Chappy

2017 Longlist

Uprooted from his privileged European life and sent to New Zealand to sort himself out, twenty-one-year-old Daniel pieces together the history of his Maori family. As his relatives revisit their past, Daniel learns of a remarkable love story between his Maori grandmother Oriwia and his Japanese grandfather Chappy. The more Daniel hears about his deceased grandfather, the more intriguing – and elusive – Chappy becomes.

In this touching portrayal of family life, acclaimed writer Patricia Grace explores racial intolerance, cross-cultural conflicts and the universal desire to belong. Spanning several decades and several continents and set against the backdrop of a changing New Zealand, Chappy is a compelling story of enduring love.

(From publisher)

About the Author

Patricia Grace is one of New Zealand’s most prominent and celebrated Maori fiction authors and a figurehead of modern New Zealand literature. She garnered initial acclaim in the 1970s with her collection of short stories entitled Waiariki – the first published book by a Maori woman in New Zealand. She has published six novels and seven short story collections, as well as a number of books for children and a work of non-fiction. She won the New Zealand Book Award for Fiction for Potiki, and was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2001 with Dogside Story, which also won the Kiriyama Pacific Rim Fiction Prize.

Librarians’ Comments

We admired the courage and honesty with which this book explored themes of racism and cross-cultural conflict, particularly topical today, and Grace’s immensely talented writing which makes this a universal story.

A wonderful exploration of culture, differences and similarities, intolerance, trust and family love. Crafted by an outstanding, talented writer.