work, this comes as something as a surprise, as Tasmanian author John Biggs’ motivations and sentiments have seldom immersed themselves so deeply into human frailties, emotions and sexuality.
The same eloquence, mastery over discourse and structural logic are present.
The main character, peter Morrison, has a seriously conflicted personality. Reared in a devout family, he wants to believe in God but puts his belief to the test with disastrous results.
The compelling underlying story, however, is about sublimated love and Peter’s weakness or inability to respond to, or make a commitment to, the only woman that has captured his sexual imagination.
Don’t categorise this book. It speaks to a wide audience. Most life journeys are littered with unfulfilled expectations, ambitions and unrequited loves.
There is no doubt, however, that teachers will more readily recognise similar characters and identify the issues that perennially plague their demanding profession.
This makes provocative and engaging reading.”
– Warren Brewer, Sunday Tasmanian
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
“… the development of the major characters and the handling of dialogue are major strengths. The symbolism gives depth to the narrative by exploring concepts of choice, duty, entrapment, and freedom. As a former teacher of literature, I was excited by the subtle layers of meaning in much of the narrative, thinking how the text would provoke discussion and analysis.”
– Ralph Spaulding, Former Principal, Cosgrove High School
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
“At last, a novel to rival the great Australian classics The Advancement of Spencer Button by Brian James and Sumner Locke Elliott’s Careful, He Might Hear You! A hugely satisfying read and a fine family saga enriched ironically by the shadows of World War II.”
– John Ramsland, Emeritus Professor, University of Newcastle, Author
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
“This enticing and engaging novel reveals deep insights into pervasive factors influencing our lives. Readers will readily identify with the recurring themes of the work. A compelling read.”
– Phillip Moore, Former Professor, Hong Kong Institute of Education