My introduction to this author happened recently, thanks to a present from Nishka, a former student and a writer herself. The book is called Nation, and it has a lot of wit and sarcasm, about Colonial Powers (especially European-the author is British). This story is a satirical take on a small island that gets wiped out by a Wave, but for one Man-Boy. Because he'd gone elsewhere to become a Man when the Wave hit..
A couple of survivors from other islands/boats come in, and their story of survival is the rest of it. There's a girl from the Trousermen initially, who helps him explore the scientific riches stored in The Grandfathers' cave, kept hidden from commoners. It proves that they had knowledge of astronomy and a lot more before the rest of the world. Her father accidentally becomes a King of his country, making her Princess.
Almost everything has a parallel in human history, except it's upside down. The islanders are far ahead, and others, backward. But this is hidden behind myths that the islanders have created, sometimes to preserve history, and to make it palatable.
Interesting, and recommended if you like understated humour.
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