
2019 Longlist
Through the Lonesome Dark
ABOUT
THE BOOK
Blackball, West Coast, pre-World War I. Three youngsters; Pansy, Clem, and Otto. Life had an idyllic surface with a far-from-idyllic underside for youngsters in this mining town. As the World War approaches, the harsh realities become apparent – just because you are smart and motivated there is no certainty that you can advance yourself in this world, especially if you are a girl. With a light hand on a dark time in history, Paddy Richardson navigates the territory between “Denniston Rose” and “Birdsong” with great skill. Characters you want to cry for battle on against themselves, family, society, and world events.
NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS
A strong portrayal of life in a small west coast New Zealand town, and a vivid story of first world war tunnellers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Date published
11/05/2017
Publisher
New Zealand
Nominating Library