People Will Get Hurt By This

I thought I’d done such a good job of forgetting my old life and moving on, but it was all right there, cued up, like a movie in my mind. Ready for whenever I would tune in. For when I would turn around and stare directly at the sun.

Ten years ago, Arna blew up her life, moved countries and refused to look back. She created a new identity and forged a successful career in the film and television industry, convincing herself everyone back home was better off without her.

When she returns to farewell her dying mother and reconnect with those she hurt, including her beloved, but still-furious, sisters, her homecoming is anything but smooth. Her long-suppressed memories and past mistakes are all still there, waiting, like landmines, ready to explode in her face.

Set between London, Sydney and towns across New Zealand, People Will Get Hurt by This is a darkly funny and provocative story about bad role models, worse decisions and what happens when women don’t do what is expected of them.