A Dangerous Life- Marisa Jones

A Dangerous Land is an historical romance set in New Guinea during World War II. It attempts to showcase Australia’s colonial past in its former colony.

In her debut novel, drawing on her time spent living in PNG, Marisa Jones writes about a history not well known to most Australians. It is a love story about childhood friends Amelia and Daniel and follows their fight to be together against all odds. The Pacific War is looming and Amelia is soon to be evacuated back to Australia, whilst Daniel, a mixed-race New Guinean, is determined to find a way to protect his home when the Australian Army won’t let him enlist.

They both become trapped when their town of Salamaua is attacked by the Japanese and embark on separate treks across New Guinea’s rugged terrain in order to escape. Jones explains how it explores the themes of racism and colonisation, while following real life events that took place during the war.

‘When I set out to write this book, my intention was to create a story that celebrates Papua New Guinea,’ author Marisa Jones said about A Dangerous Land. ‘It is a uniquely beautiful and richly diverse country that I have come to call home, and a place to which many Australians have a connection.’

ISBN:978-0-6458005-2-4Published by Jonesing for Books (2023)— Cost: $24.99 or K50302 pages. Available from Amazon and online HERE and various retail outlets in PNG.Cost: $24.99 or K50