Blog Posts - Flaxroots Productions

Novel shows generational contrasts

18/3/2022

Trials and Tribulations of a Talented Teen
by Robin Lee-Robinson

After finishing Book 2 in this series I was itching to find out what happened to Jack’s mysterious grandmother. Book 3, focuses on Rosalyn’s diaries in 1983 when she was 15-16 years old.
The backdrop of the story is Gisborne, 1983, and the author’s depiction of this era of New Zealand’s cultural norms and values shows a contrast to today. These differences would be an eye-opener to many teenagers, including the absence of technology.
Teenage Rosalyn, has a distinct personality, with a self-absorbed vision and confidence. Undeterred by society’s expectations, Rosalyn, is intent on forging the life of her dreams regardless of any gender barriers or external constraints. Her complete disregard for anyone else’s point of view results in many hilarious episodes and misunderstandings.
There’s a strong emphasis throughout this series on whanau bonds throughout the generations.
At the back, there’s a glossary of Maori words and phrases.
With pages dwindling towards the end of the book, I wondered if Rosalyn’s mysterious disappearance was going to be resolved satisfactorily, or if I was going to be kept in suspense. The ending was surprising, but also cleverly foreshadowed.

Review by Wendy Scott
Award-Winning Children’s Author

Title: Trials and Tribulations of a Talented Teen
Author: Robin Lee-Robinson
Publisher: Red Hen Books
ISBN: 978-0-473-59447-3
RRP: $25
Available: Paperback from author website Robin Lee-Robinson Books
or robinleerobinson@gmail.com

Multilingual poems in collection

11/3/2022

ināianei/now
by Vaughan Rapatahana

This multilingual assemblage comes together very much like a position paper. The author looks at relationships, places, the histories and tragedies of this land, and emotions and ideas.
The poems are in Te Reo Māori (generally with English version provided) and in English, with sprinklings of Mandarin and Tagalog; the last part of the book contains an increasing number of concrete poems. In each section, the author’s voice very clearly states what he thinks now, today, in view of what is going on now, today.
The relationships speak of old loss, just as painful now as when it first occurred, and the poem ‘invictus redux’ (pp 15-16, quoted in full) seems to speak for the collection as a whole:

this was your favourite verse.
   something I did not know
                                  until     later.
   far too late.
   your life
   revoked its rhythm
   rescinded its rhyme,
   would never reach
   crescendo.
   we     became     fissured.
   not masters of our fates
   nor captains of our souls.
   the kōrero we never had
   the mokopuna we never shared
   our future time together
   a speculative fiction.
   now only words remain.
   a brusque poem
   on bulimic paper,
   wrenched from an aged book
   lorn in a hick town library
   no one remembers
   but me.
The third section (and parts of the second) contains much more anger – as well as more Te Reo – and is very much in tune with the idea of ‘now’: the history and tragedies of this land stands out, reinforcing the belated moves to teach a corrected account of 19th century history to New Zealanders.
With a multilingual poet, it’s always a temptation – though no proof is possible, I suppose – to wonder why they are pushed towards one language rather than another for a particular poem. In this section, there are more Te Reo poems than elsewhere in the book, and the outrage seems to grow in the same proportion.
Early on (‘he parekura: Ōrākau 1864’, pp 81-84), Rapatahana quotes the New Zealand Herald’s 1864 casual description of slaughtered women and children, describing his visit to the site with the refrain
   does anyone know what happened there?
   does anyone care?
In this poem, he includes Te Reo in direct quotes. In the next poem, ‘te korekore tonu’ (pp 85-86), the whole poem is in Te Reo. Pages later, he is insistent that speakers of both languages listen to him equally, and his format changes to two languages side by side in columns (though I’m unable to compare meanings for both). ‘so the theft continues/na reira ka haere tonu te tāhae’ points the finger in no uncertain terms:
   so the theft continues
   –less manifest this
   time around–
   but still white fingers
   in the cake, eh
   poking, ever poking
   into the core
   while licking off the
   icing.
In the final section, emotions and ideas, the poet reaches into his memory for other feelings, to accompany (but not replace or erase) the anger.  The wisdom of a long life speaks (‘coloratura’, pp 130-131):
   be kind to your younger self.
   they did not know.
   be forgiving
   of their foolish acts.
   ...
   love
   who you once were.
   be generous
   to that former self,
   in a coloratura
   to that unversed mimic
   no longer gazing back
   from the mirror.
Interestingly, this last section is very heavy on concrete poems. Perhaps this a hint that words themselves are not enough – that where they sit and what shape they take is just as important as grabbing handfuls out of the dictionary, whichever language we choose.
here to edit.

Review by Mary Cresswell

Title: ināianei/now
Author: Vaughan Rapatahana
Publisher: Cyberwit, Allahabad, India
ISBN: 978-81-8253-774-3
RRP: NZ$27.00, US$18 +p&p
Available: from the publisher http://www.cyberwit.net
and from Amazon

One night, one lion, one cake

4/3/2022

Lion Guards the Cake
by Ruth Paul

You’ve seen those stone lions that stand as guardians at entrances. You may even have a pair on your gateposts. But do you know what they may get up to during the night?
This is a story of one night, and one such lion who takes his role of guardian very seriously.

Lion sits above the yard,
Hour by hour, keeping guard.
But in the dusk he slips his post,
quietly, like a golden ghost,
and goes to where he’s needed most.

The title and the cover give clues about what this defender of the household is up to on this particular night.
The rhyme and metre of the text are bouncy and appealing with recurring lines that encourage even the littlest listeners to participate in the telling.
As with all picture books from Scholastic New Zealand, the 32 pages are beautifully laid out and illustrated with full-colour full-page pictures that add detail to the text.
This story of Lion’s night-time dedication to duty, written and illustrated by Ruth Paul, is bound to be a much requested bedtime favourite of many children.

Review by Emily R

Title: Lion Guards the Cake
Author: Ruth Paul
Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand
ISBN: 9781775437451
RRP: $19.99
Available: bookshops

Good work on educational content

25/2/2022

The 13th Animal – Why Taffy the Cat Missed Out
by Vaughan Rapatahana
& Pauline Canlas Wu

Everyone has some understanding of the Chinese calendar which was developed more than two and a half thousand years ago, and the tale of the 12 animals that represent the divisions.
This educational resource book tells a different, imaginative story as the title suggests.
The animals characters in this version are mainly the same – rat through to pig – but with additions. The setting is a farm, location unspecified. It’s home for most of the animals (cow, horse, pig etc.), but with some effort the others are made to fit in (tiger, monkey and a flying fire-breathing dragon).
The story of each animal character, Robbie the rooster, Harry the horse, etc., is followed by several pages of educational content teaching literary devices such onomatopoeia, simile, vocabulary as well as introduction to new words, and exercises to increase understanding of the story.
The strong point of this 110 page book is in this educational content. An answer section for each of the sets of exercises is included at the end.
As for the narrative – it is better not to be too attached to the original story or stories of the selected animals. In this new modernized version there’s no mention of the Jade Emperor or the Buddha, or the classic race. And gendering of the animals means the yin-yang balance has been lost.
Though the introduction says, rightly, that there is a set order in which they arrive, on the same page the pictures of the twelve animals are in a different order, as they also appear on the back cover.
But what of the 13th animal – the cat of the title? Well, that’s a story you can read for yourself.
Less understandable, is the inclusion of an epilogue that introduces a newspaper-reading panda.
There has been good work put into the exercises that support each of the 14 sections, and it will be for the educational content that this book may find its way into classrooms.

Review by Jacqui Lynne

Title: The 13th Animal – Why Taffy the Cat Missed Out
Author: Vaughan Rapatahana & Pauline Canlas Wu
Publisher: User Friendly Resources
ISBN: 978-995143241
RRP: $24.99 for printed book or pdf. $36.99 for both printed book and pdf.
Available: https://userfriendlyresources.co.nz/product/taffy-the-cat/?v=32b7e9b49210

Cautionary tale for new chums and impetuous volunteers

18/2/2022

The Fundraiser: The Good, the Bad and the Stupid
by C. C. Johannes Peet

The Fundraiser should be compulsory reading for everyone who has recently moved to a new town – especially if it is, as in this case, a fairly small locality where all the old timers know each other.
It’s easy enough to relate to Hans Peet’s story. The newcomer goes to a public meeting. In this case, it’s for a sports centre, but it could just as easily be for the Scouts, the Coast Guard, the Squash Club, the Museum… they all need to raise funds. The newcomer, still bursting with the energy that he (or she) needed in their old life in the city, finds the meeting dull. Instead of leaving the meeting, in a rash moment of exasperation, he puts up a hand and volunteers to run a fundraiser surf casting competition – something he has never done before! His life is about to change for ever.
What follows is compelling reading – and this is a true story. The newcomer has to prove to himself and the town that he can do it and do it better than everyone expects. Some of the locals are supportive, encouraging the fundraiser every step of the way and warning him of possible hitches. Others couldn’t be more obstructive, some sulk, others prophesy failure and others go out of their way to jeopardise the event. The fundraiser has to deal with personalities that he never expected to encounter as well as keeping up with his to do list. Even Mother Nature has a role.
The newcomer digs deep, calling in some favours, chasing up contacts, finding inner resources he didn’t even know he had. The book could be subtitled “How to organise a fundraising event”. Everything the reader learns about organising a surf casting competition can be transferred to any fundraising venture. Peet’s experience is a massive learning curve and with the event drawing nearer and nearer, the reader will want him to succeed. But will he? And will he succeed the following year? Will there be high fives or wounds to lick, or both?
Peet writes in a chatty style but the dynamics of a small-town community is exposed in sharp and witty clarity.
By way of a disclaimer, Peet states that most of the names in this story – presumably of the bad and the stupid – have been changed. I certainly hope so as otherwise Peet will definitely be a marked man.

Review by Carolyn McKenzie

Title: The Fundraiser: The Good, the Bad and the Stupid
Author: C. C. Johannes Peet
Publisher: DIY Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 978-0-473-57701-8
RRP: paperback $20 incl. post in NZ via ccjpeet@xtra.co.nz
Available: Author or Amazon for paperback & ebook

Book has appeal to teenage girls

11/2/2022

Call me Madeleine
by Kate S Richards

As is typical of Richards’ prior 3 books, “Call me Madeleine” has a lot of drama and is a coming of age story.
This Cli-fi (Climate change fiction) story is set in the near future within New Zealand and is written from the title character’s point of view.
Madeleine, a feisty 17-year-old, lives with her two professional parents. At school, she has a university age boyfriend, Liam, and two close friends, Mia and Tui. Madeleine’s frequent outbursts, obsession with texts and over the top reactions are typical for the age, and relatable.
Grief is explored. Madeleine’s grandmother has recently died from a deadly virus during one of repeated pandemics. We see how Madeleine, her mother and grandfather deal with the loss. There is also public intergenerational conflict with her grandfather, who doesn’t believe in climate change.
Madeleine is anxious about the increasing frequency of major storms, fires and floods, but only Tui shares her passion to raise awareness.  She and Tui skip school to attend a climate march which makes it feel very real and relevant.
Liam is her first love and the romantic feelings Madeleine experiences are beautifully portrayed. There is understated conflict between Madeleine’s love for Liam versus his values (he won’t drive an e-car) versus her parents’ disapproval of him. There is also conflict between Madeleine and Mia, who secretly adores Liam and  throws herself at him at the party, the betrayal wounding Madeleine.
She reconnects with a childhood friend, Christopher, who is also passionate about climate change, and who provides her with emotional support and moral guidance. Christopher’s family is deeply religious and his life is portrayed as pure, wholesome and honest. It didn’t quite ring true to me that Christopher would refer to himself as having a strong moral compass. However, Madeleine feels something spiritual arise to guide her. She speaks eloquently of the existentialist concern for our planet that is typical of the current Generation Z.
A strong theme of the book is resilience in the face of a series of disasters. A coastal flood, landslide and fire threaten lives in the local community, including Madeleine’s. Faith, science and a strong connection to the planet and each other provide the bedrock for recovery.  The New Zealand landscape and Māori culture are lovingly described. These descriptions are a major strength of the book, portraying this country’s landscape and identity very well.
During a cyclone, Christopher helps rescue residents from a flooded retirement home. He feels vindicated that the cyclone stopped a developer from draining the wetland and building another retirement home. The Government Conservation Department (incorrectly referred to as GDC) eventually buys the abandoned land and he sets about replanting it in indigenous species.
Differences between science and religion are resolved as Chris believes God invented science. There are lovely descriptions of the birdlife and a glossary of all Māori terms.
Overall, the book is beautifully written, easy to read and would appeal to teenage girls. My only little niggle is inconsistencies with the characters due to its proselytising narrative. As is also typical of Richard’s other books, there is a strong underlying Christian religious theme.

Review by Bee Greenfield

Title: Call me Madeleine
Author: Kate S Richards
Publisher: Green Room House
ISBN: 978-0473600938
RRP: $29.99
Available: from the author (www.katesrichards.com), or online retailers, some bookshops

Quirky idea in a classroom pair

4/2/2022

Hokē te Whanokē Bod the Odd
by Vaughan Rapatahana; with illustrator Pauline Canlas Wu

One book or two books – there’s a choice here.
Read it in Te Reo as Hokē te Whanokē. Or in English as Bod the Odd
This pair of short books – they’re only 13 pages each – are similar in all but the choice of language.
The text is simple and on each page there’s a full-colour picture that illustrates the quirky idea of Bod/Hokē, an odd creature with even odder habits.
They are written and designed as educational resources
for children from about 7 years up, to be used in classrooms –
the story text followed by Bod the Odd Exercises to prompt comprehension,
group learning, and discussion.

Review by Jacqui Lynne

Title: Hokē te Whanokē & Bod the Odd
Author: Vaughan Rapatahana; illustrator Pauline Canlas Wu
Publisher: User Friendly Resources
ISBN: Hokē te Whanokē 9780995143234; Odd the Bod 9780995143227
RRP: $24.99 each, $36.99 for the combo
Available: https://userfriendlyresources.co.nz

Entertaining read for teens addresses important matters

28/1/2022

Troubled Water – Viola Vincent Reporting
by Anna Kenna

“This book is dedicated to young people throughout the world who are demanding action to save our planet in this time of crisis.”
At the outset the intention is stated, and throughout the 168 pages of text there’s no apology for keeping to it.
Caitlin, in her early teens, has already gained a reputation as a stirrer. In a good way. She takes on causes, looking into issues she feels need investigating. She’s abetted by an equally concerned librarian and a news reporter. Under the name Viola Vincent, Caitlin has been instrumental in bringing about changes in other social areas.
This time, after she picks up a tummy bug at a swimming hole in a river, she takes on the problem of polluted water – part of her wider concern for environmental reform and control.
Lessons about the environment and its management are well incorporated into the dialogue so don’t appear contrived.
Even better, the story includes iwi views and sensitivities around whose voices are being listened to.
Despite the serious messages at its heart, the book is not heavy – it’s an easy and entertaining read that addresses important matters in a way well geared to teens. It is well timed to support growing environmental concern among young people as has been shown in recent youth protests.
It’s definitely one that should be added to every school library.

Review by Emily R

Title: Troubled Water – Viola Vincent Reporting
Author: Anna Kenna
Publisher: Tiromoana Publishing
ISBN: 9780473486303
RRP: $25
Available: bookshops

Novel deals with chaos in small community

21/1/2022

Wild Chorus
by Peter Thomas

During a violent West Coast storm, 5 year old Davey tells his mother he has seen fire in the sky. His mother, River, recognises the distress flares, and mobilises the tiny community to rescue two women and two men from the raging sea – Thyme, Tidie, Raro, and Tonga. Their presence changes the whole community forever.
The newcomers had taken great pains to keep their presence away from all authorities such as police, doctors and hospitals. The plans they had made to begin farming near Greymouth ended on the rocks and crashing surf of the small bay, along with their tools, seeds and equipment.
The rescued sailors are accepted into the small community and begin to build an extension onto River’s cabin to house themselves. Their open approach to sex is difficult for the others to understand at first, but is soon seen as normal behaviour.
A hot shot lawyer (Grant) from Christchurch arrives with his wife, full of ideas and cash to combat climate change by building a self-sufficient community, driven by what he calls a ‘circle of giving’ economy.
A young Indian woman, Karma, comes with a new born baby, and Grant admits to being the father. Under pressure from his wife, he agrees to build Karma a cabin to live in.
To this mix is added the news that a high court judge jumped, or was pushed, off the roof of a hotel, and his wife comes seeking Grant to represent her son who was ‘helping the police with their enquiries’. However, she has a second motive for her visit. Thyme used to work as the Judge’s secretary, and became aware that his wife and son were major drug distributors.
From out of this chaos Grant drives the idea of taking in young offenders and teaching them life skills by building a garden to allow the community to become self-sufficient in food, and giving them a skill they can use to get employment when their time is up.
The author uses his technical background to make the plans appear workable, and his social ideas frame the way the community is organised. He draws on Maori culture to illustrate how these ideas have worked in the past, and can do so again if we are willing to let them.
The book reads easily, but I will not attempt to comment on the social ideas that it contains. I will leave it to readers to make up their own minds in that regard.

Review by Pisces79

Title: Wild Chorus
Author: Peter Thomas
Publisher: Good Hope Publishing House
ISBN: 978-0-9941188-7-5
RRP: $23 plus Post and Packing (where applicable)
Available: Bookshops; Good Hope Publishing PO Box 596 Picton 7220, pandi.goodhope@gmail.com;
Raukura Art Gallery rua4art@xtra.co.nz; Amazon

Good archival investigation

14/1/2022

Spies and Lies: The Mysterious
Dr Dannevill
by Julie Glamuzina

This is one of those fascinating historical puzzles that tend to leave more questions than satisfactory answers, but lots of intrigue along the way.
Dr Dannevill arrived in New Zealand with a female companion from England, and helped set up something called the Lahmann Home in Miramar, Wellington in 1912. The ‘home’ was meant to be a sanctuary, providing some form of respite care for those suffering nervous exhaustion, and was thus something of a private psychiatric clinic.
But was Dr Dannevill really a medical doctor, with experience in researching venereal disease? Was her name actually Dannevill, and why did she use the prefix ‘von’, when it had aristocratic connotations? Was she actually Danish or not, and why did she often pose as a man to obtain work?
Julie Glamuzina asks all of these questions and more, without reaching compelling answers. Dr Dannevill was the subject of compulsion once suspected of being a German spy in 1917, a long time after war broke out, largely because of the failure of the Lahmann Home. We get to know quite a lot about her interrogation from the official archives, but her answers were still mostly evasive.
The book is written in the context of lesbian history, but all sorts of angles and explanations for Dannevill’s journeys are considered. Ultimately, there is not much of narrative here: we still don’t know much of her past, but after being released from confinement on Somes Island in Wellington Harbour, Dannevill heads down south with a former patient, and eventually leaves the country for good. So there is certainly a final journey, as the couple head to San Francisco, but no happy ending.
There is a lot of good archival investigation here, and excellent endnotes which add to the detail.
Much of the book is about contextual information, firstly about Dr Edith Huntley, who set up the Lahmann Home, and other associates in New Zealand. There are other entirely contextual chapters, about other female ‘global travellers’ and ‘scandalous women’ of that historical era. But ultimately it can be seen as a story of someone who didn’t fit in the society of the time, and was vulnerable to discrimination or persecution, especially when the State is looking for enemies within their borders.

Review by S A Boyce

Title: Spies and Lies: The Mysterious Dr Dannevill
Author: Julie Glamuzina
Publisher: DoubleaXe Press
ISBN: 978-0-473-58080-2
RRP: $35
Available: bookshops

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