Passion

Many New Zealand writers have been gay or bisexual, but this hasn't led to much gay literature. Those, like Frank Sargeson and James Courage, who have dared to deal with homosexual themes at all have generally done so in a coy, furtive or embarrassed manner. Passion is the first New Zealand novel to examine a homosexual love affair openly and directly. One of the lovers is a white academic and the other is a part-Samoan teenager, so other firsts are being scored here as well. But Passion offers more than mere sociology. Above all, it's an enjoyable novel with a poignant, wise and erotic story to tell.