At the heart of the novel is Max, a man determined to uncover the mysteries of his childhood in the Belgian Congo. Along the way, he confronts three life-changing revelations. His journey takes him across a series of distinct and unforgettable locations—from Brussels and the hallowed halls of a Belgian boarding school in the 1960s and 1970s to expatriate life in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a remote diamond mine in Tanzania, and the laid-back charm of Australia.
At its core, The Green Elevator Cage is a story about the complexities of family and the emotional distances that time, geography, and circumstance can create. The novel examines the fractured yet deeply loving relationship between Max, his mother, and his sister, Claudia, who, despite a shared past, have spent much of their lives apart. As they attempt to uncover the truth of their childhood in the Belgian Congo, the siblings must navigate a tangled web of memories, secrets and painful revelations.
With Christmas approaching, this global family saga, set against the backdrop of major historical and geopolitical changes, is an ideal gift for anyone with an interest in the past, its complexities, and its impact on individual lives. It is a perfect read for those who love to get lost in a narrative that includes flying on a DC4 over the Congo, illicit romance in Tanzania or living in remote locations far from the bustle of modern life. Whether you're an expat who has lived far from home, someone nostalgic for a bygone era, or a lover of stories that span time and place, The Green Elevator Cage offers a rich, immersive experience that will resonate long after the final page.
Cover of The Green Elevator Cage
A global tapestry of experience
Claude Rakisits’s own journey adds an extra layer of resonance to the novel. Born in the Belgian Congo and raised in a diverse array of countries, including Belgium, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, Rakisits’s life has been shaped by the intersection of cultures and the complexities of global politics. After living in Canada for five years, he moved to Australia in 1982 on a scholarship to do a PhD in political science at the University of Queensland and has since built a career as an expert on international affairs and national security. Affiliated with Australian and overseas academic institutions and think tanks, he continues to write and speak on international affairs while also writing fiction. Dr Rakisits is married with an adult daughter. He divides his time between Australia and Europe.
The Green Elevator Cage is available on Amazon, as paperback or eBook, as well as at Waterstones and other major bookstores.
A playlist on Spotify of the 50+ musical tracks—Jazz, classic and pop— referred to in The Green Elevator Cage is available to accompany the reader on Max’s journey.
Claude Rakisits, Author of The Green Elevator Cage
