Category Archives: Book Review

The purple shroud by Stella Duffy – 2012

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

The Purple Shroud is the continuation of the story of Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore. Theodora ends on a high, with Theodora having risen from humble origins to be the Byzantine Empress in Constantinople alongside her husband Justinian. The Purple Shroud … Continue reading →

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The water race by D. Bradley – 2011

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

The Water Race is a classic tale of conflict and resolution set in a small New Zealand coastal village and wonderfully told in the Kiwi vernacular. In the village there are many conflicting projects and beliefs that are all in … Continue reading →

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Rangatira by Paula Morris – 2011

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

Rangatira is a lovely book – the story of Paratene Te Manu told from his point of view as an old man. As he sits for a portrait by Lindauer he looks back on his trip to England, which he … Continue reading →

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Hokitika Town by Charlotte Randall – 2011

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

A slice of life on the West Coast in the 1860s as seen through the eyes of a young boy trying to make sense of the world, relationships and trickiest of all, the English language. Funny, sad and intriguing, it … Continue reading →

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The conductor by Sarah Quigley – 2011

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

So much more than a novel about how art can help people triumph over, or at least survive through, adversity; The Conductor is a complex novel exploring the many and various drives and desires that keep us going. A disparate … Continue reading →

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Blood men by Paul Cleave – 2010

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

Blood Men is Paul Cleave’s fourth thriller set in a Christchurch more like the outskirts of hell than a garden city. Edward Hunter has managed to create a comfortable life – he is married to a fellow accountant and the … Continue reading →

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Theodora: actress, empress, whore by Stella Duffy – 2010

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

Theodora is a meticulously researched novel about the early life of Theodora, who was born around 500 and died in 548. It starts with the story of a child raised in the excitement and turmoil surrounding Constantinople’s ‘circus’ performers – … Continue reading →

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Kehua by Fay Weldon – 2010

Posted on November 5, 2014 by alysonebaker

Kehua is the story of a family touching on four generations. Beverley moves to the UK from New Zealand, with several unappeased Kehua – or Maori spirits – in tow. We meet many characters from Beverley’s extended family, and many … Continue reading →

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