Can anyone recommend a great historical fiction book that takes place in New Zealand?

19 Answers

I just looked in to see if anyone says Lord of the Rings.?

Same! ?

I’ve read one book that takes place in New Zealand, but it won Man Booker, so… 🙂 Luminaries. It’s big and a bit of a structural anomaly but really beautifully written.

Tara

I’ve tried three times to read this, and couldn’t do it. Maybe I will give it another shot one day…for now, alas, abandoned.

Rosalie

I learned so much reading this book. I agree that it should have received the Man Booker. Not for beginners.

Melissa

The story was good and the structure slowly revealing itself was novel, but I simply fell in love with the prose.

Kat

Cloud Atlas takes place partly in New Zealand. But I confess I couldn’t finish it, so I wouldn’t call it “great.”

Kevin

Jane Campion’s original screenplay for The Piano was novelized. Just saying.

Mary

Goodreads generated this list. I haven’t read any of them, so can’t say if they are great!: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/93901.Best_Historical_Fiction_Set_in_New_Zealand

Penelope

Not historical fiction, but The Bone People is amazing. I’ve heard good things of In the Land of the Long White Cloud which is hf and a trilogy. And while I haven’t read The Colour, Rose Tremain hasn’t disappointed yet.

Beverly

I don’t know if I’d call it historical but Green Dolphin Street.

Cheryl

Oh my gosh, I loved this book. First read it at 18. Then again at 36. It’s Time again at 62. And I don’t read books twice. This is when I discovered Elizabeth Gouge. ?

Anne

I love Elizabeth Gouge.

Cornelia

Green Dolphin Street. Haven’t read the book but saw the movie (1947) on TCM. Great!!

Frank

Jenny Patrick has written a few, very easy reading books.
If you don’t mind kids books there’s a series called “my New Zealand story ” which are fictionalized diaries of girls during interesting moments in NZ history. The Bastion Point one is on my list of books to read

Rob

Of course I’m DYING to say “Lord of the Rings” 😉

Bonnie

Mutant message down under is set in Australia and the writing is so beautiful, I’ve read it over and over and I don’t usually reread books.

Abby

In the Land of the long white cloud!!

Louise

Green dOlphin country by Elizabeth goudge is partly set in New Zealand

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