Catalogue

BACK

Title:	Pet
Authors:	Chidgey, Catherine
Genre:	Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	349
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	Visiting her father in a rest home, Justine meets his caregiver Sonia, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her teacher of thirty years earlier, thrusting Justine back to the tumultuous year when she was twelve ... to a Wellington convent school and the charismatic Mrs Price of 'divide and conquer' classroom rules, casual cruelty, and questionable power dynamics. Told in two timelines, this is an unsettling, all-too believable psychological thriller of misplaced trust and 1980s suburbia.
Categories:	Fiction NZ, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Morals/Ethics, Relationships, Social commentary/perspectives, Suspense/Thriller, Larger font, Staff pick, 2025 Titles

Reviews

[Please log in to write a review]

By: AUCK 137		2025-07-02 13:29:12

Full group agreement about 'Pet'. We considered the book to be a skilful exploration of manipulation, cruelty, casual racism ( of the 1980s), betrayal and guilt. As readers we were drawn into these complex psychosocial themes and the dark side of human nature. 'Pet' succeeded in keeping up totally engaged in the suspense of the unfolding story. Mrs Price will be remembered!

By: ROTO 002		2025-06-24 10:13:18

Intense discussion. Evocative of the childhood of some members, particularly those with Catholic schooling. The slow build of tension and the sense of foreboding is deceptively simple, but masterful storytelling.

By: CHCH 239		2025-05-15 10:03:10

An easy read from a great writer. Some criticism of the contrived symbolism and lack of intrigue.

By: CAMB 007		2025-05-07 10:03:54

Not enjoyed by everyone but an accurate portrayal of a Catholic girls' school in the 1980s. Very well-written, particularly the characters, but the story took too long to get anywhere. No surprises - it was pretty obvious from early on that the teacher was not 'right in the head'. Excellent cover - it had all the items of the story encapsulated.

By: HAVE 005		2025-04-23 13:48:10

We were divided in our opinions. Some didn't like the psychological nature of the story; one or two thought it wasn't up to the author's usual standard, but most thoroughly enjoyed it.

By: TAKA 004		2024-08-21 10:26:55

We enjoyed reading this book - the author set the scene of the 1980s from a pre-teen's perspective with skill and detail. She built tension with a slow burn, and most of us were gripped till the end. Discussion was animated, including sharing of some of our own memorable school experiences. We also had the insight that the author subtly blurred the lines of abuse, and pointed out our tolerance of it in the 1980s and before.

By: CHCH 125		2024-08-05 09:49:45

An enjoyable read, rekindled many childhood memories and generated lots of discussion.

By: BLENH 029		2024-06-25 10:34:30

Well-written, bleak content. Most group members found the book difficult to read because of the predatory teacher and the vulnerable student. Lots of discussion.

By: CHCH 544		2024-04-16 09:35:16

6 out of 7 loved this book and it brought back many memories of our own school experience. It was an easy exciting read.