Denniston Rose, The
Pattrick, JennySet in the 1880s in the bleak coal-mining village of Denniston. Isolated high on a plateau above the West Coast, is a place that makes or breaks those who live there. Into this chaotic community come five-year-old Rose and her mother. NZ Interest.
Comments from Groups
This book was greatly enjoyed by all members of the club. The historical accuracy was appreciated and light easy reading enjoyed. Invercargill 003 It was enjoyed as a light, easy historical novel. Found the style of writing unusual to swap tones like it does. Those of us who haven't visited Denniston want to go now. Ashburton 022 We found it rather grim. Life was hard. Apparently Jenny Pattrick now has an orgainsed tourist walk around the area that the book was based on. Tauranga 033 Created a lot of discussion about wide ranging issues of life in early New Zealand. A highly recommended read. Auckland 100 Most group members enjoyed this book, especially those of us from New Zealand. Everyone enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel but there were some scathing comments about the style of writing. It did envoke a lively discussion. Nelson 041 This book generated less discussion than usual. Members generally felt while it was not great literature, the social commentary was interesting. An enjoyable read. Whitby 003 An easy read. A yarn rather than a story. Mining life and living in Denniston seemed to be well researched. Everyone now interested to visit Denniston. Mangaweka 001 This book was enjoyed by the group. Well written and took us to the time and place so well with accurate historical facts interwoven with the story. Waiau 002We liked that it is a real place and historically accurate. An enjoyable read. Different people got different things from the book.
Pages
367
367
Year
2003
2003
Reviews
10-03-2019
Mixed reviews on this book. Some were reading it for a second time. One didn't bother to read it through. Well-written and informative but some found it too depressing to complete. Those who did or had read it found it was an interesting insight into life in a sad and dirty place with little hope for women in particular. It has inspired some of us to visit the old "ghost town".
27-09-2018
The whole group enjoyed the book, and the historical facts in the book. We had an animated discussion about the social conditions of the time. We thought it would not be suitable for young children even with the sexual content removed.
27-09-2018
A range of opinions from 2-4. We enjoyed the sequel 'Heart of Coal' more! A bleak setting, and we were not overly impressed with the writing. Quite lightweight.
27-09-2018
This book was enjoyed by everyone - a really authentic portrayal of life in a mining village on the West Coast. Particularly good were the characters whose personalities were revealed as one read further into the book. The discussion centred around Rose and her behaviour as a result of her background, and how people survived generally in the conditions outlined in Denniston. While it has been recommended as reading for teenagers, we felt that there were definite adult overtones and was more suitable for mature readers.
27-09-2018
Generally most of our group enjoyed this book. They especially liked the fact that it had a NZ author and was based on a town/history in NZ. We learnt a lot. The style of writing however, put some members off.
27-09-2018
This book spoke to many, especially those who have visited the mine site. Great discussions around the characters, the hardship of the time, the work, conditions and comparing them to mining now. Each character had us embarking on a new discussion throughout our evening. Such a good read even though very sad and frustrating at times.
27-09-2018
We had mixed reactions to this book. Some found it quite depressing while others loved the history, the characters and the setting. Those who enjoyed it felt compelled to read the sequel.
27-09-2018
Most readers had earlier read this book when it was first published. We had a great discussion on the merits of the writing as well as the researched facts of living on the West Coast, and the community that was Denniston. The hard life, the communal activities and the characters were well portrayed.
27-09-2018
The book led to a very full discussion. Most thought the book pretty grim, but interesting from an historical perspective.