Carla and Kevin Reid are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary with their son Jack, on their Rodney farm, when Benjamin (Ben) Toroa and Tate invade their home, killing Jack, leaving Kevin in a coma, and raping Carla.
Ben and Tate are caught six weeks later, after a gang fight; nothing more is heard of Tate, but Ben ends up serving years in prison.
Meanwhile Carla farewells her son, tries to help brain-damaged Kevin, and endures the intrusions of the media and the police investigation.
There are lifelong consequences to deal with, e.g. an STD, having to sell the farm for a pittance and move to a boxy apartment on the North Shore, and not being able to read books, "no longer able to engage with fictional characters'', (which alarmed me being an avid reader).
After Carla hits rockbottom, a doctor suggests contact with the perpetrator, Ben.
The first meeting isn't a raging success but over the years, more attempts are made, attitudes change and a major discovery leads to a rewarding venture for all.
Several times, the story seemed to be meandering along, then a powerful piece would shock or surprise.
There are a few light moments, but hold on to your hanky.
I was perplexed that a lot of Carla's support came not from traditional Kiwis, but instead from a Chinese neighbour, a Pacific Island kitchen aide, a Kosovan doctor and a South African librarian.
However, running alongside Carla's and Ben's stories is a strand called Beyond, the voice of a Maori spirit watching over Ben, and giving some insight into Maori history and culture.
A prologue shows the families and environments that Jack and Ben were born into, with marked differences, and you would be forgiven for thinking that Ben's fate was sealed then.
Events from his upbringing are revealed as the novel unfolds, and comparisons with Alan Duff's Once Were Warriors are apt.
The book's title could refer to Carla's last words to Jack, or to the last words she hears from a dying person, galvanising her into action, or it could even be a reference to the on again/off again conversations with Ben.
Sussman spent many years researching the novel, and the accounts of prison life are detailed.
However, I have it on good authority that a 16-year-old would not be placed in a cell with a 45-year-old.
Forgiveness and redemption are not mentioned, and a lot is left up in the air; the overriding message being one of awareness of others, and the adage that you need to walk for a time in their shoes.
All in all, a vivid, forceful portrayal of a situation that is, unfortunately, becoming more common.
- Rachel Gurney is an avid Dunedin reader.
