Books

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cover
3.5 

Title: Ask the Posts of the House
Authors: Ihimaera, Witi
Genre: Fiction: New Zealand
Pages: 307
Year: 2007
Language: English
Description: Five novella-length stories are included in this new collection. The stories cover a wide range of intriguing narratives - myth, historical fiction, contemporary comedy, drama, and science fiction. Passionate, humorous, and sometimes provocative writing. NZ Interest.

This title is also offered as part of the Narrative Muse Book Club.

Comments from Groups:

Finely crafted, diverse range of stories. Everyone enjoyed this book and intend reading more of this author. Hikurangi 001

Not exactly enjoyed but all agreed a master writer with stories to tell. Nelson 023

We especially enjoyed the [stories] set in Ihimaera's background of Waituhi and the East Coast area, which gave us an insight into the Maori way of life. Coromandel 002

We were astounded that an author could write in so many different genres. Mixed reactions - some loved it others not so much. Wrote from the heart- emotional. Auckland 256

Quite a number of us skipped some of the stories, some regretting that they did so once the discussion started as they felt they missed out. We all enjoyed his writing. Pukekohe 001

Good to read some Witi again. 'Medicine Women' seemed to be the best read. Otaki 001

We all thought Ihimaera such a talented writer. Great Kiwi feel to all the stories. The space story 'Dead of Night' was the only one not liked. Christchurch 229

Maori stories enjoyed the most - good discussion. Masterton 005

Categories: Fiction NZ, Short story/essay, Māori, Narrative Muse Book Club

Reviews

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By: WHAKA 021 2023-07-18 14:44:22
3 
We all enjoyed the book and felt some stories could have been novels.

By: KATIK 001 2020-04-14 15:07:43
3 
Mixed reception. Most people enjoyed some sections, and acknowledged the author's writing ability.

By: OXF 001 2020-04-14 15:05:16
4.5 
Enjoyed by all. We are keen to read more of his books.

By: CHCH 239 2020-04-14 15:04:19
4 
An accomplished writer made the read a good one, but we would have preferred more about the places visited and less about the rocky marriage!

By: TAUR 011 2020-04-14 15:03:06
4 
Some found it hard to get into but those who finished it highly recommended it, so those who didn't finish kept their books to complete it.

By: WELL 107 2020-04-14 14:59:03
3 
A lively discussion. Some enjoying the short stories, others believing his writing is overrated.

By: AUCK 100 2020-04-14 14:57:10
4 
This was enjoyed by the group, with the exception of the middle part which was felt to be out of step with the rest of the book. The notes were particularly good.

By: AUCK 300 2020-04-14 14:55:43
4.5 
We were pleasantly surprised to enjoy a collection of short stories - most members said they did not usually read them. We all think Witi is an amazing writer, and thought provoking.

By: NAP 020 2020-04-14 14:54:03
4.5 
Enjoyed by all. A book all New Zealanders should read. We all thought 'Medicine Woman' was our favourite, then 'I've Been Thinking of You, Sister'. Great discussion.

By: WELL 027 2020-04-14 14:51:42
3.5 
There was a mixed response within the group in the enjoyment of the stories and the book as a whole, which led to plenty of good discussion.

By: TAUR 027 2020-04-14 14:49:15
3 
Varied responses. Lots of discussion with only a small group of 5 members. People either loved or loathed the different stories. Interesting.

By: AUCK 406 2019-04-10 13:33:34
3.5 
An interesting range of stories of varying lengths and topics. Most people found 2-3 that they really liked.

 
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