Review of Black Oil by David Conyers . . . Posted 15 April, 2009

Black Oil by David Conyers Jupiter Issue 24: April 2009. 56 pages at www.jupitersf.co.uk ISSN 1740-2069 Reviewed by David Kernot Book reviews index

Africa is dying. Fresh water is scarce on a planet ravaged by pollution as amputee Joseph Nuwangi tests his luck against the system. Imagine our world in another time, years from now when bygone acts catch up with us, a time when mankind struggles to survive: imagine a world where water is worth its weight in gold - when it is the most protected possession for its purity, and is held in higher regard than life itself. What would you do to get your hands on pure water, untainted by another human? Would you risk everything - even kill for it? Living in the driest state in the driest continent in the world, in the middle of a terrible drought, David Conyers explores this unique hypothesis and explores how it brings out the best and the worst in people.

I found this story very poignant and a reminder of where we could end up if we are not so careful with our planet. Conyers, who has been short-listed for the Aeon, Aurealis, and Ditmar Awards, has excelled yet again. Well worth a read.

Reviewed by David Kernot