About this title.
After being driven nearly to madness by suffering a lifetime of abuse from a cruel and violent father, John O’Reilly goes to Mexico City for some relief. He is introduced to the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Aztec people. His mind, unbalanced by his misery, eagerly embraces the Aztec philosophy that there can be no rebirth without death, and he conceives the notion that his father must die the ancient sacrificial way for he, John, to be given a new beginning in life. In the city square outside the museum, he meets Juan, an Aztec descendant of a priest who fled ancient Mexico City when Cortés and his conquistadors overthrew it in 1523. Juan listens with intense interest and excitement to the young americano’s faltering tale of paternal cruelty and his belief that his father must die ritualistically in order for the son to have rebirth. Juan sees in this meeting an opportunity to revive the old ways. Perhaps then the gods would be happy and return Mexico to its rightful inhabitants. The story goes back in time throughout the novel, taking the reader through the historically accurate Spanish invasion and conquest. The ancient gods are introduced, and the reader learns in detail of the savage rites that were practiced in their honour in order that the universe would continue to exist. But the reader learns also of the Aztecs’ love of art and colour, music and dancing. Part two of the story begins after the accomplishment of John’s father’s death. The two men, now firm friends, travel down to Juan’s home in the mountains of southern Mexico. Juan meets with other neo-Aztecs that silently form part of a group of political revolutionaries, the Zapatistas, and, emboldened by the ritualistic death of John’s father, they begin to practice their old rite of human sacrifice. But nothing changes. The existing regime lives on, continuing to oppress and exploit the native people. Juan, now a most desperate man, prepares to commit the supreme sacrifice, that of his own son. Will John, now happy and fulfilled, support his friend in this ultimate act of homage, or will he draw the line at the death of an innocent child?
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About this Author.
Kerri Louise Thomas is a New Zealander living in Wanganui, New Zealand. At a young age, she left her home town of Hamilton and moved to Sydney, Australia, staying there only long enough to earn funds that would take her further afield. Starting in Israel and going through Egypt, Greece and the rest of Europe, she eventually stopped in England where she lived on and off over the next ten years. Settling back down in Auckland, New Zealand, she studied for a business degree majoring in law while holding down a full-time job as a business adviser in the heavy transport industry. Wanting a change, she then moved into the social services sector. She also co-owns a café/art gallery.
She has completed two novels and is working on a third.
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