Category: Literary fiction

Less – Andrew Sean Greer

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Becks A 50-year-old failed novelist avoids his ex’s wedding by attending a series of obscure literary events “There are two important facts any potential reader should know about this book: 1. The author – a gay, middle-aged, white man… Continue Reading “Less – Andrew Sean Greer”

Sing Unburied Sing – Jesmyn Ward

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jodie An intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle; the archetypal road novel is transformed for twenty-first-century America ⚑ “Sing Unburied Sing was the first novel I have read featuring ghosts and Southern… Continue Reading “Sing Unburied Sing – Jesmyn Ward”

Disgrace – J M Coetzee

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jo In mimicry of his South African homeland, professor David Lurie seduces one of his students and sets in motion a chain of events that leave him utterly disgraced ⚑ “I admire Coetzee hugely after reading this great story… Continue Reading “Disgrace – J M Coetzee”

2019 NZ Book Awards

The past few years have been an interesting time globally as opinions around nationalism and free-speech have become hot topics. Yet, is it new? Or is history simply repeating itself in a more raw, no-holds-barred medium? Perhaps we can look back on history and… Continue Reading “2019 NZ Book Awards”

The New Ships – Kate Duignan

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Peter Collie reassesses past events in the wake of his wife’s death only to discover new secrets. ⚑ “Family matters are at the fore of Peter Collie’s life. Upon his wife’s death Peter learns of secrets kept about his… Continue Reading “The New Ships – Kate Duignan”

The Sound of Breaking Glass – Kirsten Warner

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Christel has two small children, a stressful job in reality television, an activist lifestyle, a Holocaust survivor father, and now her protest milk bottle sculpture has come to life, appearing in various spots around Auckland like a giant golem.… Continue Reading “The Sound of Breaking Glass – Kirsten Warner”

All This By Chance – Vincent O’Sullivan

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS A moving multigenerational family saga about the legacy of the Holocaust and the burden of secrets never shared ⚑ “I was all in for I would say three-quarters of this novel but then as the characters we focused on… Continue Reading “All This By Chance – Vincent O’Sullivan”

The Cage – Lloyd Jones

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS A profound and unsettling novel about humanity and dignity and the ease with which we’re able to justify brutality. ⚑ “It’s like Lloyd Jones got in my head and seeing my worst fears was then inspired to write the… Continue Reading “The Cage – Lloyd Jones”

The Orphan Master’s Son – Adam Johnston

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Rachel A portrait of a world hidden from view: North Korea, rife with hunger, corruption, and casual cruelty but also camaraderie, stolen moments of beauty, and love. ⚑ “The Orphan Master’s Son reminded me of Nineteen Eighty Four, but… Continue Reading “The Orphan Master’s Son – Adam Johnston”

2019 – The Journey

Reading incites many pleasures, including the opportunity to experience something outside your own knowledge and comfort zone. It is journeying to understand the world. In 2019 it appears we have selected books that map unchartered topics: dystopian themes, satirical commentaries and plenty of US… Continue Reading “2019 – The Journey”