The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Category: Kiwi lit
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”
Pretty Ugly – Kirsty Gunn
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Thirteen darkly compelling stories look directly into the troubled human heart and draw out what dwells there. The ‘ugly’ of these stories is to do with ‘considering how much a person’s life can bear’. The unease and compassion for… Continue Reading “Pretty Ugly – Kirsty Gunn”
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”
Amma – Saraid de Silva
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS The migrant story of three generations of women in a Sri Lankan family. Josephina, who grew up in 1950s Singapore and her daughter Sithara who move from Colombo to Invercargill, and granddaughter Annie who moves between many cities looking… Continue Reading “Amma – Saraid de Silva”
Poorhara – Michelle Rahurahu
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Written by Michelle Rahurahu (Ngāti Rahurahu, Ngāti Tahu, Ngāti Whaoa) Poorhara uses a play on the word Pōhara (poverty), and is about living without – without money or possessions, and without the same rights and respect as others. The plot… Continue Reading “Poorhara – Michelle Rahurahu”
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”
2024 – NZ Book Awards
The notable feature of this year’s longlist was the number of big name authors who have won literary awards in the past and featured on all sorts of national and international prize lists. Previous winners of this award Stephen Daisley, Pip Adam, Eleanor Catton,… Continue Reading “2024 – NZ Book Awards”
A Better Place – Stephen Daisley
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Two Kiwi brothers head off to WWII but only one comes home. A graphic, realistic portrayal of war that pulls no punches but also a tender story of grief and love amongst the brutality of conflict. He saw the… Continue Reading “A Better Place – Stephen Daisley”
We're
currently
reading
The Free-Range Bookclub 
Recent Comments