Barbara Anderson (1) (1926–2013)

Wow this was such a brilliant book it blew me away. What a shame her books are so hard to get hold of - I will have to try anyway. This was fab from start to finish, telling the story of the New Zealand Minister for Culture, Links and Trade on an official visit to Hong Kong and Malaysia with his entourage in tow. Quite a novelty really as we don't get to hear much about Antipodean politics in the UK; they only really feature on the radar when the Aussie Prime Minister launches into an show more expletive-riddled tirade, or gooses the Queen.

This book will do little to dispel any preconceived ideas about earthy language amongst politicians 'down under', and so much the better. It's written in an exuberant, witty style with some great dialogue, loads of swearing, believable characters and a superb offbeat romance.Of all the books that have accompanied me into Costa Coffee, this has come the closest to having me ejected for an unseemly display of mirth that would have put Stuart Hall to shame. I really can't say anything negative about it, except perhaps that the end came too soon. I only wish they could have carried on touring the Pacific Rim into perpetuity! show less

Very good - definitely another half a star. Particularly clever how the narrator of the book changes at certain points without any warning to illuminate the main character from outside - I was always aware when the switch happened - and it was done without putting the internal life of the other character on the line - so produces a real sense of the main character achieving a change (of heart!) without commenting on the other characters who may or may not be changing - who knows? because the show more narrative is not focusing on that. Hard to describe. Also a nice 'New Zealand' feel - I felt I was there and not here (UK). A pleasure to spend some time with this book. show less

Very good - definitely another half a star. Particularly clever how the narrator of the book changes at certain points without any warning to illuminate the main character from outside - I was always aware when the switch happened - and it was done without putting the internal life of the other character on the line - so produces a real sense of the main character achieving a change (of heart!) without commenting on the other characters who may or may not be changing - who knows? because the show more narrative is not focusing on that. Hard to describe. Also a nice 'New Zealand' feel - I felt I was there and not here (UK). A pleasure to spend some time with this book. show less

Set mostly in Wellington, New Zealand, Robin Dromgoole, only child of his widowed mother Eileen, grows up with Emmeline and her aunt Miss Bowman, living one side, while Lisa lives the other side with her disappointing brother Murray and her abandoned mother Maureen. "Three in a row and not a man in sight. Funny isn't it? Four kids and not a father between them, if you count Emmie"

Barbara Anderson is skilled at drawing her characters with quick bold strokes, rather like a verbal Rolf Harris show more painting. They have well-defined and recognisable characteristics, but somehow even more so, while not actually larger than life, they appear to be more distinctive in their idiosyncrasies. I love the way she captures the essence of growing up in New Zealand. show less