we only need to tease out the first stray thread, such as the lingering wake left by a white ship forging through grey light to where a thousand seabirds disappear from the collapsing sky . . . and we've begun It is 1954, but not the same way the history books would have it. Events and characters swirl in a vortex of fragments and chance connections. Brisbane celebrates the young Queen Elizabeth II's arrival on her first royal tour of the commonwealth. Meanwhile the future is being shaped behind closed doors, laying the foundations for the 21st century . . .A magisterial novel resonant with contemporary concerns, by one of Australia's foremost authors writing at the height of his ambition. Praise for Vortex'Everything about Rodney Hall's work is major: the beauty of the writing, the dark and vibrant imagination, and the enormous pleasure it gives the reader. Michael Herr'Rodney Hall writes the world as if it were lit by stormlight, a genius that recognises each facet for its singularity as well as its inherent interconnectedness.' Josephine Rowe'Vortex is many mighty things. Above all, it is generous.' Beejay Silcox