One Minute Crying Time
Ewing, BarbaraBarbara Ewing's diaries of her childhood and teenage years in the 1950s and early 1960s provide the basis for this poignant memoir, recalling a very different New Zealand from the one we live in today. From these earnest entries of growing up in Auckland and Wellington, this renowned actress and writer has revisited these memories, now enhanced by the insight and understanding that comes with age and distance, and illuminating them with a contemporary perspective.
Moving and engrossing, this heartfelt revisiting of one's younger self lays bare the foundations of a life, and encourages contemplation of just how society has changed.
Pages
333
333
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
29-02-2024
It was a harrowing book - such a happy adolescence, and a mother who needed professional help. We also found the racism hard to take. Some would have liked the book to go on to her life in the U.K. as a writer and actor.
22-01-2024
A step back in time as we read this book for some. Mixed reviews though, some loving it while others struggled to finish it. It suited those born in that era more, or those who at least recognised the social restrictions that were the norm then.
13-10-2023
Everyone enjoyed this Kiwi author and the way she wrote. Some thought it needed more of her later life.
07-08-2023
Members of the book group who grew up in Wellington enjoyed recalling their favourite haunts. The group found the focus on the diary and teenage angst got a bit tedious after a while. They would have liked more about her acting life and journey to writing the book.
26-06-2023
Of 12 of us, only 2 or 3 did not like this step back into 1950s N.Z. or the style of writing! A fascinating look at a traumatic time of Barbara Ewing's life, we are so glad she has achieved so much...
20-04-2023
A very happy evening reminiscing about our own recollections of this era. Interesting to hear how the N.Z. experience differed from members who grew up in the U.K. Engaging and well-written. Interesting reflection on memory. We would like to have heard more about Ewing's father and his influence on her early life.
22-03-2023
Mixed response in our group. Some did not relate to the era described and the very personal and detailed description of events and relationships. Others related strongly, and in particular to the physical environment. The racial tensions were powerfully evoked and of course, it was a memorable love story.
14-03-2023
Provoked a lot of interesting discussion on memory and the reliablity of memory. As all our group grew up in the 40s, 50s and 60s, we related to the the N.Z. of those times described in her book, and the vast societal changes since.
02-03-2023
Mixed opinions, which brought quite a lot of discussion on the ways things have changed since the author was young.
01-12-2022
An amazing intelligent author. She presented a 'New Zealand' that brought back memories. Her immersion in Maori culture, learning Te Reo and her later life gave an insight into her personality.
17-11-2022
Well received by most of our group. Generated lots of discussion.
08-11-2022
All enjoyed 'One Minute Crying Time' by Barbara Ewing. We loved her childhood reminiscences, especially around the Royal Visit, which we all remembered too. A good reflection on life in the 50s and 60s. Barbara's diaries made for interesting reading.
17-10-2022
Many in the group remember the 50s as described in the book - a great snapshot of the times. The writing style was difficult for some to get into - we recall our own diary entries. Lots of discussion at the meeting and everyone was pleased to have read the book!
31-08-2022
We all found this book interesting, particularly because our group age covers the early eras of Barbara's Ewing's life. We had a good discussion which led onto current aspects of attitudes and life in N.Z.
16-08-2022
All liked the book, although the style of writing took a chapter or two to get used to. Generated good discussion about the social mores of N.Z. at the time. Also discussed the mother's behaviour and the reasons for it.
15-08-2022
Really enjoyed. Worthwhile read. Some of the characters mentioned were known of by book group members.
28-07-2022
Thoroughly enjoyed by all readers. We are of Barbara Ewing's generation.
18-05-2022
The group as a whole were not enamoured by this book. It resonated with those who had lived in Wellington in the 50s. Great discussion with sharing of experiences.
29-04-2022
Enjoyed by most as a nostalgic reflection of NZ in the 50s and 60s. Faint print of the diary extracts proved to be a slight problem.
29-04-2022
Eight out of nine really found this book an interesting and relatable one, as we are all women, and secondly, we're all of an age that we can remember a time without all the modern day conveniences and distractions. Interestingly, even her anxiety wasn't recognised, she had to overcome this in creating the resilient woman she is, embarking on her bicultural relationships and language, and following her dreams to become an actress and travel overseas alone. Though none were familiar with her movies, we found it a great read, and loved the diaries for their accuracy. Inspirational.
01-11-2021
Great discussion. We could all relate to it one way or another - I guess being Wellingtonians, and getting on a bit.
31-05-2021
I loved this book, but I have a penchant for actors' memoirs. Not everyone else enjoyed it. Fascinating account of 1950s NZ, and Barbara's 'te reo' journey was fascinating. A woman ahead of her time.