Answering to the Caul

Andrei Reti is the main character in this story which is about his journey through life. He was born in a caul which means a fine membrane was attached to his head at birth; legend states that this caul protects the bearer from dying from drowning. Water and drowning is a theme throughout the book.

I found the story rather dark but compelling especially reading about Andrei’s sad and lonely childhood in Otaki. He lost his Mother to whom he was very close and his father served time in prison. He was a self-contained child who like his Mother was happiest reading books. Things seemed to look up for him when his father was not coping and he was taken to live up North with his Father’s whanau. They were kind to him but he did not attend the local school because of events that had happened in the past involving his cousin. This situation changes when truancy officers catch up with him and the results are brutal and tragic.

The adult Andrei is a solitary figure but he is not unhappy in his poorly paid, routine job working in the book warehouse. It is at work that he meets his only friend

the unusual Antares who didn’t fit in with her adopted family or enjoy school; she shares his great passion for reading. Part two of the book is set in Thailand around 2004 and that brings an interesting dimension to the story.

Through reading this book it makes the reader aware that we have no control over the family situation we are born into and how childhood events can shape your life.

I think this story is more suited to adults; young adults may find it difficult relating to the characters.

Title: Answering to the Caul

Author: Ted Dawe

Publisher: Mangakino University Press

ISBN: 9780473528188

RRP: $30

Format: Paperback

Date of Publication: October 2020

Ages: Adult/Senior Students

Reviewer: Jayne Downes. Library Manager. Kaikorai Valley College. Dunedin

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

Opening sentence: The drive out to the airport was nearly silent.

You can buy this book here