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Strong women in historical fiction

19/8/2020

14 Comments

 
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Shifting Currents 
by Joanna Orwin


The two strong women who are the major protagonists in this novel, as well as the experiences they share, are based (the author explains) on actual early settler figures and events. The setting for the action is mostly northern Kaipara in the 1850s through to the 1880s, though there are also scenes set in Nelson and Auckland.
    The physical difficulties faced by these women – one, Lydia, is a Scot, the other, Eliza,  is from south Yorkshire – are detailed, and the tension that exists between the two provides a theme that runs throughout the book. Lydia has a shameful secret that she fears Eliza either knows or will be able to guess – a secret concerning the paternity of her youngest child, a daughter. Both women are married and have children, and the relationships between the women and their families also play a major part in the story. 
    As their personal histories unfold, the reader is also kept informed of important developments centred on the ever-increasing number of new settlers, and their relations with the local Māori. 
    Carving out clearings from the forests on the banks of the Wairoa River, the newcomers engage in a variety of activities, including tree-felling and milling, gum-digging, growing cash crops and raising dairy and beef cattle, and establishing other commercial enterprises of one sort or another. Naturally, such activities result at times in considerable and permanent environmental degradation. Clearing the forests leads to a great increase in the number and severity of floods, for example, and the use of fire causes the devastation of local wildlife as well as destroying centuries-old stands of kauri trees. Some of these occurrences are described in vivid detail. 
    Although the personalities of the two central women in the story and those of their families, are imagined, it seems that their main movements and life events closely follow those of the historical figures on whom they are based. Lydia develops a personal relationship with the wife of the dominant Māori leader in the area, Te Tirarau; and her daughter, Hannah, finds comfort in the company of the children of Te Tirarau’s people.   Meanwhile Eliza pursues life downriver, becoming an astute commercial operator and rising through the social ranks – the ambition that impels her.
    There are scenes and descriptions in this book that are not only involving but sometimes very moving. One of these is an affecting description of the grounding of the ship that brings Eliza and her family from Nelson to Auckland – a scene that also informs the reader of Eliza’s extraordinary courage and determination. Others revolve around the unforgiving and cruel treatment by Lydia’s (second) husband towards Hannah, her illegitimate daughter. Then there are those that demonstrate the developing sympathy and understanding between Lydia and Eliza.
    This is a book that many will find interesting mainly because of the historical detail; but others will likely become absorbed by the contrasting personalities and fates of Lydia and Eliza. It is also a well-presented book, clean and error-free, and altogether a worthy addition to the ranks of New Zealand historical fiction.

Review by Tony Chapelle
Title: Shifting Currents 
Author: Joanna Orwin
Publisher: Joanna Orwin
ISBN: 9780473519247
RRP: $35
Available: Trade paperback, available at independent bookshops or from Nationwide Books Distributors
14 Comments
Joanna Orwin link
19/8/2020 11:07:50 am

It's always a nervous time for an author when the reviews of a new book appear. So it's wonderful to get such a positive review on Flaxroots. The prologue and first chapter of Shifting Currents can be read free on Coalition for Books NZ, Resources - First Chapters (https//www.https://www.coalitionforbooks.nz/), and the book can be bought from independent booksellers or directly from Nationwide Books.

Reply
Carolyn McKenzie
19/8/2020 12:23:39 pm

Very striking cover design - a really clever idea. It reminds me of the silhouettes that were a popular portrait technique around that time.

Reply
Joanna Orwin link
19/8/2020 12:40:57 pm

Thanks Carolyn! I was thrilled with Maria Engelken's design (Smartwork Creative). As well as being eye-catching, it seemed to capture the main elements of the book -- the relationship between Lydia and Eliza, the role of the river, and the remote bush setting.

Reply
Nod Ghosh link
19/8/2020 06:57:36 pm

Comprehensive review, Tony, of a wonderful book. 'Shifting Currents' is New Zealand historical fiction at its best. Joanna Orwin knows how to tell a good story that holds the reader's attention, with an authenticity that comes from careful research of actual historical figures. The author knows a great deal about the history of kauri in Aotearoa, and this knowledge is put to good use in the book.

Reply
Joanna Orwin link
19/8/2020 09:50:23 pm

Our history is such a rich resource of events and personalities, with stories that beg to be told. The Kaipara in the kauri days must have been one of the most difficult environments for newcomer pioneer women to adjust to - remote, primitive living conditions, and nothing but intimidating forest for miles around.

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Annette Berkovits link
20/8/2020 12:53:23 am

This compelling and meticulously researched novel has numerous parallels to colonized places around the world, hence, it would appeal to audiences far beyond NZ. The characters are drawn with sensitivity and a deep understanding of the human soul. The reader has plenty on which to form a real attachment to the characters, especially the three female protagonists.

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Maybelle Wallis link
20/8/2020 03:20:11 am

This review sums up the themes and main characters in ‘Shifting Currents’ beautifully. While it will resonate strongly with NZ readers the core elements of the story are universal and so for me, in Ireland, the book held my interest throughout. In fact it was a welcome novelty for me to read of that setting and period.

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Tony Chapelle
20/8/2020 02:23:50 pm

I agree - if the central features are 'ordinary' people undergoing 'ordinary' experiences (rather than major historical figures and world-shattering events), then it is likely to be better 'fiction', and more useful 'history'. It's there you find the universality, no matter the time and place.
And thanks for the kind comment about the review, Maybelle.

Reply
Joanna Orwin
20/8/2020 03:19:10 pm

See my response to Tessa below. You express this beneficial attribute of historical fiction far better than I have, Tony! Thank you!

Joanna Orwin link
20/8/2020 07:41:38 am

Thank you all. It's humbling to get such perceptive and complimentary responses to my story -- makes the four years of hard work worthwhile.

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Tessa Duder
20/8/2020 11:12:52 am

Joanna's new book is New Zealand's historical fiction at its finest, and especially welcome as our educators are required to teach our history again. So many stories still to be told! Thank you Joanna for the writing skills and research so clearly invested in Shifting Currents.

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Joanna Orwin
20/8/2020 03:16:05 pm

I've always believed that well-researched historical fiction is a more palatable way of exploring history; with the ability to provide more subtle messages about the past than non-fiction can. Readers are more likely to gain some empathetic understanding of the motives, actions, and behaviour of our forebears by engaging with fictional characters. Shifting Currents is definitely a story that could be used to introduce high school students to a particular period of our colonial past that is now being re-examined.

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Jo Schaffel
25/8/2020 05:24:11 am

"Shifting Currents" is a compelling story of two families, mostly the women, as they interact with each other, their circumstances, and the environment around them. I am not from NZ so knew little of the history, but the themes are universal; native populations forced to react to European settlements; the power of men over women, the power of gossip and society's "rules" to control lives.

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Joanna Orwin
25/8/2020 08:32:21 am

I couldn't have put it better myself, Jo. Thank you!

Reply



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