The Lastling (Rollercoasters)

by Philip Gross

Book review The Lastling by Philip Gross (2003) It's easy to be surrounded by people and yet feel alone, don't you think? And sometimes, because there are so many people, you don't really realize how alone you are. Paris is alone. Wealthy, spoilt and neglected by her parents, Paris worships her Uncle Franklin, and is thrilled to bits when he takes her off with him on one of his expeditions to the Himalayas, because with his contacts he can take them to places where tourists are usually excluded. Alarmingly, Franklin and his associates are hunting rare and endangered species, and while Paris is delighted to be invited along on equal terms, she is less delighted to be invited to join The Ultimate Diners: 'Now...' said Franklin, savouring the moment. 'Has anyone guessed? No? If I were to say Rhodenessa caryophyllacea?' Donald's face lit up. 'Not... the pink-headed duck? Which is known to be extinct.' 'Believed to be extinct,' said Franklin. 'Last definitively sighted in 1935. But I have f