Secrets of the Land
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 92 ratings, 41 reviews)Read More
Secrets of the Land
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Secrets of the Land
An engrossing thriller. Imogen, a former journalist, is bewildered when a mysterious stranger says her grandfather in New Zealand needs help. She finds a long shadow hangs over her grandfather's land - from 1862 when the British army fought the Taranaki Maori, to 1974 when Imogen's grandparents arrive, fleeing trouble in Ireland.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionSecrets of the Land by Kate Mahony weaves a compelling narrative that spans generations and continents, richly exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the haunting echoes of history. Imogen Maguire, a former journalist now living a routine life in Melbourne, has her world turned upside down when a cryptic encounter with a stranger reveals an astonishing secret: her grandfather, long believed to be dead, is alive and urgently needs her help in New Zealand.
Driven by a deep-seated sense of duty and curiosity, Imogen embarks on a journey to Taranaki, a land shrouded in mystery and history. She finds herself in a rural landscape where her grandfather is being threatened, his farm targeted by unknown forces bent on driving him away. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Imogen uncovers a tapestry of family secrets and historical resentments.
A shadow lingers over her grandfather's land, stretching back to 1864. During this time, two young Irishmen joined the British army’s struggle against the Taranaki Māori, a decision that would set off a chain of events echoing through generations. In 1975, Imogen's grandparents arrived in this tumultuous land, seeking refuge from their troubled past in Ireland. Their daughter Aoife, Imogen’s mother, struggled to adapt, longing for the home she left behind.
Amidst this backdrop, Imogen's investigation intertwines with a historical journey, from the two Irishmen entrapped in colonial conflicts to her mother’s own expatriation, revealing the striking parallels between their lives and her own. As Imogen uncovers the truth, she confronts the notions of heritage, the inescapable ties of blood, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.
Secrets of the Land is a poignant exploration of family and perseverance, a story that deftly navigates personal and historical terrains, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring connections that bind us to both land and legacy.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Secrets of the Land by Kate Mahony artfully interweaves the history of 19th-century Ireland and colonial New Zealand, focusing on themes of colonisation and the fight for land. Through generations, characters grapple with farming rights, historical grievances, and reconciliation, making for a richly textured and immersive read praised for its blend of historical accuracy and engaging fiction.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781738594306
Publisher: Cloud Ink Press Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 September 2023
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: Cloud Ink Press Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 270
About the Author
Kate Mahony is a writer of short stories and flash fiction with an MA in Creative writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington. Her work has been published in anthologies and literary journals internationally and in New Zealand. Her short fiction has been shortlisted and longlisted in international and national competitions. She has previously worked as a journalist in both London and New Zealand, and in communications roles. She grew up in Taranaki where her novel Secrets of the Land is set. She lives in Wellington.
More from General Fiction
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Pick Ups
We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.