2021 New Zealand Book Award Longlist

I'm about to say something that I'm not supposed to say. 

Something I might regret in the future.

I'll probably curse my February 2021 self for committing this to the internet.

But here it is: I don't read New Zealand fiction.

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy and a spot of Maurice Gee at school are the limits of my experience.

New Zealand poetry only fares slightly better.

Non-fiction, a bit better again.

So there it is. Don't hate me.

Why am I resistant to New Zealand content? 

I carry an assumption that it is:

• too dark

• too moody

• generally melancholic

• not about people I will identify with

• focused on the worst, most negative parts of our society

But I'm a bookseller now and I also believe I have an obligation to take another look at this kind of generalisation and limitation on my reading life.

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards announced their longlist recently and as I frequently refer to the Oscar and Golden Globe nominees for motion picture guidance I figured this is a pretty good place to start my mission.

Recognising excellence in New Zealand books, the awards are our only major national literary prize. The awards will be given in May, as part of the Auckland Writers Festival.

I’ve used the longlist to build more of a selection of New Zealand titles for the shop. I’ve chosen some that challenge my assumptions, and one or two that might just reinforce them!

I’ll be attempting to read as many of these as possible before the awards are announced in May and I’ll post a review of each as I go.

Illustrated Non-Fiction

An Exquisite Legacy

The Life And Work Of New Zealand Naturalist G.V. Hudson

By George Gibbs

A gorgeously illustrated biography of G. V. Hudson, one of New Zealand’s greatest pioneer naturalists and artists and his quite remarkable illustrations of our country’s insects. This biography is written by his grandson Dr George Gibbs, himself a prominent entomologist.

Hiakai

By Monique Fiso

A beautiful collection of Maori food — its traditions, ingredients and tikanga — from our brightest culinary star and Maori food warrior, Monique Fiso. This collection includes foraging and usage notes on local and wild ingredients, an illustrated ingredient directory, and more than 30 recipes.

Off The Beaten Track

Hunting Tales from the New Zealand Back Country

By Dave Shaw

Based on previously unseen material from the TV series, The Red Stag Timber Hunters Club, this book includes behind-the-scenes stories and location photography of the exploits of this close-knit team of hunters who regularly put themselves to the test throughout New Zealand’s wilderness in pursuit of big game.

KARL MAUGHAN

Edited by Hannah Valentine & Gabriella Stead

A walk through fascinating painted gardens of New Zealand contemporary artist Karl Maughan. This book details more than 150 of Maughan’s idyllic yet unsettling enclosed garden spaces, characterised by their sense of claustrophobia and colour. 

General Non-Fiction

Ralph Hotere: The Dark is Light Enough

A Biographical Portrait

By Vincent O'Sullivan

Ralph Hotere, one of Aotearoa’s most significant modern artists, invited poet, novelist and biographer Vincent O’Sullivan to write his life story in 2005, and this book is the result of years of research and conversations. 

This Pākehā Life

An Unsettled Memoir

By Alison Jones

Jones describes her memoir as “about my making sense here, of my becoming and being Pākehā. Every Pākehā becomes a Pākehā in their own way, finding her or his own meaning for that Māori word. This is the story of what it means to me.” A book for Pākehā and other New Zealanders about the ambivalences Pākehā often experience in relationships with Māori.

Fiction

Sorrow and Bliss

By Meg Mason

Described as a sad and funny adult coming-of-age-novel with sharp wit, racy bits, and poignancy. The main character, Martha, knows there’s something wrong with her, even though her husband says she’s fine. Her struggle to discover the answer is recommended for fans of Sally Rooney, Taffy Brodesser-Akner and Fleabag.

Victory Park

By Rachel Kerr

Kara lives in council flats with her young son, making a living minding other people’s kids. Life is threadbare and unpromising until the mysterious Bridget moves into her neighbourhood. The wife of a disgraced Ponzi schemer, she brings with her glamour and wild dreams and an unexpected friendship. This one is also shortlisted in the NZ Booklovers awards.

Interested in joining me on any of these titles? Call or stop by the shop and one of our friendly book nerds would be happy to help.

Update, March 3rd: the shortlist has been announced.