An old-age pensioner living the quiet life in a London suburb, Joan’s world is rocked when her name is linked to a spy scandal dating back to the 1940s. Gradually, as she is interviewed by British security services, the tale is told in a series of flashbacks of how she had indeed become part of […]
■ REVIEW: Red Joan
Youthful enthusiasm leads to treason accusation Read Post »
Unpacking the Kists: The Scots in New Zealand is an informative study of the nature and effect of Scottish migration to New Zealand. The book by Brad Patterson, Tom Brooking and Jim McAloon covers myriad topics including where in Scotland the settlers came from and their distribution patterns in New Zealand, how Scottish settlers have
■ REVIEW: Unpacking the Kists
Tracing NZ’s tartan history Read Post »
New releases coming in May and June. FICTION At the Water’s Edge, by Sara Gruen: Out in May and published by Allen & Unwin (RRP $40), this is a tale of privilege, loss, and love from the author of Water for Elephants. Hush Hush: A Tess Monaghan novel, by Laura Lippman: A powerful and emotive mystery
On the bookshelves: May-June 2015 Read Post »
Dana is a princess in the hidden Kingdom of the Rose, a sheltered, magical land that allows no war or disease to penetrate its borders. Protected by the Guardian – always a woman of the royal family who pays a terrible price – the kingdom is eternally at peace. However, Dana is special. Not just
■ REVIEW: A Necklace of Souls
Good pace in author’s first novel Read Post »
In what is a deceptively compact little book, former Southland Times farming reporter John Cutt packed in a wealth of history and information that covers 100 years of the Winton A & P Association. Subtitled ‘‘celebrating the achievements of the Winton A&P Association’’, the book is also a celebration of the people who have contributed
■ REVIEW: One Hundred Summers
Celebrating the wonder of ‘show day’ Read Post »
Have you ever wondered what life in France is really like? Is it all garlic and fabulousness? Berets and croissants? What do they do with bidets? Do they really eat horses? In this quirky little book, Piu Marie Eatwell reveals the truth behinds 45 myths about France and its citizens. The author lived in France
■ REVIEW: The Eat Horses Don’t They?
French idioms … and bidets Read Post »
The launch of Jeannie Barnes’ long-awaited book on the swagmen of the south brought together a host of Southlanders – from those who contributed stories to the book to families of some who were the subjects. Ms Barnes has researched widely and well, drawing on many contacts built up over a lifetime here and has
■ REVIEW: Swaggers, Tinkers, Hawkers: Deep South Tales
Great piece of local history Read Post »
My Notorious Life was inspired by the true story of 19th century New York midwife and abortionist Ann Trow Lohman, better known as Madame Restell; a woman once labelled “the wickedest woman in New York”. At the age of 13, young Axie Muldoon was living a hard life as an Irish immigrant in New York
■ REVIEW: My Notorious Life by Madame X
True midwife drama drawn from history Read Post »
He is revered around the world for his love of food and those who produce it, for his passion for seafood and, of course, his late dog Chalkie. But Rick Stein was not always such a much-loved celebrity chef. As he admits, he is a bit bolshie and even a bit of a ratbag who
■ REVIEW: Under a Mackerel Sky
Stein’s life story worth a read Read Post »
