John

A powerfully told and very Aotearoa/NZ story. Truth and a little optimism to finish, but does not shy away from some hard facts about the colonial history of our country. Looking forward to reading more of what develops for Hana and her daughter.

Liked the short chapters and the quotations which begin them. Bit sceptical about the trains being the method of distribution of vaccine and food.

Great characterisation but rambling plot. Luckily the characters kept interest because little happens. Series of incidents rather than a whole.

The book is a language lesson in the way English was absorbed and adapted and it was fascinating to see colonialism from a fresh and non European perspective.

Editing would have helped. Too long, and rather repetitive in places. Great story though.

Strange thing to say about a medieval historical fiction but this felt dated. The perspective on relationships was so very masculine and unrealistic. ;[;I have clearly changed since my first reading thirty years ago. Still liked the details of the cathedral building however.

another lovely medieval forensic crime story. How many times through the series does Brother Cadfael spot a flower or a leaf on a corpse? And how human and moral are his judgments. Really enjoying rereading these gems, set during The Anarchy when Stephen and Maud were contesting the crown of England.