NANOTECH by Denis Wright

Known for his provocative young adult novel Violence 101 (Penguin), which sold in New Zealand, Australia and the US, Wellington author and teacher Denis Wright is launching a second novel with another unusual narrator facing up to traumatic situations in ways that both fascinate and provoke readers.

The novel is called NANOTECH, and the story is about a bunch of high school students on a science field trip to Auckland who are captured by white supremacist group NAB. Their target is American biologist Professor Meinhoff who’s made a startling and dangerous breakthrough in molecular biology – a virus that could destroy entire ethnic groups if it falls into the wrong hands. The kidnappers want it. Joe Baxter, his mates and teacher, Bernie, get in the way. Time is running out as they try to escape the kidnappers, save the Professor, and ensure that the shocking plan doesn’t succeed.

 Denis Wright is a Dean at Wellington High School where he teaches English and Journalism. He says he has been immersed in the lives of teenagers for so long that it’s natural to write about them. He is also interested in the transition period between teen years and adulthood. He hasn’t forgotten the moment when Hamish Graham began whispering in his ear and became the narrator of Violence 101. The book was a hit with readers and reviewers alike. Leading US author Todd Strasser said: ‘Not since A Clockwork Orange have we come across such a fascinating and menacing, young narrator. ‘ Violence 101 is still being taught in New Zealand schools.

‘I have been humbled by some of the generous feedback from so many teen readers,’ Denis says. ‘I especially love getting letters from reluctant boy readers saying that it is the first book they have ever finished.’ He says that, like Violence 101, NANOTECH started with its characters. ‘It is not unusual for me to sit down to write with no idea where a story is going, but if I believe in my characters enough they will tell me.’

NANOTECH is one of a new wave of novels coming through from niche publishers in New Zealand. It is published by Wellington-based Mākaro Press  under their Submarine imprint, something Denis has enjoyed:  ‘There is a very real human face to the company and the process becomes more of an interaction between like-minded literary friends than a business relationship. The editing process is also very rigorous and while this needs give and take on both sides, the end result is a sharper finished product.’

NANOTECH by Denis Wright launches 25 March, 6 pm at Wellington High School library.

All welcome. WHS students will  perform a scene from the novel. Available in all good bookstores and online. RRP $25