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The first volume in a three-volume family saga. When Tamar Deane is orphaned at seventeen in a small Cornish village, she seizes the chance for a new life and emigrates to New Zealand. In March 1879, alone and frightened on the Plymouth quay, she is befriended by an extraordinary woman. Myrna McTaggert is travelling to Auckland with plans to establish the finest brothel in the southern hemisphere and her unconventional friendship proves invaluable when Tamar makes disastrous choices in the new colony. Tragedy and scandal befall her, but unexpected good fortune brings vast changes to Tamar's life. As the century draws to a close, uncertainty looms when a distant war lures her loved ones to South Africa.
537 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 1998
85 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Challinor
24 books250 followersBorn in Huntly, she holds a PhD in New Zealand history from the University of Waikato. Challinor has worked as a fulltime writer and historian since 2000.
Primarily known for her historical novels, Deborah Challinor’s first published books were non-fiction history books, including the best-selling Grey Ghosts: New Zealand Vietnam Vets Talk About Their War (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1998).
Her first historical novel, Tamar, was published in 2002 and has been reprinted six times. Tamar is set in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and South Africa and covers the period from 1879 until the Boer War. The series continues with White Feathers (2003) and Blue Smoke (2004).
Union Belle (2005) tells the love story of a young woman caught up in the 1951 waterfront strike, and Kitty (2006) is set in the Bay of Islands in nineteenth century New Zealand. Both novels have been at the top of the New Zealand fiction bestseller list.
Attention to historical detail is an important part of writing for Challinor. ‘I base my novels on actual historical events, and it’s very important to me to research those events in depth and to present them accurately,’ she says.
Reviewing Union Belle in North and South magazine in April 2005, Warwick Roger commented that: ‘You can smell the beer and cigarette smoke in the public bar of the Huntly Hotel, hear the band at the Saturday night dances at the miner’s hall … it’s a book I kept sneaking back to whenever I had a spare quarter hour, eager to advance the story.’
Fire (HarperCollins, 2007), Challinor's seventh novel, is set in Auckland during the hype leading up to the royal visit of 1953, but is based on the Ballantyne’s department store fire of 1947 in Christchurch. A powerful and dramatic story of passion, ambition and greed, it became a number one bestseller.
Amber, the sequel to Kitty, was published later in 2007 and also became a bestseller. Amber opens in New Zealand in 1945, on the eve of the Northern War in the Bay of Islands, in which Kitty is caught up. Sent to Auckland away from the fighting, Kitty encounters an orphaned part-Maori girl she names Amber. Together they return to the Bay of Islands, where both Kitty must risk her own life to save Amber’s.
Isle of Tears (HarperCollins NZ Ltd, 2009) is a story about 14-year-old Scottish immigrant Isla McKinnon and her younger brothers and sister. When they are orphaned they are adopted by Taranaki Maori and become caught up in the wars in Taranaki, the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
A revised edition of Challinor’s Grey Ghosts (HarperCollins NZ) was published in 2009. This edition included a new chapter on how the New Zealand Vietnam veteran community has fared since the book was first published in 1998.
Primarily known for her historical novels, Deborah Challinor’s first published books were non-fiction history books, including the best-selling Grey Ghosts: New Zealand Vietnam Vets Talk About Their War (Hodder Moa Beckett, 1998).
Her first historical novel, Tamar, was published in 2002 and has been reprinted six times. Tamar is set in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and South Africa and covers the period from 1879 until the Boer War. The series continues with White Feathers (2003) and Blue Smoke (2004).
Union Belle (2005) tells the love story of a young woman caught up in the 1951 waterfront strike, and Kitty (2006) is set in the Bay of Islands in nineteenth century New Zealand. Both novels have been at the top of the New Zealand fiction bestseller list.
Attention to historical detail is an important part of writing for Challinor. ‘I base my novels on actual historical events, and it’s very important to me to research those events in depth and to present them accurately,’ she says.
Reviewing Union Belle in North and South magazine in April 2005, Warwick Roger commented that: ‘You can smell the beer and cigarette smoke in the public bar of the Huntly Hotel, hear the band at the Saturday night dances at the miner’s hall … it’s a book I kept sneaking back to whenever I had a spare quarter hour, eager to advance the story.’
Fire (HarperCollins, 2007), Challinor's seventh novel, is set in Auckland during the hype leading up to the royal visit of 1953, but is based on the Ballantyne’s department store fire of 1947 in Christchurch. A powerful and dramatic story of passion, ambition and greed, it became a number one bestseller.
Amber, the sequel to Kitty, was published later in 2007 and also became a bestseller. Amber opens in New Zealand in 1945, on the eve of the Northern War in the Bay of Islands, in which Kitty is caught up. Sent to Auckland away from the fighting, Kitty encounters an orphaned part-Maori girl she names Amber. Together they return to the Bay of Islands, where both Kitty must risk her own life to save Amber’s.
Isle of Tears (HarperCollins NZ Ltd, 2009) is a story about 14-year-old Scottish immigrant Isla McKinnon and her younger brothers and sister. When they are orphaned they are adopted by Taranaki Maori and become caught up in the wars in Taranaki, the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
A revised edition of Challinor’s Grey Ghosts (HarperCollins NZ) was published in 2009. This edition included a new chapter on how the New Zealand Vietnam veteran community has fared since the book was first published in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 13, 2016
It was 1879 and seventeen year old Tamar Deane was watching the hustle and bustle of people waiting to board the ship at Plymouth Quay – she was supposed to be emigrating with her father to New Zealand, but he had recently passed away. Now completely alone, frightened of an unknown future and not even sure she would be able to board, the unexpected arrival at her side of a complete stranger by the name of Myrna MacTaggart gradually calmed her down. Taking Tamar under her wing, Myrna secured her place in steerage on the ship – though their age difference was great, the friendship that formed between the two would last for a lifetime.
Their arrival in Auckland was a relief after a long and arduous journey. Tamar had been one of a fortunate few to not suffer from seasickness and had found herself helping the young doctor onboard, Dr John Adams in his ministrations to the dreadfully ill passengers. After the ship’s arrival and long weeks of searching, Tamar eventually found work in Auckland, working as a seamstress – her Mam’s insistence on her learning the trade had proved invaluable.
As the days moved into weeks, life changed; Tamar was happy, settled in her job and earning a wage. But Tamar was still a naïve young woman – Myrna was concerned for her, noticing some choices she made which made her uneasy. What was Tamar’s future to be? The new colony of New Zealand wasn’t all it had been made out to be before they left Cornwall – but could they make it their home?
I absolutely loved Tamar by Aussie author Deborah Challinor which is the first in the Tamar Deane trilogy - I can’t wait to read the second, White Feathers. I really enjoy this author’s work and after having recently finished the Convict Girls series, I was excited to start Tamar. Beautifully written, the characters and emotions are so real I felt completely caught up in Tamar’s life; I could see the Maori people, the magnificent scenery and stark countryside. The plot is intricate; the twists dramatic and the historical nature of the story fascinating. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Tamar to all lovers of historical fiction.
Their arrival in Auckland was a relief after a long and arduous journey. Tamar had been one of a fortunate few to not suffer from seasickness and had found herself helping the young doctor onboard, Dr John Adams in his ministrations to the dreadfully ill passengers. After the ship’s arrival and long weeks of searching, Tamar eventually found work in Auckland, working as a seamstress – her Mam’s insistence on her learning the trade had proved invaluable.
As the days moved into weeks, life changed; Tamar was happy, settled in her job and earning a wage. But Tamar was still a naïve young woman – Myrna was concerned for her, noticing some choices she made which made her uneasy. What was Tamar’s future to be? The new colony of New Zealand wasn’t all it had been made out to be before they left Cornwall – but could they make it their home?
I absolutely loved Tamar by Aussie author Deborah Challinor which is the first in the Tamar Deane trilogy - I can’t wait to read the second, White Feathers. I really enjoy this author’s work and after having recently finished the Convict Girls series, I was excited to start Tamar. Beautifully written, the characters and emotions are so real I felt completely caught up in Tamar’s life; I could see the Maori people, the magnificent scenery and stark countryside. The plot is intricate; the twists dramatic and the historical nature of the story fascinating. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Tamar to all lovers of historical fiction.
August 13, 2017
Historical saga which starts at the dock in Plymouth as Tamar Deane is waiting to board the ship on which she will emigrate to New Zealand. This is book 1 of a trilogy about Tamar, her life in Aotearoa, which tries to give the reader the sense of what things were like, what they looked and smelt and felt like back then, its pretty gruesome at times, lots of poo, farting and other intimate details of life. It also uses a lot of Maori language interspersed, some of which is explained, and some not. For me, this book was a great read, a nice long epic about places I recognise and have been to, albeit more recently than the turn of the century. On to book 2...
November 28, 2016
Interesting enough, liked the setting and could identify with the countryside and history. Yet didn't find myself connecting enough to the characters because it went from one to the other. However worthwhile read.
December 27, 2009
This is the first book of the trilogy on Tamar's family saga, after she emigrated to New Zealand. During this trip, she meets Myrna McTaggert as well as Dr. John Adams and he doesn't hide his admiration for her. She helps him to treat all sick voyagers during this 3 months trip from Plymouth to Auckland but only accepting his friendship instead. Arriving in this new land, Myrna establishes the finest brothel in the city while Tamar finds a respectable job as a seamstress. In the meantime, she receives a marriage proposal by Peter Montgomery, a widower who recently lost his wife and child. This Tamar's decision will be proven to be a disaster in her life since Peter shows his real character as a drunk man. During her calamitous marriage she meets Kepa who will turn out his whole life. After several reversals in her life, she finally accepts to marry Andrew. Her first son, Joseph, will prove his father's courage by going to South Africa to fight for the famous the Boer war.
The plot is very well written which keeps our full attention during the whole book even if this books seems to be a romance, which it's not true since there are plenty of historical details.
The plot is very well written which keeps our full attention during the whole book even if this books seems to be a romance, which it's not true since there are plenty of historical details.
April 11, 2014
My librarian found this book for me, as I said I wanted to read some NZ fiction, as I am travelling there later in the year. I found it very fast paced and full of interesting stories about Tamar and her friends. The author obviously had done a lot of historical research to accurately contextualise all the events. I liked Tamar much more than Joseph, and got a bit bored when the story followed him to South Africa. I do not think I'll worry about reading the next two books in the trilogy but this book was a light and entertaining read.
If I had to represent the content of the story with objects, I would choose:
1.a bucket ( for all the washing and vomiting that went on)
2.a needle and thread (for her sewing skills and the role that played)
3.a blood soaked cloth (for all the injuries, sickness and births we went through)
4.a map of the North Island of NZ (to get some geography in perspective)
5.a condom? (For the many that used one, and those that should have!)
6. Green stone earring (Maori style)
7. A ledger (money come in and out from the various businesses)
8. Some expensive swatch of fabric(so much detail about ladies dresses and the fabrics they used)
If I had to represent the content of the story with objects, I would choose:
1.a bucket ( for all the washing and vomiting that went on)
2.a needle and thread (for her sewing skills and the role that played)
3.a blood soaked cloth (for all the injuries, sickness and births we went through)
4.a map of the North Island of NZ (to get some geography in perspective)
5.a condom? (For the many that used one, and those that should have!)
6. Green stone earring (Maori style)
7. A ledger (money come in and out from the various businesses)
8. Some expensive swatch of fabric(so much detail about ladies dresses and the fabrics they used)
July 27, 2021
4 stars
Orphaned at seventeen in a small Cornish village in England, Tamar Deane grabs the change to emigrate to New Zealand with both hands; believing it will be a new start where she can put her sewing skills to good use and maybe even find a husband.
Firstly though, Tamar must survive a journey half way around the world. This is no easy feat and just the beginning of her troubles. For in the search of the love her parents had, Tamar will makes choices that will see her face disastrous consequences that will change her life forever. The only question now is, will she be strong enough to survive them?
In 2020, I read Deborah Challinor’s Convict Girl series based on the recommendation of book blogger superstars @happyvalley_booksread and absolutely adored it, leaving me wanting more from Challinor. I’m therefore pleased to say that Tamar, the first book in the Children of War Trilogy; did not disappoint!
The plot was excellent because whilst the genre was historical fiction; there were themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, war, domestic violence, racism, acceptance, death, family and love. This made for an interesting read that I didn’t want to put down. This is especially when you add Challinor’s ability to paint such a realistic picture of life in England and New Zealand in the late 1800s that you could easily imagine yourself there, side by side as the characters go about their business.
Like the Convict Girl Series, the characters made it for me. Tamar is an excellent and strong leading lady, but to discount brothel madam Myrna McTaggart and housemaid Riria is something you do at your own risk! However, the whole cast of primary and secondary characters is excellent and there is a good mix of those you’ll love and love to hate.
Tamar is another great read by Challinor and I’m really looking forward to seeing where the series goes. I also really appreciated that it was set in New Zealand and found this a refreshing and insightful change from reading about Australia in the late 1800s. A must for fans of historical fiction, it’s a highly recommend four star read.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Orphaned at seventeen in a small Cornish village in England, Tamar Deane grabs the change to emigrate to New Zealand with both hands; believing it will be a new start where she can put her sewing skills to good use and maybe even find a husband.
Firstly though, Tamar must survive a journey half way around the world. This is no easy feat and just the beginning of her troubles. For in the search of the love her parents had, Tamar will makes choices that will see her face disastrous consequences that will change her life forever. The only question now is, will she be strong enough to survive them?
In 2020, I read Deborah Challinor’s Convict Girl series based on the recommendation of book blogger superstars @happyvalley_booksread and absolutely adored it, leaving me wanting more from Challinor. I’m therefore pleased to say that Tamar, the first book in the Children of War Trilogy; did not disappoint!
The plot was excellent because whilst the genre was historical fiction; there were themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, war, domestic violence, racism, acceptance, death, family and love. This made for an interesting read that I didn’t want to put down. This is especially when you add Challinor’s ability to paint such a realistic picture of life in England and New Zealand in the late 1800s that you could easily imagine yourself there, side by side as the characters go about their business.
Like the Convict Girl Series, the characters made it for me. Tamar is an excellent and strong leading lady, but to discount brothel madam Myrna McTaggart and housemaid Riria is something you do at your own risk! However, the whole cast of primary and secondary characters is excellent and there is a good mix of those you’ll love and love to hate.
Tamar is another great read by Challinor and I’m really looking forward to seeing where the series goes. I also really appreciated that it was set in New Zealand and found this a refreshing and insightful change from reading about Australia in the late 1800s. A must for fans of historical fiction, it’s a highly recommend four star read.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
December 16, 2019
Definitely not a literary but great on a plane and I’m going to read the next two. Good stories and set in NZ by someone that seems to understand the places.
November 1, 2012
Once I started reading it couldn't put it down till I had finished it. Looking forward to reading the next two. Loved the descriptions of early life in NZ.
September 3, 2013
Great read. Could not put this book down.
May 15, 2022
Enjoyed the first half of the book, however I would have loved to read more about Tamars experience raising children, in the way that she parents, in the way that everyday things were done with children in that time. There was really no mention of this aside from the occasional child birth descriptions, but what about their toddler years, the primary schooling experiences, what games did they play at home for entertainment, what did they grow in the garden and eat, what did Tamar do all day at Kenmore for all those years? These were the things I wondered about. It was great to read about the well researched descriptions of central and west Auckland, there were less descriptions of areas, buildings and street names in Hawkes Bay. While I still enjoyed part 2, Joseph, it was disappointing that Tamar was no longer the main character in a book that was titled her namesake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2018
I loved it. LOve historical fiction and especially trilogy's that i don't have to wait for the other 2 books to be released. i was able to have a book marathon.
Based in New Zealand where i grew up i could relate to many of the places and customs.
I have read a later trilogy of Deborah's and this book had many of the same story lines however the 2 following books were very different. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5
Based in New Zealand where i grew up i could relate to many of the places and customs.
I have read a later trilogy of Deborah's and this book had many of the same story lines however the 2 following books were very different. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5
June 14, 2025
Overall, I enjoyed the read.
I am, however, in agreement with others who think that the part in South Africa didn't fit the rest of the book.
I don't have to decide if I'm going to read book #2. My local library doesn't have that title and it's not one that I'm interesting in buying. I would look up other work by this author but this book seems to be all that my library has by Challinor. So, that's that I guess.
I am, however, in agreement with others who think that the part in South Africa didn't fit the rest of the book.
I don't have to decide if I'm going to read book #2. My local library doesn't have that title and it's not one that I'm interesting in buying. I would look up other work by this author but this book seems to be all that my library has by Challinor. So, that's that I guess.
November 11, 2017
This is the first in the Trilogy, and the one to start with. Predominately set in NZ and the following novels, Blue Smoke and White Feather set in Hawkes Bay during the war period and Napier earthquake. One of the best series I have read by one of my favourite authors. While it is not true it could quite easily have been
December 10, 2022
The first half of this book was full of punch and absolutely flew by.
The section later when Tamar settled down and the Boer War happened, less so.
Still, loving reading books set in New Zealands early years, bringing to life some of the historical experiences.
The section later when Tamar settled down and the Boer War happened, less so.
Still, loving reading books set in New Zealands early years, bringing to life some of the historical experiences.
July 18, 2025
The life Tamar led was next level. How she managed to overcome so many obstacles and still hold her head high? Incredible. I must admit there were some moments that hit a little too close to home (growing son), that made me want to skip the pages
January 12, 2018
A fascinating read by a talented NZ author. Looking forward to reading book #2. :D
February 18, 2019
Riveting read, following the life of an exceptional woman, who makes her own way, with mistakes and courage, to defiy gossip, hardship and change.
May 26, 2019
First book I read
May 31, 2020
Liked this book very much!
Liked this book very much.!
Enjoyed this book,for the most part,did start to drag somewhat towards the end,but I think I would read the next one.
Liked this book very much.!
Enjoyed this book,for the most part,did start to drag somewhat towards the end,but I think I would read the next one.
February 7, 2021
There is no author as fabulous as Deborah Challinor
June 20, 2021
Fabulous book
This was a wonderful well written book. It’s not a book that you can predict what happens. Already bought the next two. Highly recommend.
This was a wonderful well written book. It’s not a book that you can predict what happens. Already bought the next two. Highly recommend.
January 31, 2023
Highly readable saga. Not sure I’d read more as didn’t think it was highly original but enjoyed it none the less
May 19, 2023
Fine I guess - kept me reading at least.
January 27, 2024
Amazing story, very moving
October 29, 2024
A nz epic. Well written. I really enjoyed
June 1, 2015
I dithered on how many stars to gives this book 3 or 4. The first 3/4 of this book I really liked and would rate as 4 star. I was gripped by the story of Tamar and how her life changed from that in England to New Zealand. Living in New Zealand I really enjoyed the descriptions of the places and times. I felt involved in Tamar's life and wanted to know how her story/life evolved and enjoyed the twists and turns that it took.
I found that Challinor described her characters well and left you caring about what happened to them. I did however find that later on in the book once Tamar had became settled I felt that the story evolved into a different one, that of her son and not of Tamar. Whilst the story of her son was interesting I felt like it was a Novella of a different book. Almost like she had started the next book in the series and then tacked on at the end. Whislt this part of the book was still enjoyable I did not find it as good as the story about Tamar and was a bit disappointed. I felt it marred my feelings of the book overall. However still ratd as 4 stars, but only just.
I found that Challinor described her characters well and left you caring about what happened to them. I did however find that later on in the book once Tamar had became settled I felt that the story evolved into a different one, that of her son and not of Tamar. Whilst the story of her son was interesting I felt like it was a Novella of a different book. Almost like she had started the next book in the series and then tacked on at the end. Whislt this part of the book was still enjoyable I did not find it as good as the story about Tamar and was a bit disappointed. I felt it marred my feelings of the book overall. However still ratd as 4 stars, but only just.
January 4, 2017
This historical novel focused on a young Cornish woman, Tamar, who had planned to emigrate to New Zealand with her father. When he died, she snuck on board with a stranger. On the ship, she made friends with several women, including Myrna, with whom she stayed friends until the end of Myrna's life. In New Zealand, Myrna set up her business, of running a high status brothel catering to the wealthy men of the community. Much later, upon Myrna's death, Tamar inherits the brothel from her dear friend. it was interesting reading of the relationship between the English and the Maoris, as well as the social/sexual roles of women in the culture at that time.
Later in the book, the focus shifted to the War between the English and the Boers, and felt less cohesive and definitely less interesting to me. Half way through, I would have rated the book a high 4, but by the end I was hesitant to even rate it a 3. I had planned to continue with book 2 of the trilogy but have decided to not do so.
Later in the book, the focus shifted to the War between the English and the Boers, and felt less cohesive and definitely less interesting to me. Half way through, I would have rated the book a high 4, but by the end I was hesitant to even rate it a 3. I had planned to continue with book 2 of the trilogy but have decided to not do so.
June 30, 2012
This was an amazing read.
For all you readers who love historical fiction, full of scandal, friendship, love and treachery.
Deborah Challinor has brought 19th century New Zealand to life.
The detail of early life and the Maori culture have been expertly entwined to form a story that spans the life of several characters who I did not want to leave behind when the story had finished.
The main female character, Tamar, stole my heart with her courage and resilience against enormous odds. There were parts I laughed and parts I cried.
Well done and thank You Ms Challinor.
I am ready for the next Deb Challinor book.
For all you readers who love historical fiction, full of scandal, friendship, love and treachery.
Deborah Challinor has brought 19th century New Zealand to life.
The detail of early life and the Maori culture have been expertly entwined to form a story that spans the life of several characters who I did not want to leave behind when the story had finished.
The main female character, Tamar, stole my heart with her courage and resilience against enormous odds. There were parts I laughed and parts I cried.
Well done and thank You Ms Challinor.
I am ready for the next Deb Challinor book.
April 17, 2015
The story of Cornish girl Tamar, who emigrates to New Zealand in 1879. On her voyage she is befriended by Myrna McTaggart, a feisty Scottish madam, and John Adams, the ship's doctor. The story chronicles the ups and downs of her life, marriages and adventures. The book is clearly well-researched, but the writing a little obvious. I found the later part of the book when Joseph fought in the Boer War dragged for me. There is a lot of detail about some things, like costume, and other things are glossed over, for example Andrew was a fairly flat undeveloped character. Overall an enjoyable, light read.
December 4, 2011
Tamar was a great story, really easy to get caught up in the story and not want to put it down.
I'm not such a huge fan of Challinor's writing style - "She did this, she thought that" - I find it a little dated, less engaging that a more active style of writing, but having said that, she has created a fantastic character in Tamar. Historically, I'm sure it's really accurate and that was great to see New Zealand's earlier European days through a novel.
I'm not such a huge fan of Challinor's writing style - "She did this, she thought that" - I find it a little dated, less engaging that a more active style of writing, but having said that, she has created a fantastic character in Tamar. Historically, I'm sure it's really accurate and that was great to see New Zealand's earlier European days through a novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews