Mister Pip

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones is a remarkable and evocative novel set amidst the turmoil of a Pacific Island ravaged by civil war. The story unfolds through the perceptive eyes of young Matilda, who navigates the challenges of her war-torn world thanks to a new source of hope and discovery - literature.

On the isolated island of Bougainville, cut off from the rest of the world due to the conflict, Matilda's community faces daily struggles. Attention centers on the enigmatic Mr Watts, the island's only white man, who assumes the role of the schoolmaster. Mr Watts’s unconventional teaching methods involve reading aloud from Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, using the classic novel to connect with the children and illuminate their imaginations.

As Matilda and her classmates immerse themselves in the adventures of Pip, the dividing line between fiction and reality begins to blur. Mr Watts’s teachings offer an escape and a sense of hope, amid the backdrop of the growing violence that threatens their fragile existence. The power of literature becomes a sanctuary and a means of survival, bringing light to the darkest of times.

This multiple award-winning novel, celebrated for its profound narrative and rich storytelling, is more than a tale of survival; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of great literature. Mister Pip has captivated readers worldwide with its blend of history, humanity, and the enduring influence of Dickens's masterpiece.

To mark 50 years of publishing in New Zealand, this classic has been released in the Popular Penguin format, a nod to Allen Lane's vision from 1935. Penguin Books was founded on the belief that quality literature should be accessible to all, and continues to bring intelligent books at affordable prices to a vast readership. Mister Pip stands as a proud representation of this enduring legacy.