博客來The setting is a remote farming area during a traditional Māori holiday, Matariki, the Māori New Year, a time for celebration, family gatherings, and star gazing.
Amber chooses this time to return to her family with her debonair lawyer boyfriend, Malcolm. A jealous, controlling man who, unbeknownst to Amber, killed his wife. He inhabits cities like London, New York, and Paris, not open country. He focuses his jealousy of Daniel, Amber’s childhood friend who is a Māori. Malcolm ensnares Amber through his charming manner and knowledge. In her home environment his manipulations are exposed. The candidness of her parents, her friend, Daniel, and his family contrasts with Malcolm’s attitude.
A huge storm cuts out road access leaving sea access alone. They are dependent on Daniel for a boat. The exposed countryside, the lack of access and lack of outside communication sends Malcolm over the edge. He tries to rape and strangle Amber as he observes her slipping away from his control. He minimizes his actions by telling Amber’s parents that she enjoys rough sex. His actions become more anti-social. He refuses to go to the Matariki ceremony next door at Daniel’s house and chooses to stay home alone. While all are star gazing at Daniel’s place, Amber’s father returns home. Malcolm, in a red rage nearly kills him.
Next door, at the ceremony, Amber and her mother realize something is wrong. Daniel and his brothers quickly agree to help. This time, they call the police.
Through watching how both men react, Amber understands where her heart lies. Daniel supports her through the police investigation, her father’s recovery, the collection of her things from Malcolm’s and her flat - a very scary interlude, and Malcolm’s trial. Finally, Malcolm is convicted, and all is calm, but this is not the end. Daniel and Amber must find themselves.
The story doesn’t end there. Amber is traumatized because of events and finds any relationship difficult. She shrinks from contact with Daniel. She dreams of him but cannot reach out. Daniel and her parents organize a dinner for the four of them. Amber begins to allow herself to feel.
Amber’s and Daniel’s love grows until, after some months, they have a holiday together on Nieu Island. There, he proposes under the stars and in the location of his ancestors.
Thus, it is not only a story of how a controlling psychopath can manipulate an intelligent woman, it is a story about the aftereffects on the woman, the internal conflicts that develop, the lack of trust in herself, and loss of confidence. It shows, however, there is always hope.
