Sodden DownstreamSodden Downstream

Thousands flee central Wellington as a far too common ‘once in a century’ storm descends. Roads are closed and all rail is halted. For their own safety, city workers are told that they must go home early. Sita is a Tamil Sri Lankan refugee living in the Hutt Valley. She’s just had a call from her boss. If she doesn’t get to her cleaning job in the city she’ll lose her contract. The novel charts the help and hindrances that make for a long, damp evening. But the book also highlights the kinds of care and solidarity that come out in times of need. Brannavan Gnanalingam’s new novel combines his experiences as a Tamil-background Kiwi growing up in the Hutt Valley with reactions on how refugees adapt to a new home.