This is an auction for THE MANNEQUIN MAKERS, by Craig Cliff.

“An engaging and deadly smart novel, one that wears a great deal of historical research lightly and that nicely plays out one engrossing theme: the human compulsion to produce ideal images of humanity, and the way those images and illusions are written back onto living bodies and lives. . . . The Mannequin Makers is darkly entertaining and original from start to finish.”

• NZ Listener

Amazon.com reviews:

"Excitement is rare in the small town of Marumaru, New Zealand. So when a young Maori man arrives on the morning train one day in 1903?announcing the imminent visit of a famous strongman?the entire town turns out to greet him, save one. Colton Kemp, a department store window-dresser, is at home, watching his beloved wife die in premature childbirth. Tormented by grief, he hatches a plan to make his name: over the next 16 years he will raise his newborn twins in secrecy, to become human mannequins in the world’s most lifelike window display. 'The Mannequin Makers' is an adventure-filled and thoroughly delightful yarn, introducing one of international literature’s most promising young talents to American audiences."

"This strikingly original novel is a tale of art and deception, strength and folly, love and transgression. Along the way we meet a Prussian strongman, a family of ship's carvers with a mysterious affliction, a septuagenarian surf lifesaver and a talking figurehead named Vengeance."

More very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Craig Cliff was born in Palmerston North in 1983. His first short story collection, A Man Melting, won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers Prize Best First Book.

Large format (trade) paperback 2013.

330 pages.

An inscription on the title page, otherwise very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.