Publisher's Synopsis
Shortlisted, Kibble Literary Awards for Women Writers, 1999As the early dragonflies of the Dry chase each other, Cressida catches one. She cannot feel the filaments, although she can see the opalescent legs and wing membranes, cannot feel the body vibrating in her palm, although she can see the whir of the wings as it tries to escape. She cannot feel a thing. Cannot feel the wings on the skin between her fingers as it attempts to escape. There is no escape, she tells it, and crushes it.When Cressida discovers that she has the curse - leprosy - she is incarcerated on a remote and barren island. In tropical rains and blistering heat, far from home and family, the island's occupants confront appalling conditions and the constant threat of disfigurement and death. And, despite brewing racial tension, they are also redeemed by searing moments of compassion and understanding.An unforgettable novel about identity and prejudice:The Spotted Skin was shortlisted for The Australia/Vogel Literary Award.
