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Title:
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Book of Guilt, The |
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Authors:
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Chidgey, Catherine |
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Genre:
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Fiction: New Zealand |
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Pages:
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388 |
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Year:
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2025 |
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Publisher:
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Te Herenga Waka University Press |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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Triplets Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last children living in ‘Captain Scott’ in the New Forest, one of the Sycamore Scheme homes that the government is closing down. The boys have always been promised a move to the utopian ‘Big House’ in Margate (once they’ve recovered from ‘The Bug’), but for now, the Minister of Loneliness herself is taking an interest in their futures. But it is Nancy, a girl living a cloistered life in Exeter who holds the key to what will happen next. Set in an alternative 1970s England, this compelling and suspenseful story holds a mirror up to our present world, refuelling the ‘nature versus nurture’ debate and sounding a warning about the price paid by individuals for the common good.
Comments from BDS Reviewers:" This is definitely a 'can't put it down' read. It is suspenseful and compelling, with a sinister undertow".
"There is no way BDS should not purchase this book. It is a significant work by a significant N.Z. writer".
"Absolutely nothing would discourage me from recommending it!"
"It is engaging from the start with a relatable 1970s setting that is in part naive, wholesome, cloying in goodness and morality".
"I enjoy Chidgey's writing style . I have read a number of her other books and each has its own unique style and very different theme and message".
"I loved this book and would highly recommend it. It will stay with me for some time".
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Categories:
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Fiction, Fiction NZ, Literary, Dystopia/Futuristic, Historical, Human Rights, Medical/Health, Morals/Ethics, Political, Relationships, Young narrator, England, Gothic, Psychological, Just Added, 2027 Titles |
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Reviews
[Please log in to write a review]
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By: CHCH 058
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2026-03-01 11:14:34 |
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Although we felt rather uncomfortable with the theme, we were drawn into the complete story and read to the end. Admiration of her writing and subtle hints, and historical matching to actual events. It's certainly a very different book from The Axeman's Carnival, and we wonder what Chidgey will write next. |
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