Wild Pork and Watercress

Set against the breathtaking and rugged backdrop of New Zealand's wilderness, Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump is a compelling story of survival, resilience, and unexpected companionship. The novel follows the journey of Ricky, an overweight Maori boy, and his irascible Uncle Hec after Social Welfare threatens to place Ricky into care. Faced with the possibility of separation, Ricky and Hec make a daring escape into the remote Ureweras, a labyrinthine forest that presents both refuge and formidable challenges.

The duo's flight into the bush takes them through treacherous terrain, offering encounters with wild pigs and testing their endurance and resourcefulness. As they navigate the perils of nature and evade the relentless pursuit of the authorities, Ricky and Hec's journey becomes a test of their wits and survival skills. The dense, impassable bushland doesn't just serve up physical challenges; it fosters a deep, evolving bond between the mismatched pair. Through adversity and hunger, they discover mutual reliance and forge an unbreakable bond of trust and love.

The narrative, rich in Crump's characteristic humour and keen observations, captures the spirit of the New Zealand outdoors, making it a vivid and immersive reading experience. The story's authenticity and the nuanced portrayal of its characters have resonated with readers for decades, securing its place as a beloved classic in New Zealand literature.

Wild Pork and Watercress was celebrated further when adapted into the highly successful film "Hunt for the Wilderpeople," which broadened its audience and brought Crump's heart-warming and adventurous tale to the big screen. This special edition, released in the Popular Penguin format, marks 50 years of its enduring popularity and reflects Allen Lane's vision when he founded Penguin Books in 1935: providing intelligent and accessible literature to a wide audience at an affordable price.