(7.5) I quickly became absorbed in this story which takes us from the first world war through to contemporary times in New Zealand. The author produces strong character portrayals with young Maura, finding a newborn baby on the day of the royal visit, and her parents Peg and Martin convincing the doctor to allow them to adopt her. The author accurately presents New Zealand post World War 2 and created in this reader a sense of nostalgia.
The jarring aspect for me, as we follow the two sister through their childhood, teenage years and adulthood was the diversion into a dystopian setting around 2000. I understand the book was published in 1992, but for me this sudden change to anarchy and a dark world was unconvincing and spoiled what had until then been an enjoyable satisfying read. ( )