- Published: 30 March 2021
- ISBN: 9780143774754
- Imprint: Penguin eBooks
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 352
The Calling
- Published: 30 March 2021
- ISBN: 9780143774754
- Imprint: Penguin eBooks
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 352
Historical fiction at its brilliant best, The Calling captured me early and took me on a trip back in time to late 19th Century NZ. Set in a small kiwi town, life in the Conway house, Molly’s fervent desire to follow her mother’s wishes, and her growing uncertainty about that path, was expertly written and real. I experienced life in 1895, with its religious bigotry, and society expectations for women. Swagmen roamed the roads, hungry and looking for work and the divide between rich and poor didn’t correlate with levels of kindness. Each chapter of the book begins with snippets of the times, whether it be a newspaper report, encyclopedia entries, a recipe for scones, or even a guide on waterproofing boots. Fleur Beale is a well loved, accomplished and much awarded YA Kiwi Author. The Calling is another astounding piece of New Zealand YA Fiction.
Adele Broadbent, whatbooknext.com
Multi-award winning, Wellington-based author Fleur Beale has crafted an inspiring tale of a young girl, Molly Conway, as she struggles with her faith in the face of many difficulties. Throughout the story, readers experience inner conflict, abuse and religious troubles, as seen through the life of Molly, while the integration of te reo along with the real-life roots of the story, makes this an absorbing and immersive read. . . . I admit I was hesitant to read this novel. As an avid fantasy reader, a story about religion based on real life people and events was vastly out of my range of preferred genres, but I gave it a go. I found that the short chapters and fast-paced storytelling made for an easy and gripping read. I recommend this novel to step out of your comfort zone and expand your genres when reading.
Link Pickering, Kete.co.nz
There is something to be said for sticking with what you know, and doing it well. Exceptionally well, in Fleur Beale’s case. The acclaimed author of the I am not Esther series has just released a new young adult novel dealing with religious bigotry, questioning faith, and a coming-of-age girl’s place in it. . . She integrates a concept that many older readers can possibly identify with today; the question of what is it that you want, and what is it that others have put on you to want? Sometimes the line is grey and murky. . . . When I received this book in the mail I had high hopes and I was not disappointed. For anyone that liked Beale’s other books, or has a passing interest in the period dramas on Netflix, this is worth a read.
Eleanor Bassett, Hooked on NZ Books, Read NZ