Catalogue

We all enjoyed this book. We could all relate to the history and the family experiences of WW2. We enjoyed the characterisation, the Maori cultural dimension, and all enjoyed Patricia Grace's writing style which is vivid, realistic and very readable. A "best read" for this year. Whangarei 008

We found it a sad but powerful book, which the group thoroughly enjoyed. Auckland 013

Well written. There was a general feeling of sadness that the Maori, who thought they might be treated with more equality after fighting so well, ended up no better off in NZ. The book also led to a general discussion about the futility of war. Paihia 003

This was a good book - informative and quite gentle. We all learned a lot about WW2, and the treatment of Maori during the 1930s and 1940s. Taupo 006

The majority loved the book; those that didn't, acknowledged the author's ability and the way she merged the two narratives together. Christchurch 095

All of our group thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very thought provoking and shaming, but not in a heavy handed way. It was graphic at times, and hard to believe fiction - although loosely based on the author's father's diary. One of Patricia Grace's best. Piopio 001

Everyone really appreciated the book. The mixture of family story and war story worked well. We all gained insight into what the Maori Battalion accomplished, and had to face at Monte Casino and elsewhere. The overall theme of the effects of war on the participants, and those close to them, was well conveyed. The depiction of the different personalities within the family and their wonderful Ma, was very well done. Issues such as the drift from rural to urban living, the attitudes of Pakeha, and the political situation were well addressed. Patricia Grace manages to cover these issues and many more, while still writing a very readable novel. We had an excellent discussion. A very worthwhile book. Christchurch 001