Counter Culture
June 25, 2016 posted by Unity Wellington

AFTERGLOW: A Surfeit of Sunsets by Dulcie Castree

AFTERGLOW: A Surfeit of Sunsets by Dulcie Castree

This launch held a warm sense of circularity for Unity Books, as Dulcie Castree (who died in January of this year) was part of our extended shop family. Unity Books staff member Marcus Greville commenced the launch, welcoming everyone into the warmth of the shop and introduced the family members who had seen through the publishing of Dulcie’s book, acknowledging the strong part Marion Castree, a Unity girl for 22 years, had played in “building Unity’s modern soul”.

Speaking first was Finnbar Castree Johansson, grandson of Dulcie. Finn told the audience of the long path to publication A Surfeit of Sunsets took, from the time it was written in the 1980s and the publishing deal that was arranged, only for wholesale changes demanded at the last moment that forced Dulcie, “creatively traumatised” to walk away. The novel sat fallow for three decades before Finn read it and pushed for publication again, transcribing and preparing galleys, getting the “awesome aunties” to proof read, and then lining up a print run. Unfortunately Dulcie died before the printing took place, but she was secure and happy in the knowledge that it was merely weeks away. Finn spoke glowingly of an iconoclastic Dulcie, “a card carrying member of the Communist Party.” He described his grandmother as one who rubbed against the grain really well. “Dulcie is the reason”, Finn said, “I only have one tattoo – her initials; because she was the biggest boss in the world.”

Marion Castree spoke next, wanting to focus on her mother’s writing. Dulcie was a ravenous reader, devoted to literary fiction, poetry, biography and history, yet somehow her favourite writers “never defined Dulcie’s voice”. Short stories and poetry were Dulcie’s entry into writing and, according to Marion, “the strong and unique voice shown in her short stories, solidified in her novel: cynical, political and feminist”. Marion spoke of how, regardless of some of the dark elements of the novel, Dulcie thought tenderly of her characters, treating them with great compassion, “except for the shady ones – she had some fun with those!”

Lastly, Tessa Castree briefly spoke, wanting to draw attention to her mother’s intelligence, keen and wry as it was. Tessa spoke of a moment when she was failing, due to rushing it, to fill an iron with water. Dulcie said, “You have to give it time to swallow”. To which Tessa replied, “Is that what they say?”. With a stern look Dulcie responded, “No, that’s what I say.”

The speaking was wrapped up by Marcus Greville coming back to the microphone, thanking all that attended and the Castree family for a beautiful event. He also stressed, for good measure, “You guys should check out how freaking great the author photo is!”

 

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The launch crowd gathers

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Finn gives speech with family behind

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An attentive audience

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The Castree women

 

 

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Unity Books Wellington - Proudly committed to local writing and publishing since 1967, and dedicated to keeping a dangerous variety of world literature too. 100% independent and Wellington owned. Come check us out at 57 Willis St and ask the staff for a recommendation - we know our books.

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