This gripping tale of the lives of some of the early European pioneers, who arrived in New Zealand in the mid 19th century, was totally absorbing. The descriptions of the characters, their environment and the hardships they faced were compelling. The clever weaving of fact with fiction added to the authenticity of the story. James Mackenzie, who actually existed, has made his mark on the people who wanted to begin again in a new land. I am left wanting more, so look forward to the next book in the series. - Heather
An easy to read, fast moving tale, chronicling the lives of the pioneer settlers in New Zealand’s South Island, in particular exploring the life of James Mackenzie who actually existed. It is a combination of fact and fiction, encompassing tragedy, suspense, wrongful imprisonment and hope for the future. I’m looking forward to the next instalment of the Applecross Saga! – Quick
I really enjoyed this book. A tale of life in New Zealand from the point of view of early settlers and the difficulties they faced. I look forward to the next instalment. – Jackie S
From the Scottish highlands to the South Island of New Zealand, life was harsh for early pioneers, but Sophia and George McKay had hopes for a better future when they stepped ashore on Boxing Day 1848. The reader takes the journey with them as they travel inland to begin a life farming sheep in the Mackenzie Basin.
In her preface, author Amanda Giorgis explains ‘the area takes its name from James MacKenzie, who with his black and white collie dog Friday, famously rustled a thousand sheep and took them into the basin in mid-1850’. Living in the area she has explored much of the area so has been able to portray vividly the landscape and conditions to which the early settlers would encounter. The story of James MacKenzie caught the imagination of Giorgis and a friend as they were discovering more and more places associated with his name, and so the seed of this story were sown. ‘Here is my interpretation of James’ story born from the other sets of footprints found when he was arrested with the sheep.’
I love this area of New Zealand and have enjoyed a number of trips and holidays there, but this book brought it to life for me again with the strong historical storyline which had me engrossed from the first page.
It is an interesting read as it is pure fiction with solid, resilient characters ideal for the pioneering adventure they set out on. The author has woven historical details cleverly into the book. The interaction of the new settlers with local Māori has also been skillfully incorporated and the use of the Māori language adds intensity at appropriate times.
Amanda Giorgis was born in Somerset, England, emigrating to New Zealand in 2008. She lives in the MacKenzie district. I look forward to further writing by this author as The Wideawake Hat is her first novel , and the first in the Applecross Saga. It will be of interest to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with some suspense as well as those with an interest in farming.
Reviewed by Lesley McIntosh
