Landings
Pattrick, JennyThis is the story of the Whanganui River at the beginning of the 20th Century; a bustling thoroughfare and lifeblood to the diverse characters living on its banks. An accident involving one of the tourist boats sets into play events that have wider implications for the community. An easy to read novel providing insight into this period of New Zealand nation building. NZ Interest
Comments from Groups
Everyone loved the story and have thoughts now about travelling down the Whanganui River. Ohope 005 A rollicking good story of its time, with well described characters and an interesting plotline. Christchurch 071 A delightful way to learn NZ history. Tauranga 022 Lots of discussion re cultural relations between Pakeha and Chinese and Maori and current state of play today. Palmerston North 029 'Landings' was a very popular book with us...All like Jenny Pattrick's style of writing and will be looking for more of her books in the library. Tauranga 005 A popular choice. Impressive research and evocation of the period and natural environment. Some issues with the actual plotline and possibly some caricatures of characters. Dunedin 029 Probably the book that members have enjoyed most so far. We all loved the way the history was interwoven with the story. We are already planning a group trip to the Whanganui River. Jenny Pattrick is a popular, 'easy to read' and compelling author. Te Horo 002 This book was of most interest to our readers interested in NZ history, or who were familiar with the area. Not the best of Jenny Pattrick's novels. Christchurch 357 We absolutely loved this book, as many of us have travelled in this area. We could picture the places the story is set in. It was lovely to read the connection between "Landings" and "Inheritance" - Bridie's baby is the half Chinese 'John O'Dowd' in "Inheritance". We loved the history of the Whanganui River. Otorohanga 003 This book started the most animated discussion of the year. Everyone was pleased they had read it. A little dark like all of Jenny Pattrick's books. Well researched, and a "don't want to put it down" book. Christchurch 294 A good book. Everyone enjoyed it and gave it 9/10. The descriptions of the area around the Whanganui River, made us wish we could have been there when the river was such an important and thriving highway. Masterton 013 Opinions were divided on this book - some were 'underwhelmed' by it. Others enjoyed the read, and it sparked an interest in visiting the Whanganui River and surrounding areas. Auckland 344 We all enjoyed this book. Some were able to share personal stories from the region. So nice to read a book set in NZ for a change. Recommended! Auckland 302
Pages
316
316
Year
2008
2008
Reviews
02-11-2023
While most of us thought the writing did not do justice to the research and subject matter, we enjoyed the clippings and quotes and the beginnings of the chapters. A new immigrant had a lot of pleasure researching the history of the Whanganui River.
23-08-2022
We all really enjoyed the historically based story, and now want to go for a trip down the Wanganui river!
12-04-2022
Everyone really enjoyed the book. Being historical, it was wonderful to learn things about that area.
07-03-2022
The group enjoyed the historical research but had differing views on the writing style and characters. Some felt these were a little underdeveloped.
15-05-2021
Everyone enjoyed this. We always like a bit of history, especially NZ history. Lots of us have travelled through the Whanganui River Road, or on the river and some of us have family in Whanganui. Jenny Pattrick does a great job of bringing the river to life, a great yarn in the context of actual events, people, places.
08-05-2021
We all enjoyed this book, the third (fourth) of Jenny Pattrick's that we have read. Several of us have travelled down the Wanganui River or driven along the river road so we were able to identify with the location.
17-12-2020
Everyone enjoyed the book, and we had a good discussion. We all liked the historical details as well as the story.
16-06-2020
Everyone loved this month's book. Members who have been to that area told us some great stories too. We had a very animated night's discussion.
27-10-2019
Our group had mixed feelings about this book. All loved the history and story telling, especially with it being based in NZ. Some were disappointed by the lack of character development.
27-08-2018
Unusually for us we all liked this book. It led to several discussions and reminiscences of the river and its history. Some members were unaware of the anti-Chinese discrimination or of tourism in this era.
27-08-2018
We really enjoyed the book. None of us had read any of Jenny Pattrick's books before, although we were familiar with 'Denniston Rose', and are now quite likely to read more of her work.
27-08-2018
We all loved this book!
27-08-2018
Enjoyed the historical setting and characters. Intrigued by story and glad it wasn't as bleak as 'Denniston Rose'.
27-08-2018
Most of the group thoroughly enjoyed the book. We liked the format with the historical aspects at the beginning of each chapter. We found it well researched; it really took you back to that period of early NZ. It highlighted the discrimination against early Chinese settlers, the importance of the Whanganui river for transportation and communication. Highly recommended.
27-08-2018
A mixed response to the book. Some did not finish; those who did enjoyed it, but would not rave about it. Thought the historic setting was well portrayed though.
23-08-2018
We are keen to read more of Jenny Pattrick's book. Very interesting discussion about the area and made us all want to spend time travelling around the Whanganui river and we particularly loved the history of the river.
09-08-2018
Jenny Pattrick's books are popular with our group. Some members were not so keen on this particular book but anyone who had had anything to do with the Wanganui River area thoroughly enjoyed gathering even more knowledge of the area. Her characters are so "lifelike" and this book sparked some research on Google. We recommend this book.