From The New Fiction Lists (Press, 1 August 1970)

The reviews published on 1 August 1970, cover a range of novels spanning various themes and genres. "The Glass Virgin" by Catherine Cookson tells the story of Annabella Lagrange, the pampered daughter of wealthy glass-works owners in northern England. On the eve of her seventh birthday, Annabella encounters disturbing events that leave her questioning her upbringing and her parents' true nature. As she discovers the harsh realities of poverty through her experience with hungry children stealing strawberries, she faces a transformative journey from riches to rags. The narrative builds tension but becomes stretched towards the end, as Cookson overly prolongs Annabella's complications with Manuel Mendoza, a character crucial to her fate. Despite this, the novel showcases Cookson's skill as a regional storyteller. In "The Midnight Lady and the Mourning Man" by David Anthony, former marine commando Morgan Butler steps in as a police officer in Jordan City, Ohio. Faced with the murder of a university student, Natalie Clayborne, whose compromising tape has been stolen, Butler investigates the case amidst political pressures and violent confrontations. The intricate plot, engaging characters, and Butler's personal transformation elevate this crime novel above its peers. Dan Davin's "Not Here, Not Now" explores the experiences of a young student amid Catholic Irish farmers during the Great Depression. While some readers may appreciate the regional authenticity and familiar themes, those knowledgeable about Davin's previous works might find it recycled and lacking in innovation. Nevertheless, it remains an engrossing read for newcomers. John Holland’s "There Is No Peace" is set in post-war Malta, focusing on themes of religious faith and hysteria through the story of Anne Pallister, who claims to have been cured of blindness. The novel skillfully juxtaposes rational doubts with the fervent beliefs of the local populace, leading to a tale rich in conflict and moral examination. Richard Llewellyn’s "None But The Lonely Heart" resurrects the story of Ernest Verdun Mott after 27 years, expanding on his impoverished upbringing and personal struggles. However, the novel’s experimental style, particularly the use of capitalised pronouns, may confuse readers and detracts from the overall impact of the narrative. Philip Norman's "Slip on a Fat Lady" is laden with puns and initially lacks a clear story direction. While its humorous elements may appeal to some, many readers might find it tedious until the plot begins to unfold, revealing a more competent narrative. "Take Any City" by George Joseph presents a story of an English writer in New Zealand grappling with his past while navigating a bohemian lifestyle that ultimately leads to personal revelations and reconciliations. Paul Bailey's "Trespasses" provides a poignant look at youth through the character Ralph Hicks as he learns about himself and his interactions with others. The novel's fragmented narrative style effectively mirrors Ralph's inner turmoil, showcasing Bailey's talent for capturing human experiences. Lastly, "The Season At Sunrise" by Shona Michael vividly portrays a summer in a small New Zealand seaside town, exploring the lives and tensions among its residents as they cope with the seasonal influx of holidaymakers. Overall, these reviews highlight the diverse perspectives and experiences portrayed in literature during this period, showcasing both regional narratives and universal themes.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand