Drawn by Water by James Mcalloon

It’s been more than thirty years since the Chilean Coup de Etat saw Mari’s father flee the country he loved. Mari is now twenty-three. A local surfing legend, she finds ultimate joy amongst the waves. She feels connected to the open ocean, an endless bound of water that links Mari with her now-dead father.

But is Mari dead as well?

It’s hard to tell, but as Mari’s grief takes over, she finds herself fighting a never-ending internal battle: accepting the loss of her dad, adhering to social norms demanded of her by her community, and understanding from where her family comes. This struggle forces Mari to contemplate her own existence, marking the end of one life and the start of a new beginning.

In a story that connects two worlds, will Mari overcome the challenges that await her, or will she give in to the struggles of her past?

ANZEC Member - James McAlloon

James was born and raised in the surfing district of Australia's Sunshine Coast before moving to the Americas, where he studied Spanish literature and travelled extensively. Now back home, he draws on those experiences to engage his readers in stories of the human condition, and transports them to places he has come to know and love.