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Title:	Breaking Connections
Authors:	Wendt, Albert
Genre:	Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	337
Year:	2015
Publisher:	Huia Publishers
Language:	English
Description:	They come together as five-year-olds at Freeman's Bay School in Auckland: Mere and Laura, Keith and Paul, Aaron and Daniel. They are the 'tribe', Maori, Samoan and Palagi, and through thick and thin, fortune and misfortune, they will remain connected by fierce loyalty and friendship. Down the track when Aaron is killed and Daniel called to execute his will, the tribe come together again, forced to face up to and examine the course of their lives and the choices they have and haven't made. With its familiar multicultural setting and cogent characters, this is a complex story distinguished by its skilful dissection of the waft and weft of connections. This title is also offered as part of the Narrative Muse Book Club.
Categories:	Fiction, Fiction NZ, Community, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Grief/loss, Relationships, Social commentary/perspectives, 2019 Titles, Narrative Muse Book Club

Reviews

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By: RAUM 001		2025-11-30 14:26:22

We were somewhat disappointed with this book, given the author's celebrity.

By: AUCK 293		2023-03-15 13:46:04

We always enjoy books set in N.Z. and especially in Auckland. Most of us could relate to the era 'the tribe' grew up in. This is a great story, well-written with a slightly sinister undertone.

By: WELL 093		2021-10-14 14:50:27

This one was an interesting read.

By: TAUR 015		2021-07-12 10:34:04

Enjoyed by all. A relevant N.Z. story offering plenty of topics for discussion.

By: WANAK 009		2020-05-25 14:32:37

Well-written social history with strong characters. Moral issues well handled.

By: WELL 079		2019-11-10 19:02:10

Not his best work. Perhaps would have made a better TV script. Our group thought a better read was "Sons for the Return Home".

By: AUCK 020		2019-10-11 13:09:13

A split verdict. Those of us who have read his other books thought he re-used a lot of his earlier writing. We were amused that he mentioned his own name and book title in the text.

By: WANG 010		2019-10-11 13:07:03

We had a full discussion on this book, and opinions varied from highly appreciative to "so-so". However we agreed that it is well-written, and liked that it is set mostly in NZ and followed "successful" people in our own culture. We thought the multi racial elements were interesting too, but not appreciated by some!

By: OPOTI 001		2019-10-11 12:53:07

As no-one in the group had read an Albert Wendt novel previously, it was approached with great anticipation. Many of the group found that the author's self-promotion was a little unnecessary. The novel was felt to be well-written with detailed characterisations. There was a degree of unevenness between the character's professional positions, and their acceptance /non-investigation of the criminal activity alluded to.

By: PALMN 016		2019-07-17 14:30:40

We agreed it needed editing and more work on the crafting, and the first 100 or so pages were hard work - but it improved, and was the source of a lot of discussion about the ideas presented.

By: WELL 066		2019-07-17 14:28:31

Book generated much discussion and varying opinions. Members enjoyed the NZ setting, both the cultural and social environment and the recognisable places. Some group members were uncomfortable with aspects of the content.

By: WAIKA 001		2019-07-04 14:58:51

An interesting read for only some of us. Many felt the story and writing were disjointed, and that there were gaps in the story.