Spinifex & Sunflowers

Nick Harris has been drifting for years – until the day he finds himself amid red dirt and razor wire, a refugee-prison guard in a detention centre. Nick is no crusader and no bleeding-heart. He’s just a man in debt who needs a job.

Time passes slowly behind the wire, no matter who you are. To distract themselves, the asylum seekers tell Nick about their lives and cultures, and the families they have left behind. They steal from him with good humour, and swear at him with bad.

Nick breaks all the rules: slacking off when he guards the cordial machine, swimming with crocodiles, brawling with locals, romancing workmates. And then there is the cardinal sin –  becoming friends with the detainees.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘Well written, confronting, passionate and often graphic, this novel deserves to be read by any Australian with a conscience. [Four stars]’ Books+Publishing

‘[Stallard’s] on-the-ground experience brings authenticity and sympathy to the plight of refugees in his storytelling.’ West Weekend Magazine

‘Stallard’s style is page-turning, and his firsthand knowledge of Curtin fascinating, making for some of the most compelling reading I’ve experienced so far this year.’ Adelaide Advertiser