Author(s): Fiona Kidman

New Zealand Fiction

A woman rows across a lake with a small part-Asian child. The woman is Violet Trench, who in future years will run the Violet Caf? with an iron will.Those who work in her caf? come from a diverse range of backgrounds, but each with their own troubles and each affected by working for this enigmatic woman. Her influence takes Jessie Sandal on dangerous journeys to the Far East, and to another stretch of water to be crossed with a small part-Asian child. Although the characters go their separate ways, they never forget the flavour of that summer working at the caf?, like the secret, surprising allure of the truffle that infused the food there.Fiona Kidman was born in 1940. She has worked as a librarian, creative writing teacher, radio producer and critic, but primarily as a writer. To date she has published 20 books, including novels, poetry, non-fiction and a play. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships and was created a Dame (DNZM) in 1998 in recognition of her contribution to literature.<

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