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By: AUCK 271
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2025-07-08 09:53:29 |
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Very interesting and gripping historical tale. Writing from the position of Mrs Jewell gave the group a deep insight which resonated with us. All agreed a good read. |
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By: NELS 023
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2025-06-19 14:56:10 |
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An excellent example of fiction based on fact. Our group appreciated the depth of knowledge of the author. We had a wonderful discussion! |
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By: MARTIN 001
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2025-04-30 13:58:09 |
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Most thought it was excellent writing and a good yarn. Horrific reading about the conditions on the island, but a good study of relationships. |
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By: PARAPA 003
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2025-03-10 12:42:12 |
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Most of the group said it was a good read, and accordingly gave it a high mark. |
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By: NAP 030
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2025-02-20 09:48:38 |
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Very well received. Interesting portrayal of a real event. A good Christmas read. Good characterisation. |
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By: HAVE 005
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2024-08-07 10:05:00 |
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Most thought the book was well-written, although some thought it was a bit too drawn out. We agreed that it was an interesting construct to have the story told in the first person by the only female survivor. An interesting fictionalised version of a true story. |
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By: QUEEN 006
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2024-08-01 10:23:16 |
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A good read - an accurate reflection of what one imagines it must have been like, and knowing the shipwreck was a true story gave it credence. Most would like to have heard more about what happened to them after the rescue - it had quite an abrupt ending. |
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By: WAIKA 001
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2024-07-18 10:23:28 |
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This book was enjoyed by all. Some interesting discussion on how the survivors would have survived over the 18 months in such adverse conditions. The writer portrayed a very realistic novel which certainly gave the reader food for thought. |
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By: PALMN 001
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2024-06-24 11:43:47 |
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Every person thought this book was well researched and very well-written. Excellent portrayals and interactions of characters. Best book we've read this year. |
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By: WAIKA 012
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2024-06-12 14:13:56 |
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Everyone enjoyed this. We spent a lot of time discussing what was fact and what was fiction! A tale well told. |
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By: AUCK 335
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2024-05-30 18:16:51 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book. The narrative was gripping, the characters well-drawn, and the descriptions of life on board ship, the wreck, and the inhospitable island were all very realistic. Mrs Jewell was a memorable character. |
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By: TWIZ 003
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2024-05-29 11:51:03 |
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We all really enjoyed it. |
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By: AUCK 422
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2024-05-11 08:58:57 |
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An extraordinary book, and well imagined retelling of a true story. Well developed characters - the focus on the sole female gave an authentic perspective on the struggle for survival. |
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By: ROTO 006
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2024-04-29 12:14:00 |
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An interesting historical story written from a woman's point of view - very rare! Made us take a look at history - and also at how we would survive, if it happened to modern women! |
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By: KAIK 001
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2024-04-17 12:54:57 |
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Great yarn - we all loved it. |
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By: QUEEN 003
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2024-03-13 12:45:49 |
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Everyone in the group enjoyed the book. The story (based on facts) of a shipwreck where many drowned, but 15 survivors managed to survive in extremely harsh conditions for 18 months before eventual rescue. The story alone is worth studying, but the author managed to do a wonderful job of fleshing out the characters also. Told in the 1st person by Mrs Jewell. |
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By: TEHORO 002
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2024-01-11 14:41:01 |
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We enjoyed this book - strong character development, good psychological insights, and well-written in a Victorian style consistent with the era of the novel. We did considerable research into the Auckland Islands as a result. |
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By: GISB 012
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2023-12-18 13:11:35 |
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Our group loved this book based on the wreck of the General Grant off the Auckland Islands. Gripping account of the event and subsequent year and a half stranded in an unforgiving environment. Resilience plus! Good characters and characterisation. A page turner prompting much discussion. |
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By: TAUR 004
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2023-10-16 11:35:25 |
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One of our members has recently visited the Auckland Islands and had some photos. An easy read of an interesting event in N.Z. history, dramatised by fictional character development. Perhaps a little drawn out, though I guess this captured the waiting for rescue. |
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By: CHCH 518
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2023-10-12 11:20:19 |
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We all loved this book. It was very well researched and well-written. The characters were believable and the story would make a wonderful movie. A writer to watch for in the future. |
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By: TAUR 005
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2023-10-04 12:39:58 |
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Our members found this novel a most enjoyable read. We particularly enjoyed the characters and their authenticity. We found and appreciated the insight into the survival skills needed for those 18 months on the Auckland Islands. |
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