New Zealand Books

Non-fiction can be so much stranger than the made-up stuff. Remember the cartoons 30 years ago-? Popeye in the gigantic
black pot..natives in full nosebone dancing around with forks and knives?

Mr. Randell's book about Jack Renton, the Scottish sailor rescued by headhunters in the Solomon Islands is a great
read and an interesting start point if you wish to understand the "settling" of the Pacific Islands.

The book reads like fiction and is full of interesting tid bits not the least of which is the fact that boiled or grilled human was known as "long pig" by the headhunters. Yeech.

Only half the book is dedicated to Jack Renton's account. Understandably, there isn't much accurate history to glean from when you write on a little known castaway in late 1800s, and the author manages to fill the first 148 pages from Renton's own writing, the orations from natives, and the author's own observations from visiting the location. The rest of the book focuses on the ills and evils of the arrival of the white race - specifically economic exploitation, missionaries and their destruction of native tradition, and sicknesses that kill the majority of the islanders. All of this is fascinating stuff, but not expected by the title or description!
The order of the book is a little difficult also. The author lays out a preliminary timeline of Renton, then weaves through the timeline with different accounts and helpful anecdotes that occur elsewhere. A little challenging for me, who is used to reading history chronologically.
That said, I would buy and read this book again. There isn't another book on the market that is as complete a narrative on Jack Renton's extraordinary experience. But if there was, I would've rated this book 3 stars!

Absolutely awesome. This the 'Heart of Darkness' inside out. It is the story of a young shipwrecked sailor struggling to survive in a South Sea culture based on headhunting. It is told in the words of the Malaitan 'headhunters' themselves. It is a story filled with heroism, humanity and a good deal of humour.

Nigel Rendell is a very gifted author. He has the confidence to let the indigenous oral stories speak for themselves and also to breathe life into the dry 'western' accounts of the Malaita and the wider South Pacific written by missionaries and traders. These sources and others are skillfully blended to create a seamless narrative that carries the reader along as we follow Renton's journey into another culture and initiation into the rites of headhunting.

But this is not just a story of Renton struggling to understand his captors but a wonderful account of his captors trying to understand him. In their words this is the story of a young ignorant man who struggled to understand their society and in the end became not only one of their own but one of their favourite 'sons'.

But the story is also an account of the Malaitan's struggle to understand Renton's world. Rendell also manages to fix the microcosm of Renton's adventures against the macrocosm of colonialisation. This is perhaps one of the most magic and terrifying parts of the book as Renton tries to prepare his 'adopted' friends, family and tribe for the coming horrors of white civilisation. The entire tragedy of first contact and colonial rule is told in the relationship between Renton and his people. Rendell style of writing makes these characters, their friendships and rivalries come perfectly alive on the page. It is impossible not to care deeply about these people.

Remember not only is this the only authentic account of the 'Heart of Darkness' story but one told by the natives themselves and they do it with more humanity and dignity than any 'civilized' account I have read before. Nigel Rendell lets the reader feel they are sat by the campfire themselves as these stories are recounted and, with him to guide us, we are taken into a world of shanghai-ing, shipwrecks, castaways and headhunters. I cannot recommend this book enough.

OK...I admit it. The main reason I bought this book was that I was "hooked" by the gruesome aspects. After all, who can resist a classic tale of shipwreck, with the added frisson of headhunting and cannibalism? And while Mr. Randell (who, by the way, looks like a combination of Sting and Malcolm McDowell...and poses in the author photo with a skull, not his own, in hand) certainly delivers in the goosebumps department (describing in loving detail how humans, referred to as "long pig" by the cannibals, were wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted), he turns out to have bigger fish-to-fry. This is a very thoughtful book, which works on several levels. The "adventure tale" aspect is significant, but Mr. Randell also talks about the religious beliefs of the Solomon Islanders, the clash of cultures, the destruction of the islanders' way of life, etc. The author has spent much time in the Solomon Islands. It is obvious that he has studied, and respects, the native culture. The book can be enjoyed by those with an interest in anthropology, sociology, and psychology...in addition to those who are looking for a "ripping-yarn." While the focus of the book is Jack Renton- the "white headhunter" of the title, who was forced into a situation not of his own making, and did what he had to in order to survive- Mr. Randell also makes sure we see things from the islanders' point of view. Renton is allowed to live not out of any altruistic feeling- it turns out that, previously, another white man named Doorey had been marooned on the same island and his extensive knowledge of carpentry had made him indispensable. The islanders' were also hoping for big things from Renton, and he delivered- with his abilities as a military strategist and warrior. However, what starts out as realpolitik turns into affection, as the tribal chief Kabou develops fatherly feelings for the young Renton (who was still a teenager when he was washed ashore). The author also makes it clear why the islanders were so hostile towards white men: these were people who sometimes kidnapped islanders for use as cheap labor back in Queensland. (Even worse from the perspective of the islanders: the outsiders appeared to be people who constantly wandered the seas in their large and strange ships. What were they doing for food? The islanders assumed, naturally enough, that those who were being kidnapped were being eaten.) These were also men who brought death through disease- the islanders had no immunity to "western germs." And, of course, the white visitors had nothing but contempt for what they didn't understand- the "primitive" lifestyle and religious beliefs. The islanders didn't appreciate the attempts of the Christian missionaries to "improve" them by asking them to jettison everything they held dear. Mr. Randell is especially good at getting you "inside the heads" of the islanders. While I don't recommend the headhunting/cannibal lifestyle, at least I now understand the reasons these practices were engaged in. By possessing an enemy's head and consuming his flesh, you were able to "tap into" both his spiritual and physical powers. As an example of the latter, Mr. Randell points out that if an enemy warrior was fast on his feet, and you ate his legs, you were looking to improve your own running ability. It obviously makes no sense when seen by an outside observer but, as with any religious belief, there is internal logic. On all levels, (unless you are looking for recipes) Mr. Randell has written an excellent book.

This is a book which anyone interested in architecture should own. The pictures are amazing and there are houses here which will make you drool. I have spent days on this book and will continue to do so for years I am sure.

I enjoyed this book because it was not full of fluff or the hit and miss content of similar books - the architecture was compelling, the theme was consistant - I really enjoy this one! In fact I am sending it to several of my friends.

This is a nice book in general. It has a good format, showcases interesting projects and unlike the first book of the "100 Best" series, devotes more pages to each project with more photographs and plans. Some of the photography however is disappointing. Even though most of the projects are professionally shot, some of the houses are represented by snapshots with distorted walls and incorrect color balance, and in my opinion do not belong in a book of this caliber.

While the author Ken Duncan strongly advocates Creationism, this is one of the best picture books on Australia that I have come across! I am bit suprised it is out of print? He does has a great eye for taking pictures!

Ken Duncan is a famous photographer in Australia, with three galleries showing his work exclusively. A deeply religious man, Ken would rather use a picture of some natural wonder to try and prove the existence of God than to argue technical theology. But whether you agree with him or not about the source of his subjects, there is no denying that he has a unique ability to communicate the beauty of nature with his camera. The book will take you on a tour of Australia, a country roughly the same size as the continental US, yet still unknown to most of us. Moving through the varied landscapes and seascapes of each region, Ken captures moments of beauty that will take your breath away. Waves crashing, sun rays tearing through clouds, familiar landmarks seen in with fresh eyes. This book will bring glimpses of Australia to your home just in time for the Olympic Games in Sydney. If you can find this book, buy it--spend some time with it--and share it with your friends. I had it on my coffee table and it was difficult to have a conversation with anyone once they saw the book. Also, if you're ever in Australia, don't miss one of the Ken Duncan Galleries. There's one in Sydney, one in Melbourne, and another near his home near Terrigal. Ken has just released an even better book entitled, "The Great South Land," which is selling like crazy in Australia.

Ken Duncan is a famous photographer in Australia, with three galleries showing his work exclusively. A deeply religious man, Ken would rather use a picture of some natural wonder to try and prove the existence of God than to argue technical theology. But whether you agree with him or not about the source of his subjects, there is no denying that he has a unique ability to communicate the beauty of nature with his camera. If you can find this book, buy it--spend some time with it--and share it with your friends. I had it on my coffee table and it was difficult to have a conversation with anyone once they saw the book. Also, if you're ever in Australia, don't miss one of the Ken Duncan Galleries. There's one in Sydney, one in Melbourne, and another near his home near Terrigal. Ken has just released an even better book entitled, "The Great South Land," which is selling like crazy in Australia.

Using newly uncovered archival photographs of the bloody battle for Betio Island, Eric Hammel and John Lane put the reader in the middle of the action. From the agonizing wade into the beach, up to the last neutralized pillbox, "Bloody Tarawa" is a fine update of a classic on this legendary campaign.

Thumbing through Hammel and Lane's book one initially suspects that the pictures are the story. Contrary to this first impression, the book is an excellent telling of the battle for Betio Island in the Tarawa Atoll. Augmented by literally hundreds of top quality combat photos the tale flows in a most easily understood fashion. The narrative recreates the action as it occurred on each beachhead and follows it along until a logical point occurs before switching to another beachhead. Progressing along the three initial beachheads the reader follows the action of individual men, squads, and remnants of platoons and companies fighting for a toehold. The confusion that occurred on all the landing zones is told in a most understandable manner. The slaughter caused by the low tide and the reef surrounding the island is well presented.

The maps, placed in front of the book preceding the text, are excellent. The book's weakness lays in its lack of a significant discussion of planning, strategy and the then existing conditions in the Pacific. Tarawa played a key roll in the future invasions of the Marshalls, the Marianas and beyond. This was the first time an amphibious assault was made against a well-defended and contested beachhead. It also marked the turning point for amphibious assaults in that the LVTs (Landing Vehicle Tracked) were used for the first time as troop carriers instead of merely supply vehicles. As Admiral Hill stated, "...this operation was going to be a textbook for future operations." Although mentioned frequently in the text, the index contains no listing for the LVTs. Considering their all-important role, this is puzzling to this reviewer.

Having had a member of my family in the battle it was a outstanding adventure in the Best of Our Nation's Youth and the United States Marine Corps. The graphic pictures matched the historical and well researched commentary. I found that I could not read for long periods of time because of all of what was going on took time to digest and reflect on. You felt that you were crossing the lagoon along with the young Marines and you could almost here the action. There was courage on both sides and the book was fair as to that point. It truly gave a face to the savage nature, relentless, and cruel reality of this Pacific island invasion.

I found myself wondering about the faith and courage that were these young men. To keep their sanity and wits about them was truly remarkable. I also found myself wondering if this could be done again in our time. If the courage and singleness of purpose would be here today? It left me with a large amount of respect for the accomplishment of these men. We owe them our freedom and our sincere thanks.

This Narnia book has a lot of technical information, like how a lot of things are done in movie-making and how many lights were used in the making of the Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. It doesn't have many interviews with the cast, but would be great for an aspiring movie-maker.

A Note from thge Author
As this book has no synopsis I thought I would add one so you know more what it is about.
Ian Brodie, Wanaka, New Zealand

Synopsis
An essential guide to the filming in New Zealand of one of the most hotly anticipated movies of all time. The first of the CS Lewis Chronicles of Narnia to be made into a movie is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and has been filmed and produced in New Zealand by Disney and Walden Media, with Kiwi director Andrew Adamson. Ian Brodie has been on set and on location throughout its production, and has documented the making of the film from behind the cameras, with interviews with the director and key crew members. Using this movie as a specific example, he explains in layman's terms the magical process of turning a much-loved classic of children's literature into a blockbuster movie. Through the latest Computer Generated Imaging techniques, the fabulous creatures of Narnia will astound viewers and this book explains how Aslan and Mr Tumnus were created, and why the centaurs look so real. Dolly grips, gaffers, clapperloaders and best boys are explained, and the process of making a movie documented with over 200 full-colour movie and behind-the-camera images, nearly all of them exclusive to this book.
This will be a valuable teaching tool and a superb record of a much-loved movie, with anecdotes and information to delight in equal measure.

I have enjoyed looking at this book so far, it appears to have a lot of good information for aspiring filmmakers. I would like to point out, though, that the book is quite small! I was very surprised when I opened up my package to find a book the size of a DVD case. The description Amazon gives does say that it is that size (in inches), but I never read that part - and I doubt that a whole lot of other people do either. I expected it to be big like the Illustrated Movie Companion (also a fantastic book!). So, just know ahead of time if you buy this book that it will be kind of small - but still easy to read. I would personally recommend buying it used, because $9.72 is a lot (especially when you might be able to get it for around $3). Enjoy!

The title of this book is dishonest. There is little pretence to this being a comprehensive history of Australia. Instead, its focus is almost exclusively on the British colonists' policies and attitudes towards the indigenous inhabitants, and towards migrants of non-British background. On its own terms, it is very well written. The writing style is by far the most engaging that I've ever encountered in an historical text - and this very fact betrays what is really going on here: David Day has written a polemical argument, rather than a history.
*
The tone of the narrator borders on the humorous - it is angry, in a sneering and critical way, so much so that it reminded me of the work of the Austrian (not Australian) novelist, Thomas Bernhard. Like Bernhard, Day does not shy away from repetition. His argument is one of insistence. Facts are shaped to fit his purposes, and then deployed effectively. For those figures whose actions he dislikes, he feels entitled to make ad hominem attacks; thus Prime Minister Menzies is described as 'rotund' and 'stout', his bodily habitus being fair game for Day; relatedly, Day feels comfortable offering cursory psychological analyses of political figures - thus Menzies' and PM John Howards' attitudes are 'explained' by their childhood circumstances in country Victoria and suburban Sydney respectively - this is more the stuff of politcal satire than of history.
*
It is also not accurate to dub this a thoroughgoing revisionist history. Its scope is just too limited. For instance, there is a glaring neglect of women's roles - Day has perpetuated this neglect, rather than questioning it. He mentions various racial groups, but does nothing to tell their history - they are only important in their being the target of racist British colonial attitudes.
*
There is a frustrating lack of clarity in the presentation of basic chronology. Even on facts central to Day's argument, such as the size of the Australian population, both migrant and indigenous, he refrains from providing tables or summaries. Extracting the factual basis upon which to build an argument, be this his or one's own, is very difficult.
*
His biased perspective at times leaves him looking a little silly in the face of events. Thus, for several hundred pages he carps against the Colonialists' fears of the "Asian hordes", virtually laughing at them rather than seriously analysing the source of their fears - when the Japanese do begin their expansion in WWII, Day is embarassed; he is left to pull up his trousers with claims such as that Japan never intended to invade Australia, this claim being justified in cursory fashion. Worse still, changes in Australian attitudes and policies are left without an explanation. Day admits, and tacitly praises, the change in policy regarding the origins of migrants after WWII; but he is unable to enter a discussion as to why this change occurred. Having branded Australians as predominantly racist, Day simply recounts this change as an uncharacteristic, if welcome, deviation from the norm - it is left to PM John Howard to re-establish Day's argument. As a history, this is very weak - rather than exploring causes for events, Day gives up, implicitly saying, "Well, this just happened". For me, this is one of the most disappointing aspects of this text - the condemnation of racism, and the acknowledgemnt of atrocities, is stirring and vital, but Day gives little clue as to the forces which mollified such detestable inclinations.
*
Similarly, in regard the issue of how ownership/proprietorship is established over a territory is conceptually barren. Day circles around this issue, establishing its prominence in Australian history, problematizes it, but then fails to offer any conceptual machinery with which to clarify matters. He does not draw analogies with other countries. He does not invoke legal distinctions, nor their conceptual basis. In the end, he merely states the problem. The discussion remains at the level of - the indigenous people say that they were here first, and that they were using the land; the British colonialists say that for land to be claimed it need be worked and permanently settled - Colonial courts have upheld this argument up until the last few decades, when the Mabo and Wik judgements have called it into question. Of course, this is fine as far as it goes, but it does not go very far considering how central this issue is to the structure of Day's entire book.
*
I would certainly not recommend this book as an history, revisionist or otherwise. As an historian Day is not very insightful. However, I would encourage this work to be read as a polemic. Day adopts a position contrary to that implicit is some older historical texts, and he writes with verve and a cynical edge. The manipulative tone is a worthy counter to that spouted by current Australian politicians.

[This review is based on the original 1996 edition.] This is an excellent overview of Australian history. It covers the entire period from settlement to the modern day (which day depending on the edition you have). Day presents Australian culture as a colonial one, dispossessing a native population, dependent militarily and morally on a mother country, and believing its claim to proprietorship of the land, to use his term, is under constant scrutiny by other contenders. There is also information about the physical development of Australia. Personally though I found that to be a bit lacking. It could have done with a few more facts and dates about when different areas were settled and more about the specific political and social conditions.

Dispossession of the original inhabitants and owners of Australia is the first of Day's two main themes. As he shows later, this has largely been ignored until the last few decades, and is still a topic of hot political debate. Day presents the fact of dispossession and the killing of Aborigines through the records and statements of the people of the time. They knew what was happening, did not consider it something to be disguised or concealed, and used various justifications for it, depending on time period and the conscience of the individual. Day presents all the justifications as attempts to render the Aborigines inhuman, or at least lesser humans, and therefore expendable. He himself utterly rejects that and consistently refers to the killings as murder or massacre. He presents the colonists as having a deliberate though not systematic policy of massacre, occurring when new lands were to be used. Also, it may be worth noting that he contrasts this with the events in the other white Dominions of Britain and in America. In Australia, there were no official attempts to negotiate with the Aborigines. There was no attempt to portray it as other than a takeover, except through the denial of Aborigines being humans to begin with.

The second theme is the fear of dispossession, and not feeling at home in this country. He goes through the various stages of White Australia, from the obsession with "bleaching" Australia through deportation of non-whites and restricting immigration to the British Isles, to the gradual government recognition of the policy's abandonment by the people of Australia. He also goes through the various stages of industrial development of Australia, and shows through quotes how this was related to possession of this country. All throughout, the fear of dispossession is shown through quotes that talk about quite explicitly, and for an amazingly long period of time. The feeling of being far from the mother country is one that he has to show indirectly. Most of it is shown through the statistics of travel and immigration policies. However, as he shows, it was made quite explicit in World War II, which also began the shift of colonial allegiance from Britain to America.

Finally, this book is well written and enjoyable just to read. The author generally strives for balance, except on whether Aborigines are human, and that killing them was, and is, murder. In fact, there are a few times when Day is so dispassionate and detached it is a little creepy. So, this book achieves what it set out to do: present a broad overview of the history of Australia, with a focus on two areas of crucial importance to understanding Australians, our society and why our governments make the types of decision they do. I highly recommend it.

This book mostly looks at the racial aspects of the colonization and founding of Australia. Most chapter headings indicate the views of the colonists as being very anti Aboriginal. Although the account is biased and highly subjective it lends itself to a very interesting read, one that any scholar of Australia or the far east and especially anyone interested in Indian-white relations will enjoy. The book details the original encounters with the natives as well as contemporary native issues, such as the 1988 bicentennial of the founding in which a massive wave of Aboriginal protest swept the nation to draw attention to the plight. Of course parallels with American Indians are everywhere. A very interesting book, although `Fatal Shore' is probably a superior and less anti-European account.

Seth J. Frantzman

Since this book consists of occasional pieces collected under a common rubric, it's persuasive thrust will find its target in a readership that is already sympathetic to Dworkin's legal and political philosophy. The arguments are not finely made, as they are in, say, *Taking Rights Seriously*, or in *Life's Dominion*. Many of the illustrative parables he uses, he's used before. That being said, *Freedom's Law* is a good collection highlighting the contours of Dworkin's fundamental objections to legal positivism. I think it is possible to follow Dworkin's non-interpretivist method without arriving at the same(moral)conclusions. But if you aren't already familiar with Dworkin's intellectual base of operations, a better place to start would be *Taking Rights Seriously* (easy to find) or, even better, his early and very important essay, "Is Law a System of Rules?" reprinted in *The Philosophy of Law* ed. by Dworkin (harder to find). To his credit, in this latter collection, he gives ample space to views contrary to his own, such as Hart's positivism, and Finnis' moral arguments against abortion.

Ronald Dworkin is perhaps today's Bentham. His views on Constitutional Interpretation in this book are so vividly written and lucidly explained. His views on Judicial Activism equating it with natural interpretation are worth considering if not fully acceptable.

One of the country's leading legal philosophers collects a series of essays (most originally appearing in the New York Review of Books) which examine the ... basis for the United States Constitution, and attack the "original intent" interpretation, most famously spouted by Bork.

The book's strength is Dworkin's accessible writing style (which may stem from the popular press origins of most of these essays) and his tight analysis of several cutting edge issues--abortion, affirmative action, free speech, as well as some historically important battles--the Bork and Thomas nominations.

His bottom line is (although he does not say this explicitly) that the recent Supreme Court, abbeted by a series of Republican presidents, has begun a revolution in legal thinking which rejects the 200 year old liberal tradition of judicial interpretation, and in the process has substituted results based, conservative politics for any semblance of judicial reasoning.

The weakness of the book is that many examples and arguments are repeated between essays, covering the same ground in virtually the same words from different times.

A much easier read than "Taking Rights Seriously", although the latter clearly is a more complete exposition of Dworkin's philosophy.

For a counter argument, see any of Judge Posner's recent work, which explicitly takes on Dworkin's philosophy.

Well written readable history of the Chamorro people, the settlement, cultures and development of Guam. I do not know how to improve on this book.

Bob Rogers offers an insightful and gripping view into the history of the island where America's day begins. Rogers' thorough research shows as he takes the reader from the landing of Magellan, right up through the modern day issues and struggles of this tiny, yet action packed island. Roger's fluid style coupled with his amusing stories of such things as "the big, ugly dinnerboat" that sits in Tumon bay, make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you are looking for one book that will give you all you need to know about the history of Guam, look no further.

Destiny's Landfall is a book which I would love to like. A supposedly thorough, comprehensive history of my island of Guam, it seemed too good to be true when I purchased it as an undergraduate. It eventually was too good to be true.

I cannot fault Rogers in terms of his completeness or accuracy, he has taken nearly every text imaginable pretaining to Guam and somehow woven them all together into a narrative of some sort, which is occasionally exciting but ultimately demeaning, archaic and mediocre.

Rogers cannot sustain his own biases for more than a chapter in his text. Beginning with the always questionable "parable of the tribes," which is one of those wonderful little bed time stories that haole people tell themselves in practical and academic forms to soothe their aching consciences and souls. I found myself reiterating time and time again, where is the agency, where is the spirit? Where is the soul of the Chamorro people in this? "Where are they themselves?" I asked myself at times.

It was Victorian Anthropological deja'vu for me, reading a text written today through a mindset of a century ago. The title in itself alludes to the mettle of the text, "destiny's landfall." Sounds something white western and exciting. Of course this all comes at the espense of the indengous inhabitants as this history of Guam celebrates the actions, accomplishments of those luckly losers who made landfall on Guam and gives little attention to those unfortunate people, already on Guam, that they fell upon. The Chamorro people, save for the contemporary sections of the text are painted as little more than mannequins which are placed and posed at the whims of primary texts from European/Western explorers, priests government officials and other washouts. No attempt is made to mitigate the racist writings of the past centuries, the history of Guam is reported as it has always been, of a victimized people, with no power over anything (as destiny the Spanish, Japanese or Americans control them), who somehow have survived, but lost everything in the process.

A point could be made that this is because of the lack of any voice of defense for the Chamorros in the source documents since they were all written by outsiders, however this intimates to less of a hope for objectivity and search for truth by the author, but more for a racist laziness, which would report everything from old Spanish documents, near verbatim, except for where Magellan landed.

I rate this text with a three despite my loathing for it, because the comprehensive nature of it cannot be denied. The rating would be much higher if Rogers had attempted to create a balanced history, implying a new and different voice, one which centered around those that have lived on Guam for thousands of years, rather than its Europeans explorers, tyrannical tourists and lazy lay-overs, rather than retiterating the voice of every Spanish and American Govenror of Guam since time immemorial. But since it did not, the rating is only average, for in spirit it is an average text, anyone could of put this together.

I should probably read a bio on Ngaio Marsh, because I'm interested in knowing if she lived on a sheep farm when growing up in New Zealand - she seems to know an awful lot about wool! At any rate, this is another classic Marsh novel, though I do still miss Fox and co., as is the case with all the Inspector Alleyn novels set in New Zealand. Alleyn is performing War duty for the Special Services branch, when he responds to a call from a house where a Member of Parliament has been found murdered by being encased in a bale of wool on her own sheep farm. While there are household jealousies and inheritances, there is also a question of secret machinery plans being stolen and given to the enemy. As usual, the characters are finely drawn, and the plot superb (not to mention a bit bizarre!).

The chief suspects in this murder mystery each describe their version of events, some eighteen months after the crime. This gives the story a most unusual and intriguing structure. The characters are well drawn, distinct without being overstated. There is also a fine sense of period and place, those being wartime New Zealand.

So why a grudging three stars? Well, the solution to the puzzle is rather plodding; a systematic analysis of details rather than a brilliant insight. Also there is a general dullness about the characters and their setting. I suppose that's not surprising, given they are on a remote farm in winter, suffering the deprivations of war and trying to come to terms with an unsolved murder. But it would have benefited from the occasional comic relief or lightness of touch that Dorothy L Sayers or Conan Doyle could have brought to it.

All in all, recommended for the unusual structure and setting (albeit the `local color' is mostly gray) and for the quality of the writing, which is very good, but don't expect a classic puzzle. The author even makes one error in the solution (don't worry, this is not a spoiler) when Alleyn says "Only (the guilty person) could have put...". Actually, one other person could have; namely the one who found said item. I will however concede that the build up to the climax is genuinely suspenseful.

Yet another enthralling mystery by Marsh... The characters are realistic even their flaws. Died In The Wool- is set in New Zealand during the onset of WWll. A zealous, outspoken,and very popular MP is found dead in a bail of her own wool. The question is the motive. Had she made enemies because of her shrewdness, or was she caught in the middle of international espionage? Inspector Alleyn is brought in. Thanks to emotional and often biased analysis of this formidable woman by her relatives and employees, Alleyn recreates the circumstances that forced her murder.

this is my favourite book by margaret mahy (though of course i love all her other stories). i don't know about you but i think this book is WONDERFUL. the descriptions are amazing, and the way the stories are told make everything so... 'magical'. i would strongly recommend this book to anyone.

Any child in New Zealand has been brought up reading Margaret Mahys fantastic short story collections, such as the Chewing Gum Rescue and the Downhill Crocodile Whizz. The Door in the Air collection has all the elements that I've grown to love about Mahys work - the comic, the poignant, the everyday and the unusual, all with her unique touch of otherworldliness. What sets Door in the Air apart is that it is her first collection of short stories aimed at teenagers.

Magic and enchantment weave their way through themes that are intrinsic to being a teenager. These are stories of journey and discovery. Of stepping out to discover somewhere to belong. Or, simply realising the place you belong is where you are. Nearly all the stories deal with a metamorphosis. Each change has a different catalyst, and some take years while others take only moments. However long, each is a transition where the character discovers and unleashes their true nature.

Merlin from The Bridge Builder says "there is one word I know ... a word of release and remaking. It allows things to become their true selves". Of course teenagers don't have a single word to make those years of change any easier. Although Mahy celebrates change, she also recognises it is not always easy to embrace and when you do there is often a price to be paid, "cross my palm with silver" crys Aquilina. But that is a risk that must be taken in order to invite the new and extraordinary into your life.

There are nine stories telling about Fairies, Wizards, and all sorts of imaginative things. I like the story about the day and night girls very much.