Category: Contemporary fiction

Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis

READ FOR WOMEN’S PRIZE Nadia Amin, a PhD graduate, publishes an article on deradicalisation, and ends up with a job rehabilitating Isis brides in Iraq. Relishing the opportunity to escape her claustophobic mother and broken relationship she realises she needs to heal herself as… Continue Reading “Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis”

Delirious – Damien Wilkins

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Retired cop and librarian Mary and Pete are struggling with ailments and deciding whether to move into a retirement home or stay in their family home. Then the police ask to speak to them about the accident that killed… Continue Reading “Delirious – Damien Wilkins”

The Mires – Tina Makereti

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Three neighbouring families in a small New Zealand town become acquaintances, some get along, others are suspicious of each other. Some share an attraction, another has a strange gift for premonition and another is acting cagey and has secrets… Continue Reading “The Mires – Tina Makereti”

At The Grand Glacier Hotel – Laurence Fearnley

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Libby Holt is on holiday with husband Curtis but due to unforeseen circumstances she ends up staying at the majestic Grand Glacier Hotel by herself. A new friendship and a quest with hidden clues keep her entertained but her… Continue Reading “At The Grand Glacier Hotel – Laurence Fearnley”

Ash – Louise Wallace

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Thea is a veterinarian on maternity leave, called back in just before disaster strikes. Ash has a focus on motherhood, misogyny, female expression, rage and Mother Nature. This novella is presented creatively with prose, poetry, footnotes and unique typesetting.… Continue Reading “Ash – Louise Wallace”

All That We Know – Shilo Kino

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Māreikura is analysing her identity and begins a programme of “decolonisation”.  Via her outspoken and inquisitive nature she leads us through a witty, poignant and accidental exploration of the effects of colonisation, which, the book explains, was not a… Continue Reading “All That We Know – Shilo Kino”

Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby van Pelt

READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Jodie Remarkably Bright Creatures features an all-knowing giant Pacific octopus as its key narrator. Marcellus knows only captivity and is astute in his observations of those observing him, which helps connect missing family members. Day 1,361 of My Captiv- Oh,… Continue Reading “Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby van Pelt”

At Certain Points We Touch – Lauren John Joseph

READ FOR BOOCKLUBChosen by Jodie JJ, a representation of the author, writes an ode to her past lover Thomas John who has tragically passed away. Meandering through the New York, San Francisco and London gay scenes, JJ pursues sex and artistic freedom as she… Continue Reading “At Certain Points We Touch – Lauren John Joseph”

Summerwater – Sarah Moss

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jo Apt for a loch setting, there is dark and mysterious element at work in Summerwater. Its title is a reference to “The Ballad of Semerwater” by the poet William Watson. This was based on a legend in which… Continue Reading “Summerwater – Sarah Moss”

Nothing To See – Pip Adam

Read for NZ Book Awards The lives of friends Peggy and Greta are detailed in three different decades in this book. In 1994 they are aged 24 and breaking free of alcohol and a traumatic past; in 2006 they have jobs and are coping… Continue Reading “Nothing To See – Pip Adam”