A literary milestone: Patricia Grace's first novel in ten years.
Spanning several decades and several continents and set against the backdrop of a changing New Zealand, Chappy is a compelling story of enduring love.
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.
Also available as an eBook.
“Patricia Grace's first novel in 10 years deals with big issues - xenophobia, war,women's rights, poverty - but subtly and beautifully, so the overriding impression is of the endearingly flawed glory of lives.' - NZ Listener”
PRH, PRH
Nga Kupu Ora Maori Book Awards
Awarded • 2016 • Nga Kupu Ora Award
International Dublin Literary Award
Longlisted • 2017 • Dublin Literary Award