Paua Tower, The
Atkinson, CoralSet in a central North Island town during the Depression, The Paua Tower explores the relationship of a group of people struggling to survive and make sense of a bitter time. It is the story of Vic Cowan, an unemployed activist, and Stella Morgan, the sweetheart who must save herself. It also tells of Jack Baldwin, the disabled bank manager who has visions, and Roland Crawford, the doubting clergyman. Faith is lost and found; corruption is rife and innocence destroyed, but through it all, love blossoms and hope endures. NZ Interest.
Comments from Groups
Easy to read. While some characters were stereotyped, the period was well portrayed and prompted much discussion. Writing style clunky in places. Overall well received. Wellington 123 Mixed reactions ... All thought conditions of life during the depression were well portrayed. Pahiatua 001 Nostalgic read...Characters were exaggerated. Hamilton 026. Not a momentous read but readable nonetheless. Caused us to think about adversity and how it tends to bring out the best and worst in human nature. Katikati 001
Pages
312
312
Year
2006
2006
Reviews
21-02-2022
An interesting narrative of the period, but a bit plotless. Not a highlight.
21-02-2022
What a great story! All about the Depression, but not written in a negative way. Used wonderful phrases to describe feelings and other things! Everyone enjoyed it.
21-02-2022
Was surprisingly popular with all members. Great characters and insight into the Depression in N.Z.
21-02-2022
A good and interesting read. Created a lot of discussion.
21-02-2022
Good discussion about the Depression in New Zealand - we enjoyed the book.
21-02-2022
Most of the group enjoyed this book,. and described it as a quick easy read. We felt it was written to a formula, and many of the characters were familiar from other novels. It is not a book we would enthusiastically recommend to others , but neither would we avoid other books by this author.
21-02-2022
Most of us enjoyed it.
21-02-2022
The group found this an easy book to read, but did not feel it carried much weight. The author brought in most problems of the time, but none of us felt very involved with the characters. We did however have a good discussion about the Depression years.
21-02-2022
It was interesting to find out more about N.Z.'s Depression years.
21-02-2022
All enjoyed this book - set in a different time period than most books we get. Lots of sharing of tales from our elderly relatives.