I had no idea that Little India was first opened in Dunedin nearly around a quarter of a century ago. Now the chain has outlets throughout the country and has become a favourite among lovers of Indian cuisine, from Invercargill…
Tag: Penguin
Painful breakups all round after infidelities
Out of the Rough, by Steve Williams (Penguin, RRP $40): Steve Williams has something of an unusual claim to fame, being famous both here in New Zealand and abroad for being the man behind the champ. Sort of the power…
State’s failure of care a sad tale
In the Hands of Strangers: A New Zealand Childhood Stolen, by Beverly Wardle-Jackson (Penguin, RRP $38): When the State steps in to take over the care of a child when families are unable to, those children should be safe. Unfortunately,…
This fairytale’s not for children
The Mijo Tree, by Janet Frame (Penguin, RRP $25): This is an odd little tale. Published posthumously, the manuscript gathered dust in the Hocken Library archive for many years. Illustrated to great – and somewhat dark effect – The Mijo…
The wisdom of Agnes in time for Christmas
Mrs Brown’s A-Y of Everything, by Brendan O’Carroll (Michael Joseph, Penguin, RRP $50): Irish comedian Brendon O’Carroll has taken the world by storm as with his gender bending performances on our television and movie screens so it should come as…
Soldiers’ snaps bring war home
Anyone attending Anzac Day services will be left in no doubt that there is growing interest among younger Kiwis in our military history. Each year, it seems there are more and more families at these services and there is a…
Fascinating trip down memory lane of advertising
Sell, by Hazel Phillips (Penguin, RRP $45): Advertising plays a big role in our memories of growing up and this book looks at how New Zealand’s advertising industry has grown up with us. Subtitled “tall tales from the legends of…
Bookmarks: short non-fiction reviews
A roundup of short general non-fiction reviews: My Gentle Barn, by Ellie Laks (Penguin, RRP $28): This is non fiction at its best. Ellie Laks runs a rescue mission for animals near Los Angeles and this is the story of her early…
Another memorable effort from Kiwi author
Reach, by Laurence Fearnley (Penguin, RRP $38): Successful artist Quinn lives with Marcus, who left his wife for her and subsequently lost contact with his young daughter as a result of that breakup. Quinn is busily preparing for an upcoming exhibition,…
Insight into NZ’s head honcho
John Key: Portrait of a Prime Minister, by John Roughan (Penguin, RRP $38): There’s no doubt that Prime Minister John Key is a polarising figure in New Zealand politics. There really seems to be no middle ground: people either love…