Self Portrait by Marti Friedlander

A delightful and interesting book told in the first person. I read it as though sitting next to Marti, listening to her. Hugo Manson is a Senior New Zealand Oral Historian and if, as I imagine he has, he has lead Marti to talk about certain things - beginnings, being Jewish, immigrating to New Zealand, other couples and people of the time including artists, politicians, writers and events e.g. The Springbok Tour of NZ 1981 - you can't see his hand, or words, in it.

The stories read as if you were chatting one afternoon over a cup of tea, not at all meant in any sense other than easily heard and absorbed. I loved this book and the insights it gave me into our history of that time. Marti's photographs have already done that; I believe we are very fortunate to have her record of these last 50 or so years of New Zealand life. And now with this book, her gift to New Zealand, her adopted country, is magnified.

Her 2001 major retrospective exhibition at The Auckland Art Gallery brought her photographic work to a wider audience and this book brings her to a new, potentially greater audience again. Along with life, times and people, she speaks of her photographic process, telling of taking individual photos. She also speaks of her main reason for the memoir which is to answer the public's curiosity about her and, to answer: "Yes, she is still taking photos".

Posted by CC.

Catalogue link: Self Portait

The day Dad blew up the cowshed.

A bright, vibrant picture book set on a farm, Silodale, in Central Hawke's Bay, it tells the true story of the day Jennifer and Margery’s father blew up the old cowshed and the resulting mayhem.

It is told from a child’s perspective in rhyming verse with bright energetic illustrations. I especially liked the illustration of the startled, stressed telephone which looks as if it may have been on a party line.

The book is suitable for children aged 5 to 9 and will appeal to boys although there may be a few adults who find the story brings back memories. It took me back to when friends of my father used number 8 fencing wire and the odd stick of gelignite to take care of "little problems”.

Posted by LCH


Check our catalogue and reserve online
The day Dad blew up the cowshed, text by Jennifer Somervell ; illustrated by Margery Fern.

About the Author

Interview with Jenny Somervell