Catalogue

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Title:	Landed
Authors:	McCauley, Sue
Genre:	Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	294
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	Instead of the comfortable retirement she should have been able to take for granted, Briar Howland is catapulted into unknown territory with the suicide of her husband Brewer and the eye-watering debt he leaves in his wake. Briar must fashion a new future for herself in a time of social and political upheaval. Set in Timaru, this is the character study of an unforgettable woman, her children and grandchildren in rapidly changing 1980s New Zealand.
Categories:	Fiction, Fiction NZ, Community, Grief/loss, Historical, Morals/Ethics, Relationships, Social commentary/perspectives, Content may disturb, 2025 Titles

Reviews

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By: TIMAR 007		2025-11-17 10:51:07

Very readable and relatable story. Jam packed with N.Z. social history.

By: AUCK 037		2025-08-05 10:24:19

Everyone enjoyed Landed and we responded to different things that triggered our own issues. The reminiscence and reflection style did carry the story and so many themes we are all familiar with emerged for a great discussion: the farm, the children�s lives, family money, secrets, the new �younger friend� who became a scammer, where to live. The fact that Briar was a 65 year old woman was noted as we don�t read a lot of stories with the main character a 65+ woman.The review questions were well thought out.

By: TIMAR 019		2025-06-25 13:54:01

The group thought the book was a little boring early on, but it improved.

By: AUCK 234		2025-05-12 10:34:38

Nothing exciting, but well-written. We enjoyed observing how she dealt with certain situations. The character was very under confident, and her relationship with her adult children was not easy.

By: WHANGA 004		2025-04-08 14:51:56

Thoroughly enjoyed the N.Z. links, all felt it could be any one of us in this predicament. Well-written.

By: WELL 130		2025-03-12 09:52:35

We generally appreciated reading this book.

By: PAUA 003		2025-03-10 12:22:13

A book which most found an easy read, but were frustrated with Briar's veneer as a complex character as she had contradictory qualities. Others enjoyed it from start to finish especially as they could identify with the times. Memories of events and attitudes of the 80s were triggered and were relatable to this group who had no shortage of material to discuss.