Sydney Bridge Upside Down
Ballantyne, DavidHarry lives in Calliope Bay, on the edge of the world. His mother has gone to the city, perhaps just for the summer, perhaps longer. But while Harry wonders when she'll be back he is free to explore the forbidden and dangerous meat works. When his beautiful older cousin Caroline arrives, Harry is torn between childish games and his desire to protect her from the attentions of Wiggins the butcher, with terrible consequences. A great, untamed New Zealand classic, Sydney Bridge Upside Down is a coming-of-age story, a disquieting family tragedy and a sinister gothic thriller. [Taken from the book cover.] Originally published in 1968, this edition is accompanied by an introduction from Kate de Goldi.
Comments from Groups
A dark and compelling story. Set in a very believable situation. Palmerston North 012 This was a controversial book. I found it quite sinister and gripping. Te Kuiti 002. Our group appreciated it as New Zealand literature, well constructed fiction. Nelson 001 A love/hate relationship - lively discussion. Lower Hutt 011 Only one of our group didnt enjoy the book, others found it most unusual, easy to read, well written, but disturbing. Hamilton 034 Mixed reaction to this book. Some found it disturbing. Rotorua 006 This book was pretty amazing - cannot say it was always a pleasure reading it. Otaki 001 A most interesting book for our group. Some appreciated the aspects of a rural area of New Zealand some years back. Generated a big discussion! Nelson 048
Pages
277
277
Year
1968
1968
Reviews
08-03-2023
Loved the book.
08-03-2023
Some thought it funny, others weird - not the definitive N.Z. novel as expounded in the introduction to the book.
08-03-2023
The majority of us loved this book. A coming-of-age story set in small town New Zealand... a beguiling seemingly innocent young Harry draws us in and the sinister intrigue slowly unfolds, The writing perfectly captures the preoccupations and speech of a New Zealand childhood recognisable to anyone who grew up in the 1950s and 60s. Comical and very readable despite some unusual construction reflecting Harry's mental state. We highly recommend this novel. And the real mystery...why oh why had none of us heard about this great 1960s New Zealand classic
08-03-2023
Excellent.
08-03-2023
None of us enjoyed this book, but we still had a good discussion.
08-03-2023
One of our members summed up this read when she said "None of us enjoyed it - but it had an impact!" It was a challenging read but well worthwhile - the more we discussed the questions the higher star rating we gave it.
08-03-2023
Some members loved it - others did not. Felt that it was weird and unsettling.
08-03-2023
A compelling but disturbing read. An accurate depiction of small town life in New Zealand. Not a "pleasant read" but an extremely well-written book which gripped the reader from the beginning.
08-03-2023
Generated lots of discussion in our book group, and was a good read. We felt surprised that this book was not well known within N.Z literature. It conveyed a sunny school holiday with dark and unsettling undertones.
08-03-2023
This is quite a dark book (especially after you read the notes) but the descriptions of rural N.Z. after the 'works' closed are very good.
08-03-2023
Not many recommended the book. However, agreed it was a book of its time. It still created a good deal of discussion. A few of the group thought it was a story that lingered.
08-03-2023
We had a good discussion, but none of us could get very excited by the book. It was so dark and the narrator was such a warped personality.
08-03-2023
With two exceptions our group found this book a fascinating read, especially in its ability to capture the essence of a particular time and place. His characters, whether adults or children, are vividly portrayed, as is the setting. The story takes us back to a time when children were allowed great freedom to explore their world. The adults were coming to terms with an ever-changing one, however. The story-line is macabre and unsettling, but Ballantyne succeeds in making it convincing.
01-09-2022
A wide range of responses - some liked it, others not at all. Good discussion.