On the Java Ridge by Jock Serong -3.5 rounded up

[Booknblues]

On the Java Ridge reads like a typical action-adventure book, so the reader expects a certain amount of action, conflict and struggle for survival. The Java Ridge is an elite Indonesian style vessel which accommodates Australian surf tourist and takes them out to remote areas to surf.

As a storm gathers the action shifts from the Java Ridge to a boat leaving Indonesia crowded with refugees, to Cassius Calvert, the Australian Minister of Border Integrity. New policies have been instituted which puts a larger brunt of responsibilty on Indonesia for stopping such vessels and if they should make it past Indonesia than the responsibility rests on Core Resolve, a private mercenary company to stop them from entering Australia.

Refugees are a topical concern world wide and frequently politicians are happy to frame them in a way that presents them as concern or a problem but not as people and that is Calvert's dilemma.

Smedley snorted. It cost him a breath. ‘Let’s be honest, hey? You’re motivated by nothing but popularity, Core Resolve’s motivated by nothing but profit—and when Mr Popularity hands over the controls to Mr Profit, you’ve got chaos.’

Like a good action adventure is expected to do, it had me on edge while reading it. It doesn't have great literary merit, the characters tend to be a little underdeveloped, although there were two that I really loved, but it is exciting reading.

What brought it down a notch or two for me was the final resolution. I suppose there would be some argument about that among readers and I won't go further with my explanation.

I am happy to recommend it to those who appreciate a good action book.

[Olivermagnus]

I read this book last year and gave it a 4.5. I couldn't stop thinking about how it concluded and the impact it had on me. I read Quota by the same author and gave it a 3. I think he's a great writer and just picked up another book if his, The Rules of Backyard Cricket.

[KateNZ]

This sounds fascinating, though my deep antipathy to Australia’s handling of smuggled migrants might mean it makes me even angrier ...

[Susie]

I worry about the same thing Kate. I am so embarrassed about our asylum seeker and refugee policies.

[KateNZ]

I suspect from BnB’s review that the author is equally annoyed by the policies, which seems to make for a good story that I can relate to. Not conducive to low blood pressure though 😁

I’ve almost bought Rules for Backyard Cricket several times - it does look cool. And any novel to do with cricket is attractive!

[Booknblues]

Olivermagnus wrote: "I read this book last year and gave it a 4.5. I couldn't stop thinking about how it concluded and the impact it had on me. I read Quota by the same author and gave it a 3. I think h..."

The conclusion frustrated me a bit because it broke form. I don't want to say much about it and spoil it.

[Booknblues]

Susie wrote: "I worry about the same thing Kate. I am so embarrassed about our asylum seeker and refugee policies."

Susie, I would love for you to read it and see how close it is to Australia's present policies. I thought perhaps it is meant to be a warning against hiring mercenaries to do certain jobs.

[Susie]

Well I simply must read it then!

[Booknblues]

Susie wrote: "Well I simply must read it then!"

I'd love to discuss it with you.