Harbouring
Pattrick, JennyLike so many migrants, the Pengellins from Wales are seeking a better life, and New Zealand, on the other side of the world, beckons. Working as a procurer for Colonel Wakefield and the New Zealand Company, Huw is thrust into the development of early Wellington, while Martha must establish their home. Hineroa Taroaroa also yearns for a different future, one where she is no longer a slave.
Narrated by Huw, Martha and Hineroa, this is captivating story of the fledgling settlement, of the cauldron of colonisation, and New Zealand history brought to vibrant life.
Pages
297
297
Year
2022
2022
Reviews
22-02-2024
An easy read for most, but some felt it lacked depth of character. An unbiased perspective of both Maori and Pakeha. Interesting to learn of the Welsh settlers.
23-01-2024
Generally we enjoyed this book. Being Christchurch based, it was interesting for us to learn about the early days in Wellington.
15-12-2023
'Harbouring' clearly illustrates the differences between the culture of Maori and the Europeans. In hygiene matters particularly, the Maori were better adapted. It makes us realise the stories we have been told as children are inaccurate. The New Zealand Company was negligent and almost criminal in its attempts to colonise N.Z. for their own profit.
28-11-2023
The majority really enjoyed this book. We did wonder what the new immigrants thought was going to be here! Very interesting insight into our early history. One of our best discussion nights.
23-11-2023
The majority really enjoyed this book. We did wonder what the new immigrants thought was going to be here in the way of homes for them. Very interesting insight into our early History. One of our best discussion nights.
16-11-2023
Very interesting read. Some of the group have got hold of copies of the author's other books.
02-11-2023
The group as a whole enjoyed this book. It was enjoyably written. We appreciated the way the different perspectives were presented. Great insights into the lives of the immigrants and the Tangata Whenua. Great book!
13-10-2023
The majority of our group really enjoyed learning about our history. Especially liked the fact that Hineroa and Martha were portrayed as strong female characters. Lots of disturbing facts emerged about treatment of indigenous people by the settlers - good history for younger ( and older) generations to understand what really happened.
20-09-2023
An interesting book for our group. Set in our area as the mouth of the fish of the North Island. We found the three characters involved in telling their stories were all well developed. We were intrigued by the author's use of 'Harbouring' as the title with both the Wellington harbour providing shelter for ships, as well as the characters' secret thoughts.
16-08-2023
Very positive reaction to the book which was enjoyed by all. It was so interesting reading about the Wakefield Company, and the early settlement of Wellington and Kapiti. As a Kapiti group, the story and links to the history of our area was factual and interesting. Excellent writing.
06-07-2023
We all enjoyed this book - especially as it's set in our home town! We recognised many of the landmarks and streets. We also agreed we had learned a lot about Wellington's history, not to mention the dire conditions in Wales at that time.
27-06-2023
All members enjoyed this book, especially the N.Z. history running parallel with the storyline. Our discussions centred a lot on the inner strengths that came out of Martha and Hineroa and the adaptations made with both cultures dealing with a changing world. The Treaty of Waitangi was discussed at length also.
23-06-2023
Our group loved this story and how the author brought our history alive.
14-06-2023
We enjoyed the historical parts/Maori history, and the diverse characters held our interest. If there is a sequel we would love to read it.
07-06-2023
A comfortable read, and the local history was a bonus. Some thought it was a bit overtly instructive - but respected the depth of the research involved.
03-05-2023
Most commented on their lack of knowledge of this period in N.Z's past, and had researched for further facts.
21-03-2023
Most members thoroughly enjoyed this book about early C19th NZ history with both fictional characters and some who really existed. It was especially interesting to those who know Wellington well. Jenny Pattrick is a popular writer with group members; this is, perhaps, not her best book but it is still a very entertaining and well-researched novel.