I decided to read 'I am not Esther' because it was highly recommended by friends as they had previously read it at school and it was apparently an excellent read.This book falls into the category of 'a book written by a New Zealander'. This category was interesting for me because I usually don't ...
I hadn’t seen Tia all holidays. ‘How was Queenstown?’ I asked. We walked to school — it was easier to talk that way. ‘Fun. Cold. The winter festival — the best fun.’ Hmm, possibly better than going to Gisborne on a steam train with a grumpy child. Megan had been away too. ‘Went to New Plymouth. I...
‘What brought that on?’‘Curiosity.’‘Ah. And?’‘All good. Straightened out a few things in my head.’ I was aware Felix was staring at me, and that Erica was trying to look like she didn’t want to know the full story.It was obvious I didn’t have to spell out to Dad what those ‘few things’ might be. ...
Paz stood off to one side. He caught sight of me and rolled his eyes. ‘It went well, then?’ I asked. ‘I reckon she’s going to be a reporter.’ He shook his head. ‘She comes alive – loves the whole buzz of it.’ It would be on the evening news. ‘Silvern of Taris – media star!’ We laughed, but I wish...
He looked withered, and disease had knotted his hands, curling them in on themselves. ‘Sit.’ He indicated a hard stool set down about two metres in front of him. He sat behind a wide desk on a chair that looked soft and velvety. ‘Put the Sacrifice on the floor.’ I sat on the stool, but kept Hera ...
‘My family, the midwife says I need to go into hospital to wait for my baby. She wants me to go in a week from tomorrow.’ Mother’s face went white. ‘Rachel! It is too soon! That will still be a whole week before the child should arrive.’ Saul took my sister’s hand. ‘It is to keep her and the baby...
The Leader’s word is the word of the Lord and must be obeyed. Eternal damnation awaits those who disobey the word of the Lord. ON A COOL SPRING EVENING in September, Rachel and Saul came to our house for dinner and to tell us all about the baby. Mother wept with joy. Magda...
‘I’ve checked it out already,’ he said. ‘No jobs. Saturday’s a better bet.’ Just to depress myself, I looked for relief milking on the net. That was an education. It looked like the pay rates were anywhere between $40 and $70 a milking. How long did a milking take? Pictures flooded into my head, ...
‘Are you okay? Why don’t you answer your phone, for chrissakes! We’ve been calling you for hours.’ I hugged her, coming over all tearful at the sight of her. ‘This is amazing! How come you’re here?’ She moved back to let me out. ‘Came down to see you, dumb nut.’ She grabbed my shoulders and treat...