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Title:
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Lucky Bastard |
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Authors:
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Wells, Peter |
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Genre:
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Fiction: New Zealand |
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Pages:
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478 |
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Year:
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2007 |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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How do you make sense of the past when it suddenly explodes into the present? In post-war Japan, Eric Keeling must investigate an alleged war crime, but do his actions constitute a further crime? In New Zealand, half a century later, this is the question that confronts his two children. They have grown up with a difficult father who was traumatised by his past as a prisoner of war. Was he a war hero, or guilty of an unscrupulous act of revenge? As their father loses his hold on reality, they must sift through the facts and fictions of what really happened and in the process they discover a new sense of family. [Taken from book blurb.] NZ Interest.
Comments from Groups: Enjoyed it. We liked the complexity and multiple characters. Auckland 267 [We all] enjoyed Lucky Bastard and [were] interested in WW2 Japan excerpts in the book. Masterton 007 This book was enjoyed by all. It was well written..... A thought provoking book. Upper Hutt 007 Not our favourite read Havelock 012 A good discussion - varied responses, viewpoints and comments on life in NZ, especially interested in the Pacific war and immediate post war situation. Invercargill 017
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Categories:
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Fiction NZ, Mystery, Relationships |
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Reviews
[Please log in to write a review]
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By: CHCH 591
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2025-06-09 10:35:41 |
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Promoted discussion which resulted in a great meeting. Not loved by all. |
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By: COOKS 001
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2024-08-20 13:11:35 |
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Some found the changing of the narrator frustrating while others thought it was clever. We unanimously felt that the novel was far too long and drawn out, that it could have been at least 100 pages shorter! Having said that, most found it enjoyable and an 'interesting concept' for a story. Our discussion centered around how 'explicit' does an author need to be to get his point across? Would subtlety not have the same impact? Was he trying to 'shock' the reader? |
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By: AUCK 107
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2023-05-18 14:09:18 |
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Most of us enjoyed this book and are glad we read it. |
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By: COROM 003
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2023-05-18 14:08:13 |
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Generally the book was enjoyed, although two didn't read it as themes too dark for them. |
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By: HAMIL 007
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2023-05-18 14:06:49 |
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Enjoyed by everyone in our group. For the writing style, descriptions of scenes and people - and for the complicated story. |
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By: WESTO 001
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2023-05-18 14:05:49 |
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Book not finished by all. Some described it as not an enjoyable read, but compelling. Difficult and confronting themes. We found some characters annoying. |
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By: NAP 024
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2023-05-18 14:02:26 |
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Some of the writing was okay. But some members found it quite sordid and sleazy in parts. |
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By: PUTAR 001
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2023-05-18 14:00:16 |
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Two didn't like this, but everyone else did. General discussion about how the war affected all those who were involved, wherever. |
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By: CHCH 099
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2023-05-18 13:54:58 |
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We enjoyed this much more than we expected - there were so many aspects that warranted lots of discussion. He wove the threads together brilliantly. A book of many parts. |
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By: DUNED 063
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2023-05-18 13:53:03 |
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Generally felt it wasn't well-written or clear about what the purpose was. |
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By: CART 001
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2022-09-21 11:41:52 |
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Not a nice read, but made us think. A lot of discussion around current events and how little we learn from past experiences, and the ruining of young men's lives. |
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By: AUCK 006
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2022-06-22 13:04:06 |
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A good read and discussion. |
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By: AUCK 390
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2017-12-20 09:47:24 |
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Very average book. Disjointed story. |
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