MOON DARK

Once again, Wrightson calls to life the power of Australian mythology to create a poetic and beautiful novel about the interrelationships of all living beings. Blue, a dog who lives with his fisherman master, is increasingly bothered by a war between bush rats and bandicoots, as well as by the sudden, mysterious presence of Red Dog. Much seems out of joint in this remote area of Australia as more humans have moved in and encroached on the animals' territory. One dark night, the animals call on Keeting, an ancient moon spirit who appears as a tall, dark man; he traces their common heritage as Eminent Men and defines the problem: the presence of humans have driven the flying foxes (fruit bats) from their habitat and upset the ecosystem's natural balance—the animals must save themselves by a cooperative effort. This they do, in a three-night odyssey full of wonder and mischief, all unknown and unappreciated by the humans around them. Moon Dark is a powerful metaphor for strife and accommodation on any level—front the smallest community to the global ecosystem. Rich with the names of exotic animals and mythological references, it all comes clear in context for the reader falling under its ironic spell. As always, Wrightson's writing is economical, evocative, pungently funny, and richly satisfying.