Tag: fiction

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”

The Granddaughter – Bernhard Schlink

READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Rachel A study of Germany’s reunification via a collection of people who all represent a different faction or ideology. Kaspar is a West German bookseller whose wife dies. He discovers and tracks down newly discovered family members and attempts to… Continue Reading “The Granddaughter – Bernhard Schlink”

2025: World Tour

Choosing our reading list each year is a reminder of how many amazing books are out there waiting to be discovered. There are stories profound and life changing, and sometimes it’s pure luck if what we choose ends up being the one that takes… Continue Reading “2025: World Tour”

2024: End Of Year Thoughts

Realism, or, rather, our perception of it, is a gauge of how we make sense of the world. From debating whether social media posts are genuine and questioning controversial theories and figures, to judging the sincerity of public and private statements, society is increasingly… Continue Reading “2024: End Of Year Thoughts”

Martyr! – Kaveh Akbar

READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Rachel Cryus Shams is an Iranian immigrant and a recently sober poet grappling with addiction, cultural disconnection and the loss of his mother, whose plane was shot down by the US navy. In his exploration of what it means to… Continue Reading “Martyr! – Kaveh Akbar”

Passing – Nella Larsen

READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Jodie Irene Redfield is a black woman living an affluent lifestyle in Harlem. She runs into Clare, an old friend who is “passing” as white and married to a racist. Clare struggles with the disconnection from her community and culture,… Continue Reading “Passing – Nella Larsen”

Bookerthon – 2024

Do you ever feel crestfallen? Do you wonder what is the point? [Orbital] The above quote bears relevance to all the books on the Booker Prize shortlist for 2024. Existence, creation, humanity, the past and the future seem to be the hot topics this… Continue Reading “Bookerthon – 2024”

Creation Lake – Rachel Kushner

READ FOR BOOKERTHON A 34 year old secret agent using the alias Sadie Smith infiltrates an activist collective in Southern France. Past, present and the future are examined in this region of centuries-old farms and ancient caves as Sadie becomes entranced by the preachings… Continue Reading “Creation Lake – Rachel Kushner”

Orbital – Samantha Harvey

READ FOR BOOKERTHON One day in the life of six astronauts in a space station, hurtling around earth 16 times. They admire and ponder life from afar, considering humanity from the Big Bang, current environmental crises through to thoughts on where humanity might end… Continue Reading “Orbital – Samantha Harvey”

Held – Anne Michaels

READ FOR BOOKERTHON Beginning with a soldier injured in the WWI trenches and observing three subsequent generations of family, Held is a kaleidoscopic narrative of memories, dreams and the supernatural. Held together by symbols, metaphors and motifs rather than a traditional linear narrative, Michaels… Continue Reading “Held – Anne Michaels”