A book club decides

Our alternative judges debate the merits of three fiction finalists in the New Zealand Post Book Awards, which are announced on Wednesday.

By Margo White In Books

Print Share

23rd July, 2011

Review

The members of an Auckland book group are debating the role of the David Hallwright character in Charlotte Grimshaw’s novel The Night Book; he is the leader of the National Party, has a big fancy mansion, has a tendency to malapropisms and is clearly modelled on a prime minister with whom readers will be familiar. “But is it a character or a caricature?” asks Michael Hurst. “But that’s part of the appeal of the book. It’s not John Key but we’re thinking of John Key – but with thin lips who has these SIS men spying on his wife. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks, ...

Get full access to Listener.co.nz

Subscribers can read the full version of this story.

You can subscribe and get full online access for as little as $5 per week.

Enjoy the high-quality, in-depth journalism of the Listener magazine with convenient online access. This includes access to thousands of archived articles and up-to-date TV and entertainment listings.

Our great content is available online even before it hits the shelves, and includes more focus on breaking news. With our responsive design you get a great reader experience whether you read from your home computer, tablet, or even smartphone.

Already a subscriber? Just login to read full version of this story.

Already an existing print subscriber? As part of your magazine subscription you are entitled to receive full access to the New Zealand Listener Online content. Click here for instructions on how to redeem your digital access.

Or you can subscribe now to get unlimited access to listener.co.nz.