Thursday, November 18, 2010

Ebony Hill - Anna McKenzie


Ebony Hill is the sequel to The sea-wreck stranger - contuing the story of Ness and Dev - and the struggle for survival in a post apocalyptic world.

As the communities rebuild, Ness tries to find a place and identity amongst her newly found "family" and that is not easy . The community itself faces threat from other groups who choose force over collaboration and community spirit. This in itself is very topical as we as readers can see the connections between the treatment of prisoners of war in this text and the treatment of simialr detainees in places such as Guantanomo Bay. What are the boundaries of human behaviour in times of war? An age old question.

Fast paced and thought provoking.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Now - Morris Gleitzman


The third in a the series - this follows on from Once and Then, Now picks up the story of Felix 50 years after the end of WW2. He escaped the horrors of post war Germany and has resettled in Australia, where he became a successful surgeon.

The story is set in a small rural, bush community during very hot summer. The Zelda of Now is Felix's grandaughter, who struggles to find her identity and place in the new school and town she has moved to. Modern disasters prove to be as harrowing as those of the past and we are reminded of the speed in which someone's life can change.

The style is as captivating as Once and Then, but Now can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend making the effort to read them first. The issues of identity, remorse and regret as well as the need for closure are key to the novel. A moving story for young teens.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Into the wilderness - Mandy Hager


Dystopian NZ fiction seems to be in favour this year.

The blood of the lamb was the first part of this trilogy. Into the wilderness carries the story on as Maryann, Ruth , Joseph and Lazarus flee from the control of the tribe and the 'floating city'. They reach their first destination, Marawa Island, only to be disappointed by the lack of life. As Joseph's health deteriorates they risk their lives once again and set sail to look for life further afield.

Their journey takes them to an all too familiar Australia, where illegal immigrants are still kept in atrocious conditions in detainment camps. Maryann and Ruth face further discrimination due to their colour. Has it all been worth it?

A fast paced and very emotional journey for the characters and the reader.

Fierce September - Fleur Beale


I really enjoyed the first book in this series - Juno of Taris - and was looking forward to reading this one.

Fierce September picks up the thread as the people of Taris are being evacuated from the island and the dome they have lived under for the last 30 odd years. The New Zealand (and the world) they return has changed considerably. While many of the settlements and cities remain, a new way of life is being followed. Juno and her 'tribe' hope to learn to be assimilated into this new life - but it will not be easy. Many think they should not have been allowed to enter NZ as refugees. Prejudice and 'racism' almost destroys the community's hopes for a new life.

Juno and her family are singled out for special attention - their special powers set them apart. Life in NZ will not be easy - it will also be dangerous.

Reasonably fast paced - the books provides an interesting insight as to how we treat refugees and those who are different.
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