Larnachs, The
Marshall, OwenBased on 19th Century events in Dunedin and Wellington, this is the story of William Larnach, prominent businessman and politician, his third wife Constance and his youngest son Douglas. The relationship that develops between Conny and Dougie shocks the socially constrained society of the time and ultimately leads to tragedy.
Subtly narrated in alternate voices, and rich with the historical details of colonial New Zealand, this is a convincing story of love, scandal and morality. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
The discussion went well - we spent a fair bit of time talking about how much was true and how much was conjecture on the part of the author. Discussed the morality of what occurred and whether NZ culture / society has really changed. Culverden 001 Most in our group enjoyed the book. The story was quite predictable but it gave an interesting insight into the lives and living standards of pioneering New Zealanders. Three members of our group who grew up and / or studied in Dunedin found it especially interesting particularly when local places and people were discussed. Tauranga 034 All found it a bit slow. Great writer though and his prose is fantastic. It caused a good discussion on family life today and how our children cope with second marriages. Papamoa 001
Pages
293
293
Year
2011
2011
Reviews
12-01-2024
Most enjoyed the read and all the history.
18-10-2023
Intriguing tale around non-fictional events in 19th century New Zealand. Interesting character development, easy narrative and clever format with the tale told as two different perspectives from the main characters (Dougie and Conny).
07-06-2023
Writing style much appreciated.
10-04-2022
Our consensus of opinion was a 2.7/5. We thought the author quite successfully transported us back to that time and found the role of women and "a woman's lot" back then somewhat unenviable. Considering the characters were, at times, rather unpleasant people with some questionable traits, the author managed to keep it engaging enough to keep the pages turning. Some thought it could have been shorter as it was a bit repetitive and lost momentum at times. We enjoyed the occasional thought-provoking passages scattered throughout the book.
28-02-2022
A good insight into early N.Z. Everyone read it or attempted to. A few just didn't enjoy the style and found it very repetitive. Others loved it.
16-02-2022
A good insight into early New Zealand. Everyone read it or attempted to read it. A few just didnt enjoy the style and found it very repetitive. Others loved it. Some members had visited Larnach Castle and now others hoping to. Great night.
18-10-2021
As we were all familiar with Larnach's Castle, we enjoyed this book. We decided the format of telling the story by two of the characters was good, but it made for some repetition.
22-07-2021
This was thoroughly enjoyed by the group - the language, the era evoked, the history, the whole thing. One gent even said he never thought he'd read a love story, let alone enjoy reading it!
22-07-2021
Authentic in terms of historical facts and the mores of the time. Didn't excite sympathy for the characters.
22-07-2021
Group sharply divided in opinions. Three gave it a 2 star and found it slow, boring, and a "bodice ripper"! The rest of us thought it was skilfully crafted, characters well developed and believable, with clever touches setting the scene of Dunedin and Wellington in the era. We gave it a 4 star!
22-07-2021
Enjoyed it, and the style it was written in. Especially good as we could visit some of the historical sites.
21-07-2021
Mixed reaction to this book. Some enjoyed it, some thought it long winded and boring! A good insight into NZ in the Victorian era - how times have changed.
21-07-2021
We felt the author captured the essence of the thinking of that period in history. Conny's actions in regard to her husband upset the morality of the Victorian era. Whilst she began to be shunned by Dunedin society, she showed her loyalties to her husband by supporting him in his endeavours, while her love for Dougie never waived. It was a tragic story sensitively recorded.
21-07-2021
Inspired lively discussion of N.Z. history.
21-07-2021
This fictional, historic novel was enjoyed by most of the group. The story was slowly presented with alternating voices in an appropriate writing style for the time.
21-07-2021
General consensus was that it was well-written and enjoyed by all. A great insight into a part of history.
21-07-2021
A great read - N.Z. history, social history, compelling characters, well-written. Enjoyed by all group members.
21-07-2021
History was interesting, but somewhat tedious prose.
21-07-2021
I was unable to attend the meeting, but the group reported a great discussion and overall hearty endorsement of the book. Apparently there was a move to arrange a trip to Dunedin to visit 'the lamp'. Second time reading this book for me - enjoyed as much as the first read.
26-07-2019
A beautiful tender love story. Many of us knew the story of the relationship, and the familiar places. As one reader said "Fact can be stranger than fiction". An easy read, well-written, but didn't rivet some. Cleverly written in the language of the era, with picturesque descriptions of the castle and the characters.
29-04-2018
We were a little disappointed in this book, some of us by the characters, some of us by the writing. We were looking forward to this, as we live quite close to Dunedin and most of us know it well, and have visited Larnach Castle. We did enjoy the historical bits and the setting and learning about the lives in more detail of the Larnachs particularly and the other politicians and important Dunedin people that we knew of. But we expected more stylish writing from Owen Marshall whose short stories some of us had read and admired. Characters were a little flat and the narrators undifferentiated.