In the myth, Orpheus travels to the underworld to rescue Eurydice from certain death – a rescue compelled by his determination and his belief in their shared life. Along the way the question arises: what would you risk for love? Orpheus Lost is an examination of this particular question, located in remarkable times. In modern Boston, Leela, a mathematical genius, falls in love with Australian musician Mishka. Both have escaped their past; although in doing so they have become reticent about their need to unravel their beginnings. In particular, Mishka’s quest for understanding takes him from the lushness of the Australian rainforests to bomb-scarred Boston, to secretive Baghdad. Th e consequences of this pilgrimage reach far into Leela’s past and it is here that risks and bargains must be made in order for the lovers to be reunited. Th is is a suspenseful novel. Th e penalties of remaining quiet are enormous for these characters. Janette Turner Hospital has once again demonstrated her writing power by examining ordinary people caught in the wrong times. Th is is a story that questions where our identities are formed from.

Christine Gordon is from Readings Carlton