River Lines (Hodder and Stoughton UK) 1995. (Hodder Moa Beckett NZ) 1995
(Long listed for the Orange Prize 1996)
A
panoramic, three-generational story moving between New Zealand and England.
Beginning in 1912, in the harsh rural backblocks of Taranaki New Zealand, Parts
One and Two follow the story of Deidre Byrne, who at the age of four is witness
to a terrible tragedy. Part Three tells the story of privileged Sarah Dutton,
whose very different life will nevertheless impact on Deidre’s in ways neither
woman could have imagined. At the heart of the story are the secrets both women
are determined to protect.
‘An instant modern
classic.’ Quote Unquote
‘An epic of New
Zealand family life… Sandy's gift is to explore beneath the public face that
individuals present to the world, the mask that… reveals the passions of
seething anger, frustration and violence… An absorbing 500 pages.’ Claudia
Bell. NZ Herald
‘A good crafted read…
strong, ambivalent, satisfying relationships.’ David Hill. The Listener
‘Sandys’ most
substantial achievement, shortlisted for a UK award, interweaves the histories
of two contrasting Canterbury families in a dynastic plot rich in strong action
and emotion. The hard-won bond of settlers with the land is particularly well
established.’ Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature
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