- Published: 6 March 2015
- ISBN: 9781775537755
- Imprint: RHNZ Vintage
- Format: Trade Paperback
- Pages: 240
- RRP: $38.00
The Legend of Winstone Blackhat
- Published: 6 March 2015
- ISBN: 9781775537755
- Imprint: RHNZ Vintage
- Format: Trade Paperback
- Pages: 240
- RRP: $38.00
An absolute standout, though be warned, it will haunt you for days afterwards . . . this deserves to become a New Zealand classic.
Catherine Robertson, NZ Listener
This beautifully written novel will leave you quietly in despair. The sad and tragic tale of Winstone is told completely from his point of view and through his imagination. . . . I recommend this novel to senior school students, especially those who using the theme "family violence or dysfunction" as their "Connection" for NCEA English.
Elisabeth Morrow, Bay of Plenty Times
Tanya Moir’s third novel, The Legend of Winstone Blackhat, skillfully weaves together the story of a young social outcast with the wide open spaces of a John Wayne-style Western to create a novel that is lyrical and deeply felt. . . . As the novel’s narrative threads intertwine, the character of Winstone comes into focus. He’s totally believable . . . We grow to understand Winstone so well that by the time we reach the climax of the novel, that climax is utterly tragic, and also totally inevitable. . . . This is a novel that will linger with you for a long time.
Feby Idrus, Booksellers NZ blog site
a measured, controlled tone throughout this beautifully written book
Paul Little, North and South
When an author manages to get inside the head of a 12-year-old boy and carry you along so you can't wait to turn the next page, that's the most skilful writing of all. Tanya Moir does write beautifully. Her similes and her occasional stream of consciousness as Winstone negotiates his way out of a constant run of tricky situations seem just right; her language sometimes stops you in your tracks and makes you want to read a passage all over again, simply to appreciate the wordplay.
Nicky Pellegrino, Herald on Sunday
. . . the dazzling range of Moir's facility with prose is fully on display . . . This is a wonderful novel, but bleak as the Maniototo in full snow.
John McCrystal, NZ Books
This is a story that you may wish you didn’t know; but it’s a book that you will be glad you read. . . . This is a terrific book of a terrible tale. Tanya Moir walks a fine line with her story-telling here and when you watch anyone on a tight rope it is an exhilarating experience of fear and surprise.
Gillian Torckler, http://www.nzbooklovers.co.nz/book-reviews/general-fiction/the-legend-of-winstone-blackhat-by-tanya-moir/
International Dublin Literary Award
Longlisted • 2017 • Dublin Literary Award