My Sister Chaos

Lara Fergus

An obsessive-compulsive cartographer trapped in the mapping of her own house. A painter turned codebreaker trying to find the lover she lost in the war. Two sisters on a collision course. In My Sister Chaos two sisters escape an unnamed war-torn country into separate lives of exile. The cartographer is obsessed with keeping the world in order, but finds it unraveling under her own demands. Her sister, an artist, arrives unexpectedly. Her very presence is a sign of chaos for the cartographer. But in spite of this, the sister has a firm grip on the real world, and a greater connection to the past. Chaos and order in tension provide the scaffolding for this compelling work of fiction. Presented within a world of obsession and trauma it asks whether any of us is immune to the forces of destruction.

Nothing in this elegant, brilliant debut is out of place – it has obviously been crafted with thought and care. Its graceful structure reflects its content, and its compelling, well-paced plot artfully ties humanity’s most profound struggles and tragedies to maths and mapmaking.

- —Kate Goldsworthy, Readings online

Written with the precision of mathematics and the beauty of art.

- —Ellen Bosman, Library Journal

This is a brilliant book. Intelligent, insightful and complex—but totally unpretentious—My Sister Chaos charts the effects of war and exile on the individual...

- —Dominique Wilson, Wetink

Shortlisted, Dobbie Literary Award: Finalist Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Debut Fiction (USA)

Release: Sep-2010

ISBN: 9781876756840

RRP (AUD): $24.95

Pages: 214

Format: Paperback & ebook

Category: refugees,war,lesbians

Lara Fergus

Lara Fergus grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney and gave up a science degree to become a contemporary dancer. She spent seven years living overseas, mostly in France. She has worked with various advocacy organisations, including for newly arrived immigrant and refugee women.