Customer Reviews

10 reviews

• Kate

  Brilliant book! You are drawn into the story and the characters, as if you are in the village with them. The author explores complex issues of racism and poverty without using cliches. There’s a depth to even the most unlikable characters that makes you pause and consider how people’s lives can influence their behaviors.
  I don’t want to give away the ending but suffice to say, it plays on every emotion.
  Not only is this a wonderful read, it does something that makes a book great - it continues to stay in your mind long after you finish reading. In this case, I found myself looking at people and wondering what life had thrown at them that changed their behavior.
  Looking forward to reading more by this author!

• John

  'I just finished reading Scars. I must say I really enjoyed it. It's not the usual type of book I would
  choose but I found myself looking forward to picking up where I left off and finished it in a long
  spell today. Look forward to the next one from Joe'
  

• Mike Duston

  This a great immersive tale about the journey to overcome personal loss set in a small town undergoing its own social struggles. The story is long but it keeps you enthralled through the author's excellent descriptions of the characters and the settings. You root for both the protagonist and the townspeople to prevail and succeed together. Am eagerly awaiting the next book from this author.

• Karangahape

  A very engaging read with a number of surprising turns. The themes of grief and reclaiming of hope are explored in a way that rings true from rural New Zealand to the world. A promising debut novel. Will be keeping an eye out for future work from this Author.

• Emma Fuchs

  Scars was an enjoyable read from start to finish. I quickly found myself invested in Gordon's life and the 'dying' little town where the novel is based. The characters and locations were relatable and I enjoyed seeing their development throughout the book.

• Ann Barras

  Couldn’t put this book down!
  The characters engage you immediately into their day to day lives and hopes for the future. Highlighting the high and lows as they meet the challenges of seeking a better future for themselves and their community.
  A real insight into life and the culture of New Zealand.
  I look forward to the next novel from this exciting new author who brings his life experiences to share with the reader.
  

• Norm

  A topical novel which tackles complex issues. The author deals with the impact of abuse within the Catholic Church, the past treatment of unmarried mothers, the impact of unemployment and poor prospects in a Maori community in New Zealand and the belief that sport can have a transformative influence on the lives of young people. A positive and uplifting piece of writing with cinematographic qualities which has at its heart the developing love relationship between a Scottish immigrant and a Maori nurse, both of whom have suffered sadness and tragedy in their lives. Well worth a read from a writer who is beginning to realise significant potential and could soon become an important author on the New Zealand literary scene. It is from a text like this, indigenous and not looking back to Europe for its literary compass points, that a canon of work begins to emerge reflecting how a society understands its own culture and its own place in the world. There is no doubt, also, that the scope of the novel would be well-represented in the medium of film. Excellent and full of insight.

• Sue collett

  Excellent read. Truely captured the essence of small town be Zealand along with a great story that kept you turning the pages. Hard to put down. Well worth a read.

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