Insatiable Moon, The
Riddell, MichaelArthur, along with other recovering psychiatric patients, lives in a boarding house in Ponsonby, Auckland. Believing himself to be the second son of God, and intent on his crusade to do God's work, Arthur encounters an eclectic mix of quirky and vulnerable people. From his fellow boarders and a local minister having a crisis of faith, to a disillusioned housewife from Howick, and an aggressive TV journalist, each character is clearly drawn and instantly recognisable. With its gentle spiritual overtones and its social policy observations, this is an unconventional story, thoroughly enjoyable and rich with thought provoking ideas. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
Some loved the book, others found the religious themes too confronting. Tauranga 19 We enjoyed the familiar setting (Ponsonby, Auckland) and the insights into mental health issues. We didnt enjoy the crassness and sexual content. Auckland 50 Incredibly descriptive and moving book. Tauranga 36 The book was well liked, good descriptive writing, characters clearly drawn. It made you think and consider how we treat people on the fringes. Auckland 116
Pages
367
367
Year
1997
1997
Reviews
13-02-2023
Though reticent at first, most of the group did read over the summer and enjoyed the themes. It was classed as Christian erotica. Great discussion around gentrification, class systems and mental health.
10-10-2022
We all loved this book. Funny and tender with beautifully drawn characters.
27-09-2022
Mixed reaction to this book - very involved and great discussion with lots of feedback. Those who had been to Ponsonby related to it completely. There was so much more in this book than you realised, until you read it and then discussed it. Well-written but interesting to read the notes afterwards and realise the author was previously a minister - some of us felt differently after we found this out. Would like to see the movie.
30-06-2021
Mixed reviews on this book. It certainly highlighted the challenges for mental health patients. The boarding house exchanges were a delight to read. We found the chopping and changing of the characters in the story annoying, and some parts written beyond belief. The author obviously had a great insight though to the struggles of psychiatric patients. This morning I watched some excerpts of the movie, and wish we had all seen this whilst reading the book - it would have been amazing.
10-03-2021
Many were reluctant to read this book after reading the blurb on the back. Those who persisted were pleased with it, and enjoyed the unusual style. One member had been part of the Ponsonby community in the 1990s, and felt very comfortable with the depiction of the area.
10-03-2021
We enjoyed this book and appreciated that it was set in an area of Auckland that we all know well. The setting, including the social changes that have happened there, was very realistic.. Interestingly, few of the group knew of the movie based on the book, and many will now seek that out.
10-03-2021
We (most of us) enjoyed this book, and the comical way it presents a social commentary on N.Z life. The reader readily suspends disbelief as Arthur, the second son of God, wins the love of Margaret. Well worth reading - the film is recommended too.
10-03-2021
'The Insatiable Moon' was a challenging read. Everyone enjoyed aspects of the book. There was praise for the clever writing style. Riddell excels in descriptive prose, humour and provides view of people. His characters are real and exist in life. His best writing came in the funeral service and in the shambolic public meeting. He gave us plenty to think about ie.the way people with paranoia are treated. Views were polarised on the protracted sex scene; some felt it was a distraction, while others argued it was the critical part of the book. So good discussion resulted.
10-03-2021
We really enjoyed a local book. A witty writer! It was thought-provoking on so many levels. One reader said," I now look at homeless people on the street in a very different way".
10-03-2021
All the members enjoyed the book and found it quite thought provoking about how we treat mental illness, and patients' reintegration into the community. Everyone enjoyed the writing style, imagery and "Kiwi-ness" of the setting.
10-03-2021
We all found the book fascinating. The metaphors were intriguing, if not a little overwhelming. However, overall we found it quite a compelling read, especially the clear link with the theological themes of the Passion and Easter.
10-03-2021
An excellent read. Wide ranging discussion.
10-03-2021
We found ourselves questioning, "What is normal" Everyone enjoyed this book especially as it is a book that most of us would not normally have read. We would strongly recommend this book.
12-09-2019
Most in the group enjoyed this book, one loved it and one wasn't so keen. Members felt it was well-researched, well-written, although one felt some of the characters were a bit cliched, some enjoyed the presence of the angles, other felt that was the one part they didn't like. It created a lively discussion on mental health services, and the changes that have been made in NZ over the years. The book has been made into a movie, and all felt it would make a good movie and were keen to see it.