The Summons

‘It is 1934 in Berlin, where Heinrich Himmler has set up a special research unit to study the occult and European witchcraft.

Dr Paul Mobius is a World War I veteran and scholar at work at the Royal Library, when an old colleague tries to lure him to join the Special Witch Work Unit. Meanwhile, another Nazi research unit has taken a disturbing interest in Carl, the grandson of Mobius’s tenement neighbour.

Together, the three friends escape to the country, where they find refuge in the small town of S. There, Mobius begins an autumn romance with Monika – and is finally able to come to terms with his own past, and the recent history of his own country.

But the troubling reappearance of Flade sets off an alarming chain of events that leads ultimately to Wewelsburg Castle, nerve-centre of the SS leader’s research units and think-tanks, where Mobius and Monika are exposed to a secret that will change their lives forever.

Reviews:
‘Hats off to a terrific first novel. .. original and stylish work …’ Cath Keneally, The Sydney Morning Herald

‘In this fine first novel history is imaginatively absorbed into the life of its characters. Whish-Wilson’s vividly observed scenes reveal what is at stake – no less than the growth of one man’s soul.’ Joan London

‘An eloquent and thought provoking novel.’ Katherine England, The Advertiser

‘An unorthodox and imaginative story of quiet heroism.’ The Age

‘THE sickly, cloying atmosphere of Nazi Germany in the lead-up to World War II is captured brilliantly in The Summons.’ Weekend Australian.

‘…a thoughtful and thought-provoking read. Four stars.’ Australian Bookseller & Publisher

‘The Summons…anticipates a strong future for this writer who demonstrates that he has read widely, researched solidly, and thought boldly… one expects this novel or his future work to win him the acclaim he deserves.’ Text

Brenda Walker said: ‘THE SUMMONS is at once historical and topical. Working with a fully realised imaginative recreation of the historical period and a dignified uncompromising prose style, David Whish-Wilson has produced a remarkable fiction… David Whish-Wilson writes movingly… The prose is a great joy to read.’

Tom Shapcott said: ‘THE SUMMONS is a novel of very rich achievements, written stylishly and with attentive detail. The writing style is clear, colourful and rich in detail. The work expands as it progresses, not in terms of event and chronicle, but in terms of approaching the main characters and their always mysterious but sympathetic concerns. In this respect, the book achieves considerable distinction, and memorability.

David Whish-Wilson lives in Fremantle, Western Australia, where he teaches creative writing at Curtin University. He is the author of short stories and the novel The Summons, published in 2006. David’s new novel, Line of Sight was published in Sept 2010.