Lighthouse Keeper's Wife, The
Aplin, JeanetteA classic New Zealand story of life on remote Stephens Island, famous for its wildlife, and stronghold of the pre-historic tuatara. Aplin reveals her struggles to live up to her high ideals, and "to be a good, true, lighthouse keeper's wife". She brings alive a way of life now gone forever. NZ Interest.
Comments from Groups
Enjoyed by all. Discussion focused on relationships, particularly with other lighthouse families.Some members are planning to read J.Alpin's other book, and the rest of us are looking forward to hearing what happened next. Christchurch 277 Interesting as a diary of life on an island - remoteness, difficult conditions, communication difficulties ... a worthy account but certainly needed drastic editing. Wellington 107 More of a journal than a book. The author did give insight into her own family dynamics; the photos were a highlight of the book. Cooks Beach 001 We found this book warm, homely, charming and thoroughly enjoyable. Dunedin 058 Felt she was not a natural writer and dwelt too much on mundane detail while skipping over deeper issues. Martinborough 003 We enjoyed this book from the point of view it covered an unusual topic. However, found the writing style a bit simplistic in parts - bordering on amateurish. Having said that -some very thought-provoking matter at times. Whangamata 001 Loved a NZ story. Great discussion on the good old days, milking cows, hens etc. Gore 006
Pages
228
228
Year
2001
2001
Reviews
06-07-2023
Great easy read! Amazing woman.
01-09-2022
An interesting read. Not a life for our group though!
01-09-2022
An autobiography, 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Wife' was generally enjoyed for its representation of a lifestyle not known about to most of us, and now assigned to history courtesy of the automation of lighthouses. Her style of writing exceeded expectations and allowed us to feel a familiarity with the remoteness of Stephen's Island, its wildlife, and the strange somewhat aloof relationships of the people who lived and worked there. The latter we felt was largely typical of the times (1960s) and we thought would be quite different today. The writer's isolation was keenly felt...
01-09-2022
Some found the book 'plain' and a little tedious, though others were intrigued by the lifestyle of the occupants. An 'easy' read.
01-09-2022
We found the book an interesting insight into a now lost way of life in N.Z.
01-09-2022
Although no one felt the book to be outstanding in any way, apart from it being an insight into a slice of N.Z. life that is past, it initiated one of the best discussions the group has had for a long time.
31-08-2022
A thought-provoking book that encouraged lots of discussion about the lighthouse community and way of life. Some in the group found it a chore to keep reading but enjoyed the themes in the book.
31-08-2022
A lively discussion - especially about isolation and the change in women's lives over the last 50 years.
31-08-2022
We thoroughly enjoyed this book. We all found parts that we could strongly relate to - such as, her naivety and idealisation of the life as a lighthouse keeper's wife, and then the realities of the life in this isolated place, with two young children and no grocery store at the end of the street. We found her account brave and honest and enjoyed a lively discussion. A very delightful memoir.
31-08-2022
Most did not expect to enjoy the book but did, and found Jeanette to be an excellent writer and storyteller.
31-08-2022
Interesting but didn't grab everyone. Easy read but we felt the writing style varied and lacked flow at times.
16-08-2022
We found this book a pleasant, easy, enjoyable read. The author's eye for detail created vivid scenes that we could relate to. It was honest writing about her experiences.