Coming Back, David Hill, 2004

COMING BACK David Hill, Mallinson Rendel, Wellington, New Zealand, 2004, 160 pages, paperback, NZ$16.95. ISBN 0-908783-86-8

I didn’t want to read a novel about the consequences of a car accident but David Hill has created a gripping story that I couldn’t put down. Distracted for a moment while driving friends, Ryan hits Tara, who is taken to hospital with brain damage. A skilful triple narrative shows the expanding impact of a moment of bad judgement from the viewpoint of Ryan, Tara and a neutral medical observer.
As Ryan helps Tara to regain control of her body, her returning memories create fresh problems for them both. The complex relationship between the pair is nicely mirrored by that of their friends. The realistic, matter-of-fact style of the writing makes Tara’s progress towards recovery an exciting drama.

Trevor Agnew

First published in The Press, Christchurch, New Zealand on December 24th 2004.