Great Conversations features interviews with authors and writers, exploring books, writing and literary culture from Australia and the world.

Today's episode features J.P. Pomare discussing his new novel In the Clearing.

On a hot, humid, Australian summer day a van waits by an isolated road as an eight year girl disembarks from her school bus. As the bus disappears the van accelerates, its occupants dragging the girl inside and drugging her into unconsciousness. The young girl is being taken to the clearing and she is to be the eleventh of the twelve; children of the mother.

Freya lives in seclusion defiant in her freedom and independence but also captive to her secrets. When the news reports a kidnapped child her mind immediately races to her son and she fears for his safety.