Cirrus@Austlit

'Like the Indian mahout who, in the severest of weather, might feel compelled to invite his normally reserved and hard-working elephant into the family living room. Albeit free from having food snatched from over their shoulders, the people of the Far North Queensland town of Criterion had existed quite happily at the foot of the Flat Plateau barely mindful of its presence. But after ridiculous realty offers made by some holidaying Victorians saw a brief halt to the original graziers and farmers strict “no spontaneous dancing” policy, the locals began to disregard the white-iced, chocolate cake first sight that was their founding fathers initial impression. In favour of seeing White and Black peaks, not as birthday candles with lighted wicks, but canine teeth and The Flat Plateau as one enormous beastie’s lower jaw. To this day Victorians holiday in Queensland, on this occasion at least some did not return.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.