Glimpse by Jane Higgins

Glimpse is inspired by Higgins’ experience of the Christchurch earthquake in 2010: the collapsed buildings, the darkness, the rats, people traumatised, but also people helping each other. In her novel, there are people who can ‘see’ quakes before they happen, only minutes before they occur, but enough time to warn people to take to safety.

Two young friends, Jonah and Bas, are living in D-Zone, a zone that has been wrecked by earthquakes and is scheduled for demolition. It’s a place where there are many ‘illegals’ living, people without official papers, always in fear of Border Control.

Into this world comes PANN, People for a New Nation, ready to exploit people’s grief and take their money with false promises. And then there is Glimpse Corp, a reality TV show sensationalising the stories of ‘glimpsers’. Both companies move in, motivated by the opportunity to make a profit from the situation.

Bas falls for the con trick of PANN, and Jonah finds himself stepping into danger to try to save his friend. Luckily Jonah has a girlfriend, Evie, who keeps him grounded, and able to calmly analyse the best solution. And another young friend Shikha, has insight into the media world. Nevertheless, the danger ramps up, and it is a race against time for Jonah to try to save his friend, and his community.

In the end, survival and strength comes from the bonds of friends, and people uniting together against adversity. As Higgins says, ‘Glimpse is about the ways that, in the worst of times, people shine’. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Dystopia, Earthquakes, Disaster, Premonitions, Grief, Exploitation, Reality TV, Friendship.

Helen Eddy