Gary John Carter

Where Eels Lie Down Gary John Carter

This is a colloquial yarn with a 'boys own' twist that crosses the river of time. The settings are a lake reserve, a local pub, and the streets of Parramatta. They blend history, local issues, and Aboriginal 'Dreamtime' mysticism. All mixed with the life and love of a man and woman, whose feelings are woven by nature, at a place: 'WHERE THE EELS LIE DOWN.'

From the Aboriginal Burramatta clan to modern day Parramatta this is a tale about the changing face of Australia's second settlement. A place steeped in history, where the sea water meets the freshwater, and the eels lie down for a rest. From its convict beginnings and Aboriginal interactions to the multinational and cultural diversity of today. Travellers from different worlds have always met here, fought here, and survived here. The residents of Parramatta go about their lives with simple stories that intertwine in a soup bowl of dysfunctional relationships. Normal people are continually caught up in the realities of life. The common place for soul searching and relaxation is the lake, with its tranquil water and peaceful walks. It is a haven for good and evil that melds the nature of heroes, villains and the life of a giant lake bound eel. The lake is far from being a safe place; murder, fear and cruelty have always found a footing here.

One character a local author named Charlie Stark, had his characters all poised for a grand finale. As with the tapestry of thoughts meandering through Charlie's head, the real players in the surrounding world of cultures were gathering. They were all actors in Charlies book of life, and they were separated by only six degrees of knowing. They would soon find themselves and each other. The final act was gathering in tandem with a summer storm. The eddy currents of high and low weather systems, together with warm air to the north and a cold front to the south of the Sydney basin were about to create havoc. Birds took to wing, dogs barked and even Elvis the eel stirred.