The Swan Song of Doctor Malloy (36 page)

‘The way we do anything is the way we do everything.'

Praise for Robert Power's
In Search of the Blue Tiger

‘Between
Life of Pi, Under Milkwood
and Gus Kuijer's disturbing children's novel,
The Book of Everything …
The writing is subtle, connotative and composed. Its craftsmanship embraces and extends this audacious depiction of an escape from childhood.' Joy Lawn
Bookseller+Publisher

‘Robert Power's striking debut novel works less with the idea of childhood innocence, than with its burdening and fracturing by violence … While Oscar's experiences circle around violence, his focus is on hope, largely embodied by Mrs April. Psychologically astute, original and whimsical, the novel creates a memorable protagonist and sees him set sail, eventually, powered by dreams and resilience. Fantasy and a quest for alternative worlds are symptomatic of trauma, but also, ultimately, the means of Oscar's self-made redemption.' Felicity Plunkett,
Canberra Times

‘Rich with observation and fine writing.' Lucy Sussex
The Sunday Age

‘Power's skill as a writer is to allow us insight into Oscar's hopeful magic-realist view of the world, even while we are travelling through this dark terrain of trauma.' Pip Newling
The Big Issue

‘This dark and beautiful tale, told with a light touch, stayed in my mind long after I'd finished … The prose is lucid, poetic and is one of the story's pleasures. The ending is both unpredictable and provocative.' Claire Kennedy
Herald Sun

Robert Power is the author of the critically acclaimed
In Search of the Blue Tiger.
He has worked in HIV prevention for many years, travelling to all continents and appearing in all media, both here and abroad. Born in Dublin, Robert now lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his wife and his youngest son. In 2011 he was a winner in
The Age
Short Story Prize for his story
Meatloaf in Manhattan.