The Paradise Pact

What inspired Anita Heiss to set this novel in Hawai'i, and does her Indigenous Australian perspective influence the storytelling?

Whilst Anita Heiss hasn't publicly detailed the specific inspiration for choosing Hawai'i as the setting, the location creates an interesting cultural dialogue between two Pacific Indigenous cultures. As a proud Wiradyuri woman, Heiss often explores themes of identity and connection in her work, and setting a contemporary story in Hawai'i allows for potential parallels between Indigenous Australian and Native Hawaiian experiences whilst maintaining the light-hearted, escapist tone of a holiday romance. The choice also reflects the growing trend of Australian women seeking international wellness and adventure experiences in the Pacific region.

How does The Paradise Pact differ from Anita Heiss's other fiction works, particularly her historical novels?

The Paradise Pact represents a departure from Heiss's recent focus on historical fiction, such as her award-winning novels about the Great Flood of Gundagai and the Bathurst frontier wars. This novel returns to the contemporary commercial women's fiction genre that Heiss explored in earlier works like Tiddas, focusing on modern relationships, friendship and self-discovery rather than historical events. The lighter, more escapist tone offers readers a different facet of Heiss's versatility as a writer, demonstrating her ability to move between serious historical narratives and heartwarming contemporary stories.

What does the term 'tiddas' mean in the context of this novel?

Tiddas is an Aboriginal English term meaning 'sisters' or close female friends, representing a bond that goes beyond mere friendship to encompass a deep, familial connection between women. Heiss previously explored this concept in her novel Tiddas, which was successful enough to be adapted for the stage and performed at major Australian festivals. In The Paradise Pact, the use of this term signals that the relationship between Abbey, Stevie and Caitlin is central to the story, emphasising themes of female solidarity, loyalty and the importance of chosen family in navigating life's challenges.

Is the half marathon element in the story significant, or is it merely a plot device?

The half marathon serves as more than just a backdrop for the holiday setting; it represents a physical and metaphorical challenge for the characters, particularly Abbey who is recovering from a difficult period in her life. Training for and completing a half marathon requires discipline, perseverance and personal commitment, mirroring Abbey's journey towards putting herself first and rebuilding her confidence after a failed relationship. This athletic goal also provides structure to the narrative and creates opportunities for character development, as the women support each other through both the physical demands of running and their personal challenges.

Shipping

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.

Defective items

If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.

For more info please visit our Help Centre.