Cowrie by Cathie Dunsford

As Cowrie circles the island of Punalu'u, Hawaii in an old pick up truck we discover that the tokens of her heritage link her mysteriously to Laukiamanuikahiki, turtle woman. She is also attracted by the power of Pele, who breathes fire from the pit of Kiluaea.

Cowrie, Paneke and Koana are in the steamhouse after lomilomi treatment: 'As the steam thins, the window facing them slowly emerges revealing Pele on her fiery path down to the ocean. Her flaming hair trails down her back and over the slopes of Kiluaea, sparking into sizzling waves as it hits the ocean.'

Sensual and sexual language draw life from the earth and ocean, and Cowrie too, as she tests the limits of her endurance and explores an erotic connection with land and sea. Island life erupts through these descriptions: we can taste the tropical fruit, the fish cooked in banana leaves and coconut, and smell the sweet fresh ginger.