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Tamar Deane Trilogy #2
White Feathers
In 1914, Tamar Murdoch's life is one of ease and contentment at Kenmore, a prosperous estate in Hawkes Bay, as storm clouds over Europe begin casting long shadows. Tamar's love for her children is sorely tested as one by one they are called, or driven, into the living hell of World War One. During the Boer War, Joseph, her illegitimate eldest son, fought as a European, but this time he is determined to enlist in the Maori Battalion. As loyalties within the Murdoch clan are divided, and the war takes Tamar and Andrew's only daughter far from her sheltered upbringing, the people and experiences their children encounter will shape the destiny of the Murdoch clan for generations to come.
544 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2003
30 people are currently reading
263 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 32 reviews
February 7, 2017
Joseph Deane had been droving in Australia when he decided to return to his home of Kenmore in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. He had something to tell his parents – something he knew they wouldn’t be happy with. Joseph had fought in the Boer War; now he was determined to enlist in the Maori Battalion and join the latest war hovering over Europe; World War I.
Joseph was right – his mother Tamar, father Kepa and step-father Andrew were horrified at his plans. But Tamar knew his mind wouldn’t be changed. But then when James informed his parents he would be going; then Keely, who was nursing alongside her cousin Erin, said they had both signed up for a tour of duty overseas, Tamar and Andrew despaired. They desperately hoped the war would be over quickly – they wanted their children home safely, and the remaining two to stay home…
From Gallipoli to France and in between, the war raged. The casualty list was horrific – and Tamar, while keeping Kenmore running was desperate for news. Would her children return? One thing was certain – the lives of those involved would never be the same again…
White Feathers is the second in the Children of War trilogy, (after Tamar) by Aussie/New Zealand author Deborah Challinor. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, as much as the first, and will get stuck into the last in the trilogy (Blue Smoke) very soon. Beautifully researched, the descriptions are such that I could see the mud, hear the incessant buzzing of flies, smell the rank odour which permeated everything. And the despair of the men and women doing their best; plus the despair of those left at home. White Feathers is a wonderful story, touching, heartfelt and full of emotion and hope, love and triumph. I have no hesitation in recommending this one highly. Deborah Challinor is definitely one of my favourite authors!
Joseph was right – his mother Tamar, father Kepa and step-father Andrew were horrified at his plans. But Tamar knew his mind wouldn’t be changed. But then when James informed his parents he would be going; then Keely, who was nursing alongside her cousin Erin, said they had both signed up for a tour of duty overseas, Tamar and Andrew despaired. They desperately hoped the war would be over quickly – they wanted their children home safely, and the remaining two to stay home…
From Gallipoli to France and in between, the war raged. The casualty list was horrific – and Tamar, while keeping Kenmore running was desperate for news. Would her children return? One thing was certain – the lives of those involved would never be the same again…
White Feathers is the second in the Children of War trilogy, (after Tamar) by Aussie/New Zealand author Deborah Challinor. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, as much as the first, and will get stuck into the last in the trilogy (Blue Smoke) very soon. Beautifully researched, the descriptions are such that I could see the mud, hear the incessant buzzing of flies, smell the rank odour which permeated everything. And the despair of the men and women doing their best; plus the despair of those left at home. White Feathers is a wonderful story, touching, heartfelt and full of emotion and hope, love and triumph. I have no hesitation in recommending this one highly. Deborah Challinor is definitely one of my favourite authors!
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August 25, 2010This is the second of 3 books in this series. I got all 3 at a garage sale and cannot put them down. The first one is called "Tamar" and tells of a young woman coming from Cornwall to N.Z. in the 1800's. The current one deals with the First World War where Tamar's children are either fighting or nursing. Their youngest boy Ian has just got killed where I am at the moment. The third one "Blue Smoke" deals from the Hawkes Bay earthquake to the end of the Second World War where Tamar passes. Fantastic story of N.Z. history in a very palatable form. Highly recommended!
July 27, 2021
3.75 stars
Tamar Deane is one tough cookie. She’s survived a horrific marriage, being the mother of an illegitimate ‘half-caste’ Maori child and the Madam of a Brothel; but now she’s now left that all behind and become Tamar Murdoch, the matriarch of Kenmore - a sheep station in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. With her loving husband Andrew by her side and four beautiful children, she’s finally found the love and happiness her parents had. Or has she?
Her oldest son Joseph survived the Boer War and Tamar thought that would be the end of it. But as life moves into the twentieth century; World War I is on its way and now all of Tamar’s children are eager to do their part, much to her horror and fear. Will life at Kenmore ever be the same again or will WWI claim the thing most precious to Tamar, her children?
White Feathers by Deborah Challinor is the second book in the Children of War series. Although it should not be a surprise, given that the word ‘war’ is in the name of series; a large chunk of White Feathers was set in Europe during World War I and detailed the trials and tribulations of Tamar’s children as they served their country. This was very different from the first book in the series, where the Boer War only took up a small part of the plot. Don’t get me wrong, White Feathers is still a good read; but I personally enjoyed the parts of the plot that focused life on Kenmore and in New Zealand more than I did when the plot moved to the war scenes. Having said that, the writing is so descriptive and engaging that you are easily transported to wherever the story travels.
Character wise, many from the first book - be they primary to secondary - were back, which was excellent; along with the introduction of some new ones. Again, the characters make the book and for those who were in the Tamar; it was interesting to see how they grew and developed as New Zealand as a country also did.
As was the case with Tamar, I enjoyed White Feathers because it’s set inNew Zealand rather than Australia and provides a different perspective to the usual Australian or European setting of historical fiction books during Word War I.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Tamar Deane is one tough cookie. She’s survived a horrific marriage, being the mother of an illegitimate ‘half-caste’ Maori child and the Madam of a Brothel; but now she’s now left that all behind and become Tamar Murdoch, the matriarch of Kenmore - a sheep station in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. With her loving husband Andrew by her side and four beautiful children, she’s finally found the love and happiness her parents had. Or has she?
Her oldest son Joseph survived the Boer War and Tamar thought that would be the end of it. But as life moves into the twentieth century; World War I is on its way and now all of Tamar’s children are eager to do their part, much to her horror and fear. Will life at Kenmore ever be the same again or will WWI claim the thing most precious to Tamar, her children?
White Feathers by Deborah Challinor is the second book in the Children of War series. Although it should not be a surprise, given that the word ‘war’ is in the name of series; a large chunk of White Feathers was set in Europe during World War I and detailed the trials and tribulations of Tamar’s children as they served their country. This was very different from the first book in the series, where the Boer War only took up a small part of the plot. Don’t get me wrong, White Feathers is still a good read; but I personally enjoyed the parts of the plot that focused life on Kenmore and in New Zealand more than I did when the plot moved to the war scenes. Having said that, the writing is so descriptive and engaging that you are easily transported to wherever the story travels.
Character wise, many from the first book - be they primary to secondary - were back, which was excellent; along with the introduction of some new ones. Again, the characters make the book and for those who were in the Tamar; it was interesting to see how they grew and developed as New Zealand as a country also did.
As was the case with Tamar, I enjoyed White Feathers because it’s set inNew Zealand rather than Australia and provides a different perspective to the usual Australian or European setting of historical fiction books during Word War I.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
December 3, 2011
Purchased at Borders closing down sale. This is the 2nd in a series of 3 so I will be looking for No1 and no 3 as I do my rounds
I wished that i had waited to find the first in the series. Although I did enjoy the book, I feel I would have enjoyed it more had I known the whole backstory of the characters that was set in Tamar. I will continue to lookout for it
I wished that i had waited to find the first in the series. Although I did enjoy the book, I feel I would have enjoyed it more had I known the whole backstory of the characters that was set in Tamar. I will continue to lookout for it
April 9, 2018
Wonderful Reading
Excellent reading. Couldn't put it down. On to the third book, can't wait. Learnt so much history wise about New Zealand.
Excellent reading. Couldn't put it down. On to the third book, can't wait. Learnt so much history wise about New Zealand.
December 16, 2024
This is the second book of the Children of War Trilogy by New Zealand author and historian Deborah Challinor. The focus of this book is Tamar’s children going off to WWI, their varied experiences and the repercussions and impact of their war service.
Tamar is now the wife of Andrew Murdoch and the matriarch of Kenmore, a sheep station in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. Her eldest son Joseph, son of Maori leader Kepa, veteran of the Boer War, decides he will join the Maori Battalion, where they face the inevitable racism from the English officers and the harsh conditions of the trenches. Tamar and Andrew’s sons soon follow suit, and Tamar’s children are spread around from Turkey to France, with their parents anxiously awaiting news of them. Even their daughter Keeley and long term friend Erin head overseas nursing. Gradually the children trickle home and try to adjust to life after the war.
As always Deborah Challinor writes a book that is detailed in its research, descriptive, and gives you a great sense of place, so you can imagine being there with them. My only disappointment was the portrayal of Tamar in this one. It is many years since I read the first book, but my recollection is that Tamar was a strong, feisty woman of action. In this book, every time she appears we are regaled with a detailed description of what she is wearing, which somewhat diminishes her to the role of clothes horse and fashion plate. She does not have much role in this book other than worrying about her children and responding to their crises and concerns. Nevertheless this was a well crafted novel and I will likely read the third. 3.5 stars for me.
Tamar is now the wife of Andrew Murdoch and the matriarch of Kenmore, a sheep station in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. Her eldest son Joseph, son of Maori leader Kepa, veteran of the Boer War, decides he will join the Maori Battalion, where they face the inevitable racism from the English officers and the harsh conditions of the trenches. Tamar and Andrew’s sons soon follow suit, and Tamar’s children are spread around from Turkey to France, with their parents anxiously awaiting news of them. Even their daughter Keeley and long term friend Erin head overseas nursing. Gradually the children trickle home and try to adjust to life after the war.
As always Deborah Challinor writes a book that is detailed in its research, descriptive, and gives you a great sense of place, so you can imagine being there with them. My only disappointment was the portrayal of Tamar in this one. It is many years since I read the first book, but my recollection is that Tamar was a strong, feisty woman of action. In this book, every time she appears we are regaled with a detailed description of what she is wearing, which somewhat diminishes her to the role of clothes horse and fashion plate. She does not have much role in this book other than worrying about her children and responding to their crises and concerns. Nevertheless this was a well crafted novel and I will likely read the third. 3.5 stars for me.
August 22, 2022
Looking forward to reading the third installment, this book was not as captivating, I would have enjoyed more detail about everyday life at Kenmore, such as detailed descriptions of the house/s exterior architecture and interior decoration. What equipment they cooked on, what their bedrooms were like, it was vague. I found myself wondering, did they ever run out of rain water if it came from a tank? Or did they have a well? They had electricity, but how reliable was it? What about in the storms? Did they have open coal fires? Did they have a milk cow? Chickens? Gardeners? What did Tamar actually do all day, aside from greeting guests and eating dinner, writing letters and the occasional wedding dressmaking? The war scenes were very detailed however, and it was the main focus.
May 26, 2018
It has been several years since I read the first in this series. But I haven't forgotten Tamar and her story.
But you almost don't have to read the first book to enjoy this. The setting or WW1 and it's aftermath make for a good story anywhere.
The book is simply written in a style that won't tax the reader.
But you almost don't have to read the first book to enjoy this. The setting or WW1 and it's aftermath make for a good story anywhere.
The book is simply written in a style that won't tax the reader.
April 7, 2019
Stunning novel and second book in the Children of War series, this had me gripped from the first page. The descriptions of life in Gallipoli and on the Western Front were so vivid I felt like I was there. Such a fantastic read, it tells the tales of our brave Kiwi soldiers and nurses in the First World War.
July 27, 2025
My Uncle Joe went to Vietnam and Malaya and never spoke of his time. This pukapuka helped me understand why. Our veterans experienced situations we could never comprehend so that we would never have to endure them ourselves. I really appreciated how graphic the war stories were
September 13, 2025
Very interesting, fitting into my history of NZ research, and the many differeces between regions in our country.
A bit predictable, but easy to read, and an array of interesting charactwrs well developed.
A bit predictable, but easy to read, and an array of interesting charactwrs well developed.
January 8, 2026
This book was soo much better than the first one. I enjoyed part one, but the 2nd instalment had so many more great characters and I love how we saw so many different depictions and experiences of WWI. I couldn't put this down have already started on the 3rd and final book in this great series.
January 21, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed the second book, almost as much as the first one. Looking forward to starting book three today!
March 6, 2018
Book 2 in the Children of war trilogy.
Based during world war 1 follows the family story that started in book 1 Tamar.
Once again loved it and would recommend.
Based during world war 1 follows the family story that started in book 1 Tamar.
Once again loved it and would recommend.
October 11, 2018
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book but it was still a good read
March 2, 2019
Just really intriguing to follow the story of such a remarkable woman in a time of war with highs but so many lows.
July 7, 2019
This is a well-researched story that focuses on the first World War, both on the conflict in the trenches and the effects the war has on the members of the Murdoch family.
August 14, 2019
3.5 stars
November 2, 2020
Excellent NZ trilogy
December 18, 2022
Brutal and unflinching in demonstrating the myriad ways people came home broken from world war 1.
Devoured in a day.
Devoured in a day.
July 6, 2012
The second story of Tamar and her family.
I felt this story was mostly Joseph's story but it included all of the Murdoch Children and their personal conflicts during the First WW.
So many heart strings pulled as the trials and truths of war are brought to life.
A job well done by Deborah Challinor. I loved this story as much as the first.
Recently I met an old woman in a Dr's surgery in Sydney, and she told me her life's history and of her nursing years spent as a Scottish nurse in Alexandria. So when this novel took us to that part of the world at that time, a slight chill ran up my spine.
War has a way of humbling us who have never experienced the hardships, or losses.
White Feathers is a wonderful sequel to the first Novel, Tamar.
A great read, full of emotional loss, regret, fear for the future, hope and love.
I felt this story was mostly Joseph's story but it included all of the Murdoch Children and their personal conflicts during the First WW.
So many heart strings pulled as the trials and truths of war are brought to life.
A job well done by Deborah Challinor. I loved this story as much as the first.
Recently I met an old woman in a Dr's surgery in Sydney, and she told me her life's history and of her nursing years spent as a Scottish nurse in Alexandria. So when this novel took us to that part of the world at that time, a slight chill ran up my spine.
War has a way of humbling us who have never experienced the hardships, or losses.
White Feathers is a wonderful sequel to the first Novel, Tamar.
A great read, full of emotional loss, regret, fear for the future, hope and love.
October 29, 2012
Not bad, but I was expecting more story relating directly to Tamar, but instead got stories about her family and their wartime experiences. Wouldn't rave about it but it filled in a space where there were no other books to read at the time.
May 28, 2011
This is the second book of this trilogy. However, after reading this book, I just give up, not worth to finish this family saga.
March 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this. Very interesting to read about New Zealand's involvement in WWI.
October 5, 2013
Tamar was a great story and this picks up the lives of all the characters through war and the return home.
January 27, 2014
loving the story of tamar and her family... cant wait to start last instalment
September 13, 2014
Enjoyed reading the second part of the trilogy, ready for part 3 now
January 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this. I love series that span generations. I learnt a lot about war time also. Great read.
April 28, 2015
Great heartfelt story . Filled with lots of history.
October 26, 2015
Another great read from Deborah Challinor, thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to the final installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews