Scottish poet inspired NZ politician
Harry Holland's 1920s biographical writing about Robert Burns has been published for the first time.
Entertainment
Moving accounts of women's choices during war
Moving accounts of women's choices during war
An account of the brave women who hid Jewish children in wartime Paris is thought-provoking and disturbing, writes Jeanette Trotman.
Two men's story filled with reflective insight
Two men's story filled with reflective insight
Michael Collins' fans will find much to enjoy in his latest novel, writes Willie Campbell.
Debut 'an extraordinary achievement'
Debut 'an extraordinary achievement'
This melancholic and beautiful science-fiction story is an example of the power of good writing, Cushla McKinney writes.
Confident voice; clever, knowing writing
Confident voice; clever, knowing writing
This experimental book by New Zealand poet, playwright and author Courtney Sina Meredith pushes the envelopes, writes Victor Billot.
Serious tale sees humour in India's cult of cricket
Serious tale sees humour in India's cult of cricket
The cult of cricket is fine fodder for this witty tale by Man Booker Prize-winning novelist Aravind Adiga, writes Mike Crowl.
Poet's work about US racism wins 'genius grant'
Poet's work about US racism wins 'genius grant'
A poet whose work explores the casual racism in the United States toward African-Americans is among the 23 winners of $625,000 "genius grants," the US organization awarding them said.
Latest take on Burgess Gang’s gruesome deeds
Latest take on Burgess Gang’s gruesome deeds
Mosgiel-born Wayne Martin examines the horrendous deeds of the Burgess Gang in his book published to mark the 150th anniversary of the crimes.
Empathy and honesty to the fore
Empathy and honesty to the fore
A memoir by an intensive care specialist is notable for its honesty and willingness to talk about the things that matter, writes Elspeth McLean.
Growing up with a genius father
Gripping story of growing up with a genius father
A fictionalised story about James Joyce's daughter is gripping, well-written and fascinating, writes Margaret Bannister.
Poetry roundup
Poetry roundup
Hamesh Wyatt reviews the latest New Zealand poetry collections.
Not your typical vampire fare
Not your typical vampire fare
Justin Cronin’s readers can’t easily put him down, writes Dionne Christian.
Junior reading
Junior reading
Laura Hewson reviews the latest books for young readers.
NZ picture books for children
NZ picture books for children
Helen Speirs reviews the latest New Zealand picture books for children.
Loss and its aftermath beautifully handled
Loss and its aftermath beautifully handled
Emma Neale writes convincingly about loss and the complexities of grief.
Protagonist no ordinary unborn child
Protagonist no ordinary unborn child
Ian McEwan's latest work is a clever and twisting tale.
Enticing story of comets, ghosts
Enticing story of comets, ghosts
Willie Campbell enjoys a magical novel.
Tech summary provides view missing from many texts
Tech summary provides view missing from many texts
Victor Billot finds Yuval Noah Harari's latest work, Homo Deus, a provoking and challenging read.
Story about autistic child provides perspective
Story about autistic child provides perspective
Keith Stuart writes about the challenges of autism.
'Downton Abbey' creator in his element
'Downton Abbey' creator in his element
The lifestyles of the rich and renowned and their army of servants are chronicled by a master of the genre.