Join us to launch Puke, a new book from essa may ranapiri. The book will be launched by Jasmine Sargent; Ruby Solly and Midden Rahurahu will read poetry in response to Puke; and there will be hot chips.

Tuesday 10 November, 6pm
Unity Books, 57 Willis Street, Wellington
Free event – all welcome!

They first meet a million years ago, in the eruption of a volcano.

The second time, it’s in a liquor store: Hinenuitepo is buying a lighter for Mahuika; Hinemoana is picking up drinks.

Before long, they become entangled in rituals of mortality—love, hot chips, a carved bone strap-on, multiple evictions and a new puppy—all while holding down their duties as Death and the Sea.

But there is a great sickness rising in them both. The other atua have begun to disappear, and their world is slowly dying. Somewhere, an insidious power waits.

As the story shifts between our two lovers, Puke weaves a modern puuraakau of desire, decay and decolonisation.