Midsummer in Melanesia

Featured in

  • Published 20120904
  • ISBN: 9781921922596
  • Extent: 264 pp
  • Paperback (234 x 153mm), eBook

THERE AREN’T THREE seats on the Solomon Airways flight to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, so I must fly out from Brisbane after Alaister and Flann. Before I leave, I ring a Drug and Alcohol Helpline. The counsellor advises, ‘Look after your own interests carefully. Remember what they say about alcoholics: they don’t have families, they have hostages.’ I resolve to enjoy myself as much as possible. Apart from keeping Flann safe, it will be a good chance to test the dictum promoted by Al-Anon, the fellowship for families and friends that complements the more famous Alcoholics Anonymous: It’s possible to be happy whether the alcoholic is drinking or not.

Al’s lack of eye contact registers immediately. O-oh, here we go, I think as I weave through the crowded Henderson Airport. What a start to Christmas. Flann, though, is thrilled to see me and, at eight years old, is lively with happiness.

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

If you are an educator or student wishing to access content for study purposes please contact us at griffithreview@griffith.edu.au

Share article

About the author

Lesley Synge

Lesley Synge’s most recent work is an illustrated e-novel, Cry Ma Ma to the Moon (2014), on Amazon. Her book Mountains Belong to the...

More from this edition

Nomadic tendencies

EssayON MY THIRTIETH birthday – a while ago – a friend showed me a cartoon parody of a high-school reunion. It depicted a group...

The message of Al-Masudi

Memoir'He who stays at home beside his hearth and is content with the information he may acquire concerning his own region cannot be regarded...

Stay up to date with the latest, news, articles and special offers from Griffith Review.