Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to commend the creativity, passion and dedication of one of Mona Vale's very own—author Michael McDermott. Mr McDermott's debut novel is a dystopian thriller set in a future post apocalyptic society in 2196. His novel, In the Name of the Father, asks some of the big questions, exploring themes such as religion and science. Whilst Michael adheres to the proscriptions of the science fiction genre, his story explores so much more than that. He understands the novel to be an inspiring story of love, transformation and human spirit, transcending what it meant to search for truth and fight for life. Within the novel, Michael's characters offer multiple perspectives on weighted topics. He does this in order to encourage his readers to question the world around them. By deconstructing the beliefs held by some characters, readers are urged to reconsider their own beliefs, as in ways the novel's futuristic society mirrors our own.

With a passion for storytelling, Michael spent seven years writing and editing his work in order to bring this impressive novel to life. The book itself boasts over 900 pages in its paperback form. I am sure I speak for many members of our Northern Beaches when I say that I am looking forward to reading what Mr McDermott publishes next.