Book Launch - The Green Elevator Cage, by Claude Rakisits

The Green Elevator Cage, by
Claude Rakisits.

In conversation with Claude will be
Mark Taylor.

Refreshments will be provided.

This is a free event but please arrive early if you would like to sit during the event as we have limited seating.

RSVP

info@paperchainbookstore.com.au

or phone 6295 6723

In The Green Elevator Cage, Claude Rakisits takes readers on a captivating journey that spans five continents and over fifty years—1962-2019, exploring not just the quest for answers, but the quest for self-understanding. At the heart of the novel is Max, a man determined to uncover the mysteries of his childhood in the Belgian Congo. Along the way, he confronts three life-changing revelations. His journey takes him across a series of distinct and unforgettable locations—from Brussels and the hallowed halls of a Belgian boarding school in the 1960s and 1970s to expatriate life in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a remote diamond mine in Tanzania, and the relaxed charm of Australia.

At its core, The Green Elevator Cage is a story about the complexities of family and the emotional distances that time, geography, and circumstance can create. The novel examines the fractured yet deeply loving relationship between Max, his mother, and his sister, Claudia, who, despite a shared past, have spent much of their lives apart. As they attempt to uncover the truth of their childhood in the Belgian Congo, the siblings must navigate a tangled web of memories, secrets and painful revelations.

This global family saga, set against the backdrop of major historical and geopolitical changes, would appeal to anyone with an interest in the past, its complexities, and its impact on individual lives. It is a perfect read for those who love to get lost in a narrative that includes flying on a DC4 over the Congo, illicit romance in Tanzania or living in remote locations far from the bustle of modern life. Whether you are an expat who has lived far from home, someone nostalgic for a bygone era, or a lover of stories that span time and place, The Green Elevator Cage offers a rich, immersive experience that will resonate long after the final page.

Born in the then Belgian Congo, Claude Rakisits grew up in Brussels and, later, in the Middle East, Africa and North America. Thanks to an adventurous aviator stepfather, Claude discovered exotic lands and fascinating people. From New York, he flew to Australia on a scholarship in July 1982 to undertake a PhD in Political Science at the University of Queensland. Liking Australia so much he decided to call Australia home, cashed in his return ticket and handed back his Green Card to an astonished American consul, and never looked back. He has worked on national security issues for the Australian government and as an adviser to senior Australian politicians. Affiliated with Australian and overseas academic institutions and think tanks, he continues to write and speak on international affairs while also writing fiction. Dr Rakisits is married with an adult daughter. He divides his time between Australia and Europe. This is his debut novel.