What lies behind the mask that each of us wears? “The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke” is a novel by New Zealand writer Tina Makereti, deep, colorful and exciting. James Poneke is a young Maori orphan. All his life he dreamed of traveling, and when an English artist, who was on duty in New Zealand, invites him to London, James hurries to accept the offer. Now he is part of the show, a living exhibit. He spends his days dressed in national clothes, and everyone can gaze at him for a fee. And at night, Victorian London opens its doors to James, with all its secrets, dangers and wonders. But is James ready for what life has in store for him? And are the people hiding behind the façade of friendliness so kind?