Author Talk – Ernie Rijs ‘The Crossing’ @ Warragul Library

Join us at Warragul Library for Ernie Rijs introducing his debut novel The Crossing: Has He Got Everything Right and Is There Any Coming Back?.

Born and raised in the Latrobe Valley from Dutch migrants, Ernie is an educator of 45 years standing. He has performed in and directed a wide range of theatre, has written a number of plays including a series of 10-minute plays called “The Ripple Effect” focusing on PTS, which he hopes to put on stage in the near future. A number of his short stories appear in his blog where readers will find an eclectic range of ideas (philosophy, opinion, reflection and fiction). He is in the middle of his second novel which deals with some similar issues to “The Crossing” – the cost of migration, the impact of family on our lives, the consequences of our choices – but also keeping secrets and what it takes to be honest. He also has plans for a sequel to “The Crossing” and is currently working on his second novel with the working title “Coal”, which deals with the interpretations we make of our past as we enter old age and if we can trust our memories. For more information on Ernie, feel free to visit his website www.thestorytree.info

Ernie’s story The Crossing follows character named Tim, as he is nearing the end of his final year of secondary school and all he wants is for it to finish. Against his better judgement he agrees to the Principal’s request for him to “buddy up” with Gabriel, a refugee from South Sudan. Two months and it’ll be done, he tells himself. But when both Tim and Gabriel’s father each make one simple, but momentous decision, they are propelled in directions they never imagined they’d go. Tim’s friend Murph doesn’t get it. Cat is shocked and angry, and Gabriel is in an induced coma. Tim must re-evaluate his relationship with his mother and estranged father as well as the spectre of his dead little sister. He must find a way to make things right. But ultimately, he must decide if he’s got everything all wrong, and if there’s any coming back.

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