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By: CHCH 171
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2025-12-19 16:38:28 |
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Lots of discussion on great questions. Topical issues, and we liked the N.Z. setting. |
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By: AUCK 162
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2025-11-01 14:53:41 |
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Although the story initially felt like a romance novel, our group persevered. We thought the story conveyed and highlighted the extreme stress our medical staff are under. It raised many questions about safety and health processes. |
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By: TAUR 061
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2025-09-05 16:39:54 |
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Merriman’s knowledge of the medical world meant she created a realistic scenario of a health system under pressure. The protagonist Rory was someone we all empathised with. The ‘silence of snow’ represented his escape from the ghosts of his past. In the end the ghosts won. Would he have benefited from going back to his turangawaewae? Could early intervention after the Wellington tragedy have saved him? So many questions unanswered as is the case in all suicides. At times we felt the narrative did lose momentum but we applaud Merriman for her courage to write about this societal issue in such an authentic way. |
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By: PIOPIO 001
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2025-06-27 19:39:24 |
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All agreed that this was a great book. Eileen Merriman handled a difficult subject brilliantly leading to several of our group members to seek other books by the same author. |
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By: NEWP 012
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2025-05-12 09:37:35 |
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Confronting but a great read. |
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By: LOWER 018
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2024-10-07 10:26:16 |
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What started out as a 'light' read soon became far more challenging. We enjoyed the N.Z. settings, quite familiar to those of us with historical medical connections. The deterioration of the main character was very well drawn, and the sad thing is that those conditions still persist. |
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By: HAMIL 072
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2024-06-25 10:30:40 |
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We found this book really polarising - loved and hated bits all at the same time. A sure page turner and would definitely recommend. |
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By: MAST 007
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2024-05-23 11:32:36 |
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The majority enjoyed the book - found it thought provoking and realistic. |
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By: TAUR 059
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2024-05-04 15:56:16 |
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Very easy book to read, obviously aimed at a younger audience than all of our group but nearly everyone enjoyed it. Subject matter generated good discussion with a few noting that they found it a little bit Shortland St. Most felt the topic was plausible and realistically portrayed, all felt frustrated and sad that the chain of events that led to his addiction could have been prevented. The optimists amongst the group did not see the ending coming but for most it was a forgone conclusion. |
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By: WAIKA 010
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2024-01-22 14:24:46 |
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Fantastic! Especially for those who had worked in that environment. Lots of tears too! |
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By: WARK 003
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2023-09-29 14:41:49 |
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As usual, opinions varied, from "quite interesting" to "hated it"! |
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By: HAMIL 018
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2023-09-29 14:41:01 |
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Lots of discussion re the state of mind and reasons for the hopelessness of folk who continually need to medicate to cope with life and adversities. The tragedy of losing a young life - we all thought the author had captured and drawn excellent characters - we were all moved by and totally aligned with the beautiful ending. |
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By: AUCK 272
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2023-09-29 14:37:12 |
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Badly written book but interesting story. |
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By: CHCH 333
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2023-09-29 14:36:32 |
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Varied opinions (2-4 stars) of book! |
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By: OHOPE 002
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2023-09-13 14:32:08 |
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Very good discussion, as quite a hot topic at the moment with doctor stress and shortages. |
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By: AUCK 247
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2023-07-31 11:15:09 |
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An outstanding book. Massive discussion about the topic. N.Z. Health system - doctors and nurses. |
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By: ASHB 024
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2023-06-22 14:20:48 |
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Very well-written. Difficult subject handled well. Provoked lots of discussion. |
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By: INVER 001
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2023-03-16 14:34:55 |
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A great read highlighting many of the problems, frustrations and inadequacies of our health system. Very well-written and certainly had the reader very quickly 'drawn in' and feeling great empathy for the main characters. |
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