New Zealand Fiction by pixabay.com

In Focus: New Zealand Fiction

Fiction by New Zealand writers can reveal something of our national character - our obsessions, language, traditions, and ways of thinking.

Find familiar settings, or hidden corners, characters you recognise or those that challenge, and more, in the fiction of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Waterline: a novel. Chris Else
In a South Pacific nation taken over by technology, an affluent family has fallen on hard times. Brian, Stella and their two teenage kids must move from the capital to Byte, a small city in the grip of an oppressive, computerised government and a gang of religious fanatics. When Brian gets into trouble with the authorities, Stella, Mandy and Luke must fend for themselves. Who can they trust and where can they seek help?

Scented: a novel. Laurence Fearnley
As a university lecturer, Sian knew who she was and her role in society.  When the Humanities department is restructured, Sian loses her job and struggles with her new reality and sense of identity.  Sian has always had an interest in perfume and so she begins to construct a perfume of herself. Note by perfume note, referencing scent memories and recent events, she rebuilds herself.

Pearly Gates. Owen Marshall
Pat Gates, aka "Pearly" is the mayor of a small South Island town and also part owner of a real estate company.  He was head boy at school and had a promising rugby career. Up until now he has been fairly pleased with his life and all he has achieved, but lately he has been feeling dissatisfied as a couple of events threaten his world.

The Secrets of Strangers. Charity Norman
Five strangers get caught up in a shooting at at London cafe and are held hostage. But there is more to the situation than first meets the eye and as the captives grapple with their own inner demons, the line between right and wrong starts to blur. Will the secrets they keep stop them from escaping with their lives?

The Boyfriend. Laura Southgate
Erica is seventeen and in her last year of High School.  She is drawn to 42-year-old Donny,  who attends her yoga class and also her German club. Erica is naive and uncertain and Donny is very charismatic.  They move in together but Donny proves to be violent and unpredictable. 

Selected Stories. Vincent O'Sullivan
This newly-published book contains thirty-five stories from seven collections published over more than forty years from Dunedin's own Vincent O'Sullivan.

SEE ALSO:

The Claim. David Briggs
Lost in the Spanish Quarter. Heddi Goodrich
The Fell. Robert Jenkins
Necessary Secrets. Gregg McGee
The Strength of Eggshells. Kirsty Powell