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Title:
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Deaf in the Family, A |
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Authors:
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Majendie, Pete |
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Genre:
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Non Fiction: New Zealand |
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Pages:
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237 |
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Year:
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2024 |
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Publisher:
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Quentin Wilson Publishing |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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In this thoroughly delightful trip down memory lane, installation artist Pete Majendie recalls his childhood in the 1950s and 60s in Christchurch's New Brighton. Amidst the laugh-out-loud anecdotes, there are the challenges - the death of a sibling, and the effects of hereditary deafness within the family. Juxtaposing joy and pathos, this is a captivating memoir inviting reflection as well as laughter.
Comments from BDS Reviewers:" The mix of humour, nostalgia, and sadness makes ' A Deaf in the Family' special. It is the kind of book that makes you laugh, cry, and think all at the same time".
"Captivating from the first chapters, an easy read that moved me from tears to outright cheek cramping laughter in a few pages".
"I just loved this memoir - both for the familar memories of a childhood in N.Z. in a much simpler time, and the hilarity and poignancy of Peter's account of his unique family".
"Not a literacy masterpiece but it's a fun read with plenty of experiences that will be shared by a good number of readers (particularly of a certain age)".
"The only thing I wondered while reading was whether the impact would be as strong for readers from younger generations. Then again, perhaps it doesn't matter. Everyone loves a chance to peek into how their parents and grandparents lived, and this book offers a vivid, heartfelt glimpse into that world".
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Categories:
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Non-fiction NZ, Non-fiction, Biography, Humour, Short Read, Social commentary/perspectives, New Zealand Interest, Group Favourites, Just Added, 2026 Titles |
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Reviews
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By: CHCH 095
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2026-06-04 13:03:07 |
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Everyone in the group really enjoyed this book, and the author's stories brought back many of our own childhood memories. It was a very easy read and gave us many laughs. Highly recommended. |
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By: WAIKA 012
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2026-05-09 14:09:40 |
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Everyone in the group enjoyed the book, although those members who didn't grow up in N.Z. didn't enjoy some of the stories as strongly. Generated discussion on whether children should attend funerals. |
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By: MAST 019
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2026-05-04 08:14:45 |
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We were a mixed bag on this book. Half of us loved it (enjoying the humour and the banality) and could relate the vignettes to our childhoods, while the other half didn't enjoy it at all, thinking it was dull and self-indulgent (and the writing was not that good). One comment was that there was a book like this inside all of us, to which we all agreed. We had a lovely evening sharing childhood reminiscences. |
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By: CHCH 225
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2026-03-25 10:09:55 |
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Haven't enjoyed a book this much in a while. Had me laughing out loud, and a few tears. Am buying for a reread, and to pass on to friends. |
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By: TIMAR 020
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2026-03-07 12:01:14 |
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The group loved this book. We laughed and cried. We all identified with Pete's retelling of his N.Z. youth. Many personal tales retold. Liked the questions too. |
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By: CHCH 001
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2026-02-25 14:58:23 |
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Loved it, for its humour and sadness. Absolutely recommend especially for Christchurch readers. |
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By: KATIK 002
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2025-10-30 11:30:25 |
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We found this very relatable - we loved the writing, that it was seen through a child's eyes. All of us have had experiences similar to those described. |
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