The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Tag: Books To Read
2022 NZ Book Awards
Identity comes through as a strong building block for all the fiction shortlisters this year. Misunderstanding of identity, attempts to place ones self in the realms of “normality”, studies of those with identity issues. Not only is this topical but important for writers to… Continue Reading “2022 NZ Book Awards”
Kurangaituku – Whiti Hereaka
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS A contemporary retelling of traditional Māori folklore. ❝ Kurangaituku is the story of Hatupatu told from the perspective of Kurangaituku, the bird woman. The traditional story is told from the view of Hatupatu. He is out hunting and is captured by the bird… Continue Reading “Kurangaituku – Whiti Hereaka”
Crossroads – Jonathan Franzen
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Suzy All members of a clergy family find themselves at a crossroads of life ❝ The Hilderbrandts are a clery family from New Prospect, Illinois. The minister father heads a youth group named Crossroads, yet this reference also pertains… Continue Reading “Crossroads – Jonathan Franzen”
Entanglement – Bryan Walpert
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS A time traveller attempts to return to the right point of his past to correct a mistake ❝Time and perspective are indeed entangled in this novel. Paul’s actions and recollections are scattered throughout the book, reported in three different… Continue Reading “Entanglement – Bryan Walpert”
Greta & Valdin – Rebecca K Reilly
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Gay, Maori/Russian siblings seek love, life and understanding from the contemporary world ❝ Greta and Valdin are brother and sister, both gay, with mixed heritages and living together in Auckland attempting to navigate life and all its triumphs and… Continue Reading “Greta & Valdin – Rebecca K Reilly”
The Matriarch – Witi Ihimaera
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jo A man studies his grandmother, the matriarch of the family, to discover the source of her power ❝ Tama Mahana is a grown man analysing the mystique and ambition of his grandmother, the matriarch of his family. But… Continue Reading “The Matriarch – Witi Ihimaera”
A Good Winter – Gigi Fenster
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Olga becomes obsessed with a friend’s family under the guise of helping out during a crisis ❝ Olga is an older woman who has taken on the role of carer to her friend Lara, Lara’s grieving daughter Sophie and… Continue Reading “A Good Winter – Gigi Fenster”
From The Centre: A Writer’s Life – Patricia Grace
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS The memoir of writer Patricia Grace ❝Patricia Grace is a stalwart of New Zealand literature and someone whose work I have read a lot of and deeply admired. So her memoir was always going to be a hit for… Continue Reading “From The Centre: A Writer’s Life – Patricia Grace”
Boys Don’t Cry – Fiona Scarlett
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jodie Two brothers in a Dublin tower block battle illness, crime and poverty ❝ Joe is 17, a gifted artist and older brother to 12-year-old Finn. They live with their Ma and Da in a Dublin tower block dealing… Continue Reading “Boys Don’t Cry – Fiona Scarlett”
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