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  • Published: 18 May 2012
  • ISBN: 9781869798451
  • Imprint: RHNZ Black Swan
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $30.00

Landings




Vivid and evocative, this is a moving novel of a unique time and place from one of New Zealand's favourite authors.

Vivid and evocative, this is a moving novel of a unique time and place from one of New Zealand's favourite authors.

The Whanganui River at the turn of the twentieth century is a busy thoroughfare, taking sightseers through the spectacular landscape by paddle steamer and acting as highway for the sparse scatterings of settlements along its twisting length. The people who have made it their home are a diverse collection, from Samuel Blencoe, trying to forget his past life as a convict, to the hoteliers at Pipiriki, the nuns at Jerusalem, the Maori families, the Chinese market gardener and the farmers, like Danny and Stella, trying to tame the wild bush. There's also Bridie, the strange, silent girl, who haunts the banks of the river where the accident occurred that robbed her of her mind. Like the tributaries that trickle down the mountains and join the mighty river, so the lives of these people come together in this vivid and moving tale of a stunningly unique place.

  • Published: 18 May 2012
  • ISBN: 9781869798451
  • Imprint: RHNZ Black Swan
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $30.00

About the author

Jenny Pattrick

Jenny Pattrick is an acclaimed historical novelist, whose The Denniston Rose, and its sequel Heart of Coal, are among New Zealand’s biggest-selling novels. They have also been republished in an illustrated edition. The former teacher and jeweller’s works include the Whanganui novel Landings, and Inheritance, set in Samoa, which, along with all her adult titles, have been number one bestsellers in New Zealand. Other titles include Catching the Current (2005), In Touch with Grace (2006), Skylark (2012), Heartland (2014), Leap of Faith (2017) and Harbouring (2022). In 2009 she received the New Zealand Post Mansfield Fellowship. She has been active in the arts community, and has also written stories, songs and shows for children.

Identified by Nicky Pellegrino as ‘one of this country’s most talented storytellers’, it has been said that she creates ‘an authentic stage for a cast of characters who interact in ways that always ring true’ (The Christchurch Press). Reviewing Landings, Graham Beattie concluded: ‘It is not surprising that she is one of NZ’s most popular contemporary novelists and this fine piece of historical fiction will further enhance that well-deserved reputation.’

For more information go to: https://jenny-pattrick.com/books-by-jenny/

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Praise for Landings

"another unforgettable novel" "her tale is a moving one that will linger on long after the book is finished...It is one of those books you want to pass on for others to enjoy" "the author [is] doing for the Wanganui district what she has already done for the South Island's West Coast"

Gisborne Herald

"[a] gripping turn-of-the-century Kiwi yarn" "well-researched and evocative...Pattrick can be proud of Landings"

Jan Treliving-Brown, Taranaki Daily News

"Landings is a powerful yarn set in an extraordinary time and place"

Mary McCallum, New Zealand Listener

"After reading Denniston Rose many people must have visited Denniston. It wouldn't surprise me if this book brings visitors flocking to cruise the Whanganui"

Elizabeth Winter, Saturday Express