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On the Java Ridge cover art

On the Java Ridge

By: Jock Serong
Narrated by: Lewis Fitz-Gerald
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Publisher's Summary

In Canberra, a federal election looms and Cassius Calvert, Minister for Border Integrity, is facing a new hard-line policy regarding asylum-seekers. Off the Indonesian island of Dana, Isi Natoli, skipper of the Java Ridge, and a group of Australian surf tourists are anchored beside an idyllic reef. A few kilometres away, Roya and her mother are amongst the passengers fleeing persecution aboard the Talakar. When a storm breaks, these stories collide with chilling consequences....

©2017 Jock Serong (P)2017 W.F. Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Serong confirms his talent for multi-layered plot-driven novels that offer a commentary on modern Australia." ( Books + Publishing)

What listeners say about On the Java Ridge

Average Customer Ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars

The narrator is fantastic

A wonderful book. Gripping, thought provoking, relevant to all Australians and Lewis Fitz-Gerald brings all the characters to life. I can’t wait to read more books written by Jock Sarong.

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5 people found this helpful

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Outstanding

A stellar performance of an extraordinary story. Beautifully written and exquisitely narrated. Highly recommended, a must read.

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4 people found this helpful

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Haunting, disturbing but necessary.

The story was immensely haunting, characters were well developed and I felt connected to them all. A relevant topic to all in Australia. A disturbing but necessary reflection on the effects of unwavering border security.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hope Jock Seeing never stops writing!

Love this man's books...he never let's the reader down...brilliant reading by Lewis Fitz-Gerald..hard act to follow.

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2 people found this helpful

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riveting

powerful imagery, outstanding narration

this story was dramatic, tragic and based on real issues faced in recent years by Australasian governments.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Talented author, topical issue

Jock Serong can write about anything, and write well! The narration is also excellent. I gave the story 4 stars only because I couldn’t consider it equal to his novel, The Rules of Backyard Cricket, which is one of the best I’ve ever read (and I say this as someone who has no interest in cricket).

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1 person found this helpful

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Totally Immersed!

I have just finished this book and I feel as though I've been hit by a sledge-hammer! Rarely have i been so devastated by a novel!
This is extremely well written and the narration did ample justice to the action, and in time, I know I will be recommending this book to everyone I know, but presently i am wrapped up in my own musings, about the story!

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Blew me away!

Jock Serong is amazing in my opinion. Each book I read I find more impressive than the last. Cannot recommend this novel highly enough. Both the beauty and harshness of reality are depicted so clearly and accurately. This story felt so incredibly real.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Contentious Issue

How to deal with the influx of boat people? With the issue of lives risked, who should be trusted? Jock Serong exposes the real dilemma of illegal immigration through a tale of what becomes of vulnerable peoples, through a nation's dehumanisation, be it by distance, ignorance, apathy, lack of moral obligation, of unsatisfactory or no response; hidden behind the guise of legislation... This author provides exquisite descriptions and metaphors which easily build lasting images; action that carries the reader as they follow the experiences of a group of desperate escaping political prisoners.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking

Wow, wasn’t sure when I started this with the political line but quickly became engaged with the tragedy of characters and felt quite effected by the outcomes. Great writing, great narrator.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.