This is a peculiar situation as Jerningham knows his way about – he’s befriended some of the local iwi, even to the point of being offered his own set of slaves, and he can speak te reo Maori. Lugg’s journeys with Jerningham take him to Wanganui, where Jerningham has his own little empire and where everyone seems to know him. And it is Jerningham who teaches Lugg how to shoot. Just who is looking after whom? And while his views may not be popular with his uncle, Jerningham’s exploits have given him a good picture of what the new country is like at grass roots level.
“This country needs people who understand what is here, before we layer ourselves like a blanket on top of the natives and smother an entire race to death.’’
The story is full of adventures – storm-battered sea journeys, picturesque canoe travel and surprise meetings with Maori war parties, the terrible events of the Wairau Affray. In the meantime, we view the life of the colonist through young Arthur Lugg: his disappointments in love, his losing his thumb and almost his life, his gradual settling in. Jerningham is never far away, his finger in lots of pies.
“We were close on the edge of the surf. Water slapped the boat without rhythm, a drunk’s confused clapping, and the plunging oars ripped the waves like paper.”
It all adds up to a terrific read, not only is there plenty to drive the plot, but you get a really good picture of the politics of the time as the settlers descend in ever increasing numbers, and Governor Hobson pushes through the Treaty. The book has some brilliantly evocative scenes and some gorgeous writing, making this a debut not to be missed from a talented new author.
Cristina Sanders is the special guest at this year’s Havelock North Book Publishers Expo on Wednesday, 18 November. Meet the author, discover what’s new in publishing and stock up for Christmas. Tickets include refreshments and spot prizes, and are available from Hastings District Libraries.
Posted by JAM
Catalogue link: Jerningham
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