In the 18th century, British emigrants began settling in colonial New Zealand. The new and harsh landscape along with the presence of the native Maori creates unease and conflict among the two groups. With ten interwoven short stories, the lives of several settlers and one Maori are examined.
I don't know a lot about New Zealand or its settlement by the British, so these stories were eye opening for me. The stories each provided a very intimate and in-depth look into the lives of a diversity of characters. Some of the stories were very emotional and taking on a darker tone and some had a dreamlike quality. I enjoyed looking into a variety of characters, a newly married couple, the local madam. one of the working girls, farmers and a Maori man. Some of these characters I created a very strong connection with, especially Dottie, Laura and Pip. I also liked that even though these were short stories, each story had a small connection to each of the others through a character or an event; which, in the end created a story within itself.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
I don't know a lot about New Zealand or its settlement by the British, so these stories were eye opening for me. The stories each provided a very intimate and in-depth look into the lives of a diversity of characters. Some of the stories were very emotional and taking on a darker tone and some had a dreamlike quality. I enjoyed looking into a variety of characters, a newly married couple, the local madam. one of the working girls, farmers and a Maori man. Some of these characters I created a very strong connection with, especially Dottie, Laura and Pip. I also liked that even though these were short stories, each story had a small connection to each of the others through a character or an event; which, in the end created a story within itself.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
