Book Review: Occasions of Sin

Cedric Hampson was the leader of the Bar in Queensland for an extraordinary time, nearly three decades. Mr. Hampson was always a powerful cross-examiner, able to exploit any weaknesses in the testimony of a witness. He was also a master of narrative.

Occasions of Sin is set on the Queensland Gold Coast and explores a complex set of interactions between criminals and police.

The story centres on a teenager, Gawain, whose innocence has been preserved despite the traumas he endured after his parents abandoned him as a child to a life in a hippy commune.

Gawain’s innocence is supported by a developing moral code based on Arthurian legend including the adventures and ideals of his namesake knight. Gawain is befriended by two hard core bikie twins and he swims vainly against a current which draws him deeper into a world of crime and violence.

Occasions of Sin is peopled by a range of characters from respectable seeming Sydney bosses; to local toughs; seedy car dealers who play both sides of the law; and policemen of varying shades of dishonesty.

Occasions of Sin is carefully crafted and well told. The action flows readily. As the narrative seems to be winding down to a predictable conclusion, the reader is struck by the devastating and unexpected final paragraph. As one recovers, one may claim to know just a little what it felt like to be cross-examined by the great Hampson QC.