Lawrence Patchett (1)

Intriguing mix of well-written short stories, many of which play around with aspects of New Zealand history. Some are longer than an average short story, e.g. 30-50 pages.
Highlights for me were:
- The title story, with a Pakeha-Maori mysteriously turning up injured in the present day and developing a friendship of sorts with the man who rescues him.
- My Brother's Blood about two brothers separated for years and the clash when they meet again; one is a sealer and the other in a religious show more order.
- The Snack Machine set in the present and about the relationship between a man and his young step-son. show less

Interesting short stories, mostly historical fiction, some in the present day, but very Kiwi and even Kapiti Coast. The use of Maori is earnest but doesn't quite work, but I admire how unafraid is Patchett of ranging widely.