Two Earlier N.z. Novels (Press, 5 June 1971)

The reviews from 5 June 1971 discuss two notable works of early New Zealand fiction: "The Land of the Lost" by William Satchell and "Allen Adair" by Jane Mander, both published by Auckland University Press in collaboration with Oxford University Press. William Satchell's "The Land of the Lost" is critiqued for its simplistic plots reminiscent of colonial adventure stories, as noted by Kendrick Smithyman in his introduction to the book. Despite its shortcomings, the novel is praised for its vivid depiction of Northland at the turn of the century, making it a readable albeit flawed work. In contrast, Jane Mander’s "Allen Adair" is regarded as a more sophisticated narrative set in the gumfields of early New Zealand. The review highlights that the story naturally evolves from the characters' interactions with their environment, as opposed to being forced onto a mere backdrop. The narrative is noted for its brutally accurate portrayal of New Zealand society in 1925, revealing Mander's keen insight into the emerging national identity of the country. The protagonist, Allen, embodies the colonial expectation of seeking fulfilment at Oxford but ultimately finds dissatisfaction there, thus challenging societal norms. Mander's work is presented as a realistic representation of New Zealand, devoid of romanticism and ideals of isolation, instead confronting the harsh truths of life on the gumfields. Her observations on isolation reflect a departure from the cohesiveness of earlier pioneering societies, illustrating how the gumfield environment fosters individuals who are conditioned to live independently, often at the cost of familial relationships. The concept of "mateship," or homosexual companionship, emerges as a significant theme in the narrative, suggesting an adaptation to the pressures of the male-dominated gumfield life. Although Mander excels in presenting a male perspective, the review notes that her attempts to convey the experiences of women in this setting are less successful, indicating a nuanced yet incomplete exploration of gender dynamics in her narrative. The second part of the news story features a review of Gerd Krussman's "Rhododendrons," which is a comprehensive discussion on the hybridisation of rhododendrons. It notes that over 150 years, numerous garden enthusiasts across different countries have developed approximately 10,000 new varieties. Krussman, the Director of the Botanical Gardens at Dortmund-Brunninghausen, emphasises practical cultivation alongside the plants' botanical features. The book serves as a handbook for both professionals and enthusiastic amateurs, providing guidance and practical advice for successful rhododendron growing, accompanied by both illustrations and photographs. These reviews illustrate the evolving nature of New Zealand literature and the broader interest in botanical gardening, offering insights into cultural identity and artistic expression within the context of the nation’s colonial past.

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