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By: DUNED 100
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2025-04-28 14:38:19 |
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Some group members couldn't get past the first few chapters of 'Mr Allbones' Ferrets' because they couldn't bear the killing of animals described. Several really enjoyed the writing and the way the story was based on real events. Some found most of the characters unlikeable, but enjoyed the book nonetheless. That's good writing for you. The novel got us talking about noxious imported animals, encounters with them, and the history behind why they were here. That ferrets, stoats and weasels were introduced to control rabbits was news to a few. |
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By: WELL 209
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2023-11-23 12:43:29 |
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We all loved the book (and that's unusual). Superb writing style. The subject matter was totally unexpected and absorbing. |
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By: AUCK 060
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2022-05-05 14:54:11 |
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A brilliant book that brought forth truly profound discussion. |
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By: WANAK 001
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2022-01-26 12:12:42 |
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Excellent book, apart from rather gruesome first chapter. |
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By: TARARU 001
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2019-04-08 13:48:50 |
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A few readers found the ferret details rather longwinded and this coloured the rest of the book for them. All felt the romance between Mr Allbones and Eugenia was highly unlikely to have ever happened, considering the social class divide. All enjoyed the book, but were shocked by the quantity of birds taken for museums and displays - very startling. The book seemed to come to a rushed conclusion. The author's description of the rabbit hunt was very descriptive and accurate - impressive. |
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By: CART 001
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2019-04-08 13:33:42 |
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So realistic some could smell the ferrets! First half was really good. One reader did not like the bullying. There are elements of a fable within the story - don't meddle with nature. |
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By: ASHH 001
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2019-04-08 13:31:29 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book, though several found the opening sequence of the ferret hunting quite graphic and bloodthirsty. Several in our group are active in native flora and fauna conservation, and found the 'novelised' interpretation of this interest fascinating, and sad! As usual, Fiona Farrell's research is impeccable. |
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By: CROMW 002
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2019-04-08 13:27:24 |
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Mixed - some loved it, some didn't. Most of us were annoyed at the deception regarding his name, and wanted him to 'confess', and we felt the middle dragged on for a bit. But we had some good discussions on bringing 'ferrets" to NZ, and how hard the boat trips were for all early settlers. |
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By: MURCH 001
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2019-04-08 13:23:28 |
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We all really enjoyed the book - no exceptions. |
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By: AUCK 039
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2019-04-08 13:07:37 |
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We all took a while to get 'into' this book. None of us liked the first chapter. Lots of discussion points. Excellent notes and great discussion questions. |
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By: HAMIL 003
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2019-04-08 13:05:12 |
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Our group was divided on whether they liked/enjoyed the book. Whilst everyone felt it threw a lot of light on the importing of predators to the country, some felt the sensory experiences it gave us (especially the smells!) were rather too unpleasant. |
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By: CHCH 088
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2019-04-08 13:03:03 |
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Most enjoyed the book - not so happy to learn about mustelids! Rather an interesting twist to the tale. A good, easy read. |
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By: HAMIL 026
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2019-04-08 12:59:06 |
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Clever arrangement of a fictional story. Very descriptive and well-written. |
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