Recently arrived memoirs and biographies
Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
A powerful and poetic combination of memoir, biography and history from the genocide of the Aboriginal Tasmanian peoples, to HG Wells and Rebecca West to the atomic bomb. A tour de force.
Read our full review here.
In her late teens, Marianne Brooker's mother was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. In the tradition of Maggie O'Farrell and Sinead Gleeson and Paul Kalanithi, Brooker investigates heartbreak, death doulas, living wills and the economics of social, hospice and funeral care in this Women's Prize for Nonfiction longlisted memoir.
As a member of the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War II, Vivian Bullwinkel was one of only three survivors of the Banka Island Massacre, where advancing Japanese soldiers killed over 80 survivors of a bombed ship in the Indonesian archipelago. Imprisoned by the Japanese for more than 3 years, Bullwinkel testified at the Tokyo War Crimes tribunal although was forbidden to speak of many experiences by the Australian government. Here historian Kieza tells a remarkable story of the courage, sacrifice and service.
American Mother by Colum McCann with Diane Foley
In late 2021, Diane Foley found herself face-to-face with her son's killer, Alexanda Kotey, a member of ISIS's notorious "Beatles," had confessed to the kidnapping, torture, and murder that stole her son's life seven years prior. Now, as Kotey awaited a life sentence, Diane had a chance to confront the man who participated in her son's horrific demise. What words would she choose? What truths would he offer? Could forgiveness even be a possibility? A thrilling narrative, a biographical portrait, a search for understanding, a mother's testament of love, and a profound exploration of forgiveness.
Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner
Crystal Harris was only 21 when she was picked out of the crowd at a Playboy mansion party to become one of Hugh Hefner's "girlfriends". Eventually she would go on to become his wife, but in a world where he controlled everything from they way she looked to how late she was allowed to be out at night, and where she was forced to compete for his attention with other women, Harris became increasing aware of the toxic nature of her relationship. A frank, sad and crazy look at a bizare and dangerous way of life.
A unique and intimate look behind the scenes of a New Zealand general surgeon, from the emergency room to the theatre, to the constant juggle of family, home and work. Meredith weaves her own life story as she faces the declining health of her parents in Samoa with shocking stories from the operating table into a compelling and honest memoir.
A Very Private School by Charles Spencer
Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, brother to the late Diana, writes candidly about his experiences in the 'antiquated' English boarding school system, drawing from his own letters and diaries of the time as well as his contemporary's memoires, asking the question, why do British families of a certain class feel compelled to subject their children to this specific form of isoaltion? Reflecting on the hopelessness and abandonment he felt at aged eight, Spencer suffered a mental breakdown while writing this book.
Still Standing by Anna Crighton
Anna Crighton's efforts, particularly after the Christchurch earthquakes, have saved countless structures from demolition. As a former Christchurch City Councillor, Crighton's life has been marked by challenges that instilled in her a fighting spirit and resilience. In her book, she recounts a difficult childhood, a rebellious adolescence, and the hardship of an abusive marriage. These experiences fueled her passion for heritage preservation, a cause she champions tirelessly.
Listen to Anna interviewed by Kathryn Ryan on RNZ.
The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul
The world's most well known drag queen writes a raw and powerful exploration of his journey – from a Black, queer kid in a struggling home to becoming a global icon who redefined the art. It's a story of self-discovery, found family, love and the transformative power of performance. This deeply personal journey offers a glimpse into the man behind the makeup, revealing the struggles and triumphs that shaped him.
Heart Stood Still by Miriam Sharland
In the early days of the pandemic, Miriam Sharland found herself isolating in the Manawatu instead of heading home to Britain after 17 years in Aoteaora. In a poignant memoir that doubles as a love letter to nature, she chronicles her journey of healing in the face of climate crisis, weaving together personal essays that follow the rhythm of the seasons. Sharland reflects on her life, family history, and the native beauty surrounding her, all through the lens of an "unsettled settler" grappling with her place in Aotearoa. This lyrical exploration is a call to action, urging us to cherish and protect the natural world.
