The main thesis of the book is that the biggest problem facing our society at present is the widening disparity of incomes. And it is a problem because a lot of research has been done, which shows clearly that the whole society suffers from this inequality, not just those at the bottom end. But it does affect the poorer members especially, because it makes them feel powerless, and as if they have no real place in the society. Ultimately, this is the sort of attitude which leads to social unrest and revolutions.
It analyses the causes of this widening gap, and suggests paths to the reversal of the process.
We have both felt for some time that inequality of incomes is the No 1 issue facing our community and our leaders this year - this decade.
The best chapters in the book are by three people who clearly have fire in their bellies about the issue: Karlo Mila, with his chapter called "Only one deck"; Evan Te Ahu Poata-Smith, "Inequality and Maori"; and Paul Barber, "Reducing inequality".
I believe there are conditions which would help this process: a return to fairer and more universal/collective bargaining between employers and workers over wages and salaries - in other words, moves towards compulsory membership of unions and employer organisations. We are only going to solve our problems by talking with each other.
They range from vivian himself, through Campbell Roberts of the Salvation Army, Kim Workman on the Prison Fellowship, to Robin Allison of Ranui's Earthsong community.
In this case, the contributions have been worked into the total fabric of the book in a way that makes them more even in weight. So you get more of a sense of unity in what the book is driving at.
Just as well, because the concept is not as easy to define or describe as inequality!
Kay is a friend of ours, who sets out to tell a story of how a group of women manipulate a man of their acquaintance.
We both enjoyed the idea of the book and the twist towards the end; and we could see real parallels with our shared experiences of working in a political party at the local level, as we have done with Kay.
We didn't recognise ourselves among the characters, but we did catch glimpses of people we thought we knew.
If you are looking for entertainment, this may just be your cup of tea.
Cornwell knows how to put a tale together, he knows how to write dialogue that convinces, and he can delineate credible characters, which add up to good writing of novels.
This one is from pre-history, set in Arthurian England. My only problem is making sure I can pronounce all the Welsh (or really British) names.
In the past I also enjoyed Cornwell's series about King Alfred, and the years following his times when the Saxons were struggling with the Danish invaders for the control of large parts of England.
Writers who can produce many stories in the same series, such as Cornwell, are a great boon to readers, who know they will enjoy reading the next book to come out. I have found Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander), Ken Follett, and Edward Rutherfurd belong to this group.
Now there are some suggestions for you!
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