In My Father's Den
Gee, MauriceWhen Celia Inverarity is brutally murdered, Paul Prior, her English teacher and mentor, is the chief suspect. Celia's death and the violence that follows, cause him to examine the past - a past that is as secret as his father's den. NZ Interest.
Comments from Groups
We all loved the book - an excellent read. Instead of questions, we watched the movie, but were very disappointed that it was so completely different from the book. Wellington 008 This novel was hugely enjoyed by all; exquisite writing handling a tender subject. Dunedin 082 Our group enjoyed this book in that it was an easy read. A dark story, but well written... Havelock North 005 Those of us who read the book really enjoyed it. We thought Gee captured the essence of the 50s well. One of the best books we have read this year. Palmerston North 011 We all enjoyed this book despite the grisly nature of the central incident. We thought the evocation of 50s/60s Henderson was spot on. Maurice Gee's writing is concise, with not a word out of place. Auckland 105 We all enjoyed this book. We thought it captured the times very well, and we had a lively discussion about prejudices in NZ society, then and now. Several people had seen the movie, and greatly preferred the book. Whitby 003 ....Most enjoyed book so far since our book club began. Dunedin 089
Pages
175
175
Year
1972
1972
Reviews
23-11-2023
The group was a bit divided over the book's darkness, but all agreed it was well-written and a good mystery.
11-08-2023
Interesting read for some, some couldn't get into it.
17-07-2023
This book created a very interesting discussion - on religion, human behaviour, the long term effects of a traumatic childhood on us as adults!! Then there was the unexpected identity of the murderer!
28-03-2022
This book generated lots of discussion! The book grabbed our readers and kept us engaged until the end. The subjects were difficult, but handled well. Although the group thought it more of a psychological read than a 'whodunnit'book, we were all guessing who did it right up to the end. We'd recommend the book.
28-03-2022
Enjoyed by all - easy read.
28-03-2022
It generated a good discussion. Several members thought that the main characters were flawed, and their behaviour would not be accepted today.
28-03-2022
Interesting little story. Good reflection of small town NZ in the 1970s, where Down Syndrome not well understood. Boys were mirror images of their parents. Very set ideas of how folk should act in society.
28-03-2022
Good book!
28-03-2022
Mixed opinions in the group. People agreed it was well-written. Some thought it was a very masculine viewpoint and violent in nature. Some members could relate to the personality of Paul as 'typical' of men of that era. We agreed that our treatment of those with Down Syndrome has moved on, and we found it shocking to read of the impact it had on Paul's life.
28-03-2022
We all enjoyed this book, especially with the setting being Henderson, close to where we grew up, and when we grew up. We could all relate to the time and setting. It captivated one's interest right up to the final scene. We thought the character development and psychoanalysis of characters were quite amazing. The characters were really believable.
28-03-2022
Initially most felt the book was a bit 'ordinary' and slow moving. However, after some robust discussions prompted by thoughts in the notes and questions, the book revealed more of its deeper characterisations and themes. The group's comments included - "It was nice to read a book set in NZ", "A bit gloomy", "Slightly disturbing undercurrents", "Well-written". A small book packed with good characterisation and varying themes. The idea of a den and just 'being' with books appeals to those of us who love books.
28-03-2022
True to his word, the den set the ground of formation - for the man he was to become. The writing was both intriguing and engaging, as the characters of the story unfolded. We wondered if Andrew was in any way jealous of Paul's needing not to be as pious as the household in which they were formed.
28-03-2022
Mixed reviews of the book. Some enjoyed it, others found it hard to get into.
28-03-2022
A good reflection of the period, very readable, but not all characters developed fully. The 'Den' in the title seemed to be important, or sinister, but this didn't really eventuate.
22-08-2019
Well-written, good crime novel. Enjoyed by all.
22-03-2019
Our group all enjoyed this book and thought it very well written. Our age group could identify with the era and one had lived in that area in the 70's so knew the location. It was a very authentic portrayal of life in the late 60's we could relate to and this generated a good discussion as to the then and now of life. The plot kept us guessing as to who was the culprit.
05-10-2018
Great read and great discussion.
05-10-2018
Everybody liked this book.
05-10-2018
The book created a robust discussion. The common theme of the discussion centred around how this book provided an authentic sense of NZ in the 60s. Despite being located in suburban Auckland, a provincial mind set dominated the theme and added to its authenticity...
03-10-2018
Although many in the group had read this book (a long time ago!) we all agreed it was well worth re-reading. We all enjoyed the excellent characterisation. The author had developed the character of Paul to such an extent that we not only found him believable, but could understand and maybe sympathise with him. He also achieved this with the secondary characters, but to a lesser extent. We also discussed ( but did not re watch) the movie, and the plot changes. Recommended!
03-10-2018
We enjoyed the book and thought it was well-written. Most viewed it as a psychological story rather than a 'whodunit'. We thought the questions were good, and they provoked a lot of discussion.
03-10-2018
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this book. We had an interesting discussion on the questions. It captured the 60s well.