History of New Zealand Women, A

Barbara Brookes' History of New Zealand Women offers a transformative exploration of New Zealand's past, shifting the historical perspective from the well-trodden paths of male-dominated narratives to the significant but often overlooked experiences of women. Rejecting Thomas Carlyle's notion of history as 'the biography of great men,' Brookes re-centres the narrative lens to examine the development of New Zealand through the eyes of its wives, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts.

This meticulously researched and comprehensive work provides an unflinching look at how women's roles and contributions have shaped New Zealand society from its earliest days to the present. The narrative spans from the arrival of the first waka, documenting the lives of Maori women who were integral to the survival and culture of their communities, to the Grammy and Man Booker Prize-winning women of modern times, showcasing their achievements and contributions to the nation's identity.

Brookes argues compellingly that while European men were instrumental in erecting the political frameworks necessary for forming a nation, it was the women who built the vital social infrastructure that allowed colonial society to flourish. The book delves into how settler women brought concepts of home, marriage, and family, which, while central to the developing state, also dramatically transformed the lives of Maori women.

One of the core strengths of History of New Zealand Women lies in its ability to weave personal anecdotes and smaller joys, such as the arrival of a piano from England or the newfound freedom of riding a bicycle, into the broader tapestry of legal and economic changes that have shaped women's lives. By doing so, Brookes offers not just a history but a vivid and relatable account of the trials and triumphs of New Zealand women across generations.

The book highlights the rapid societal changes facilitated by the small scale of New Zealand, pointing to a twenty-first century in which women are no longer confined by traditional family roles. Brookes' lively and engaging narrative, supported by a rich variety of sources, traces the key factors that drove these changes, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of how women's lives have evolved over the centuries.

History of New Zealand Women is not merely an account of women in New Zealand; it is a re-envisioning of the nation’s history through a female lens. By illuminating the significant yet often sidelined contributions of women, Barbara Brookes adds a critical dimension to our understanding of New Zealand’s past, making this book an indispensable resource for anyone looking to grasp the full history of the nation.