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By: CHCH 557
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2025-05-14 22:45:49 |
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Most enjoyed the books, and the local social issues made for interesting conversation. |
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By: CHCH 553
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2025-05-09 15:39:59 |
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This book led to a lot of discussion in our group. Most really enjoyed it. Lots of conversations around complex issues raised. One member said it was the best book she'd read. |
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By: PALMN 018
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2025-05-07 13:24:34 |
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Very readable but not memorable. |
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By: AUCK 107
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2025-05-07 09:39:26 |
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We all loved this book, although a couple of people found some small gaps in the storyline. Some found it a bit confusing at the beginning working out who the narrator was, but all agreed the second half was a real page-turner. Impressive first novel for the author. |
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By: RICH 010
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2025-04-08 11:47:07 |
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This book sparked a lot of debate. Some loved Lorraine , the "loose cannon", but most of us found her hard to believe. Some of us found it hard to get into and felt we had to suspend a lot of belief. Addressing the problems of neglectful parenting is one thing, but the solutions dreamed up by Mr. P defied belief. |
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By: DANNE 002
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2025-04-07 10:13:55 |
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Mixed feelings about this book. Some really enjoyed it, some were disappointed about the ending thinking it was quite predictable. Some enjoyed the social comment within the story. |
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By: NELS 072
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2025-03-10 14:41:08 |
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Slow to get into, you had to stick with it. We enjoyed the story which had a nice flow. So small town N.Z. |
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By: NGON 001
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2025-03-06 09:36:32 |
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The social issues highlighted in this very readable novel stimulated thoughtful discussions. We enjoyed the scene settings, the familiarity of them. |
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By: CHCH 202
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2025-02-24 13:42:32 |
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Engendered a lot of discussion, although there was a wide range of opinions regarding the genuineness of the book. |
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By: LOWER 019
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2024-12-31 09:59:36 |
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Most in the group enjoyed this book, felt it was well written and realistic. |
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By: KATIK 005
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2024-12-09 11:39:22 |
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Most of our group found the early chapters difficult to engage with - but interest grew with the tensions developed in the narrative. One member refused to read this book. Comments included - a perspective on social issues; greater understanding of this community the author was describing. |
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By: NELS 086
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2024-12-02 09:42:08 |
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Conflicting opinions in our group. Some enjoyed, others thought too unrealistic and narrow portrayal of area and population. |
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By: QUEEN 003
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2024-10-16 11:42:03 |
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One or two in the group didn't particularly like the book, but the rest of us LOVED it. The characters were very believable, his approach to the Maori-Pakeha divide was excellent. A very necessary discussion. We had a Maori perspective as one member part Maori, and another raised alongside Maori. We all benefited from reading this book. |
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By: HAMIL 074
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2024-08-29 14:00:56 |
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Our club enjoyed this book - its raw language and blatant confrontation of topics in N.Z. society. |
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By: WAIKA 001
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2024-08-29 13:59:51 |
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We all enjoyed this book. The depiction of a small N.Z. town and all its undercurrents with crime and gangs featured, was very well described. For a first novel it showed the author as a master of language and storytelling. |
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By: WELL 153
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2024-08-08 17:05:07 |
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A well written debut novel, with a sympathetic protagonist, that highlights the cultural divides that exist in rural NZ. As a Wellington based group, the Wairarapa setting was familiar and the descriptions of the local environment very accurate. The underbelly of this gentrified area of NZ and the racial arrogance of the Pakeha 'saviour' mentality provoked an interesting and lively discussion. There were some plot holes but otherwise an absorbing thriller. |
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By: TAUR 051
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2024-08-07 13:11:39 |
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Mixed reviews. Nice (easy) to read a N.Z. novel related to community. Liked the style of writing but there were plot holes - evident to the police officer in our group! We found the questions particularly complex to consider. |
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By: CHCH 518
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2024-07-15 11:29:40 |
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The group felt the actual story was far fetched and often wandered away from the storyline. The writing though was very good and the descriptions of small town N.Z. were accurate and believable. |
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By: GREYT 001
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2024-06-05 15:00:12 |
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We must admit to bias with this book! As a Wairarapa group (ages 70-94) we delighted in the "local" content. Streets, rivers, places were all 'ours'! A good, pretty well-written story, which did bring up discussion regarding racism and the white/Pakeha - 'We are better than them" ending. |
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By: FEILD 004
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2024-05-09 09:35:36 |
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Well-written for a first novel. We believe the author (known to one of our group) has had experience as a social worker so has written with substantial background knowledge and insight. Some of our group more aware and understanding of these themes. We all acknowledge it is a true and accurate portrayal. This made some of us uncomfortable admitting that it wouldn't worry us so much if about another cultural divide in another country. |
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By: NELS 089
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2024-04-24 14:32:57 |
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Thought provoking book - many ideas present that led to a good robust discussion. |
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By: WHAKA 017
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2024-04-17 11:54:25 |
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Overall 'Paper Cage' was enjoyed by everyone, and was a good reflection of small town life in New Zealand. Some considered the themes overstated and that the book would only be relatable to New Zealand readers. It reflected badly on N.Z. police, especially their lack of concern for the missing children. Hayes is an exception. It was an easy fast exciting read even though a little improbable at times. Some readers are looking forward to his next book. |
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By: WELL 066
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2024-03-14 14:21:17 |
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Group members mostly enjoyed this book. The author cleverly looks at the impact of racism, poverty and inequalities on crime solving and in communities in N.Z, while depicting a series of kidnappings. |
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By: WELL 093
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2024-03-11 12:00:03 |
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Enjoyed the book. Thank you. |
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By: TAUR 004
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2024-02-21 14:53:52 |
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Everyone (bar one) enjoyed this. The author's description of N.Z. small towns and the countryside was very evocative. Suspense maintained. A part of N.Z. life most of us don't know about but very well-written and researched. |
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By: CHCH 561
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2024-01-15 10:33:27 |
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Hard to get into for the first few chapters and then it gets very captivating and hard to put down. Would have liked more character descriptions. Enjoyed it being set in Aotearoa. |
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By: NEWP 001
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2023-12-13 14:57:21 |
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Most people enjoyed the book, but didn't like the unresolved ending. |
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By: CHCH 539
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2023-09-11 14:59:50 |
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All loved this novel. Easy read with good level of suspense. Some very thoughtful discussion on 'community secrets' and different layers of justice. Definitely a good read. |
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