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Landings
Vivid and evocative, this is a moving novel of a unique time and place from one of New Zealand's favourite authors.
The Whanganui River at the turn of the twentieth century is a busy thoroughfare, taking sightseers through the spectacular landscape by paddle steamer and acting as highway for the sparse scatterings of settlements along its twisting length. The people who have made it their home are a diverse collection, from Samuel Blencoe, trying to forget his past life as a convict, to the hoteliers at Pipiriki, the nuns at Jerusalem, the Maori families, the Chinese market gardener and the farmers, like Danny and Stella, trying to tame the wild bush. There's also Bridie, the strange, silent girl, who haunts the banks of the river where the accident occurred that robbed her of her mind. Like the tributaries that trickle down the mountains and join the mighty river, so the lives of these people come together in this vivid and moving tale of a stunningly unique place.
The Whanganui River at the turn of the twentieth century is a busy thoroughfare, taking sightseers through the spectacular landscape by paddle steamer and acting as highway for the sparse scatterings of settlements along its twisting length. The people who have made it their home are a diverse collection, from Samuel Blencoe, trying to forget his past life as a convict, to the hoteliers at Pipiriki, the nuns at Jerusalem, the Maori families, the Chinese market gardener and the farmers, like Danny and Stella, trying to tame the wild bush. There's also Bridie, the strange, silent girl, who haunts the banks of the river where the accident occurred that robbed her of her mind. Like the tributaries that trickle down the mountains and join the mighty river, so the lives of these people come together in this vivid and moving tale of a stunningly unique place.
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
31 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Pattrick
14 books49 followersJenny Pattrick is an acclaimed historical novelist, whose The Denniston Rose, and its sequel Heart of Coal, are among New Zealand's bestselling novels. In 2009 she received the New Zealand Post Mansfield Fellowship. She has been active in the arts community, and has also written stories, songs and shows for children.
Jenny Pattrick has been awarded the OBE for services to the arts, the 1990 medal, is featured in the Wellington Girls' College Hall of Fame and has received the NZ Post Katherine Mansfield Prize.
Jenny Pattrick has been awarded the OBE for services to the arts, the 1990 medal, is featured in the Wellington Girls' College Hall of Fame and has received the NZ Post Katherine Mansfield Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 15, 2012
I heard about this book while in New Zealand recently (it's a New Zealand novel) I told the person I was visiting that my parents' first job after they married in 1949 was at a 2-teacher school in Pipiriki, a little town on the Wanganui River. Landings is set there around the turn of the century, when Pipiriki had a grand hotel and was the main stopping point for luxury riverboat cruises up the Wanganui river. Jenny Pattrick assembles a great cast of characters and makes you care about them and also weaves, clearly and with pace, a great story about the relationship between natives, new settlers, entrepreneurs, hotel workers, riverboat workers and so on. A good read!
July 3, 2017
I've loved all three of the Jenny Pattrick novels I've read so far. She always does such a great job of bringing to life not just the colourful characters in her story but the setting as well. This book was no exception. Was really fascinating to read about the people that lived, worked and played along the Whanganui river from 1906-1908.
August 9, 2015
Lovely moving tale set in 1900's about people who lived and worked on the Wanganui and their adventures.
May 18, 2010
This book is amazing. Life up the Whanganui river later 1800s. Smells and mud and textures all alive, history unfolding and resolving. River boats, hotels, trials and tribulations..I found this hard to put down and finished it late at night.
February 17, 2020
An easy but ultimately unsatisfying read. This is a book which promises a lot, plot wise, but unfortunately fails to deliver. A shame because the setting is great: however in comparison Jenny Pattrick's Denniston books also had a great historical setting but had better plots.
I enjoyed the setting of the book and several of the characters. Samuel, for example was a character you felt you could relate to. So too Charlie Chee. The character of the Whanganui River also shines through in this book, described as some sort of primeval wilderness peopled by loveable rogues and eccentrics.
The book centres around the thriving tourist trade on the Whanganui River in the early 20th century, when tourists could take pleasure cruises by steamer all the way from Whanganui to Taumarunui, which is hard to believe was the case at the start of the 20th century when today it can only be navigated by kayak, canoe or jet boat. The core of the story is the mystery of what happened to Bridie, a girl caught in an accident on the river.
The thing that I found frustrating was that we don't really find out what happens. We have hints but no clarity. Why did Gertie push her sister off the boat? Why did Bridie lose her mind? Was she perhaps cognisant the whole time? Why was Danny so obsessed with Bridie? And what's with Douglas? His character seems like he is going to be important but comes to nothing. I was really disappointed with the storylines of the two river hermits, Samuel and Charlie Chee. I felt they deserved better plots.
In short, we have a simple mystery story without resolution and with a few frustrating niggles. I don't understand why Danny and Pita were fighting. It didn't seem to serve any particular purpose. Why too did Pita run away? And then the main one, the father of Bridie's baby. I just didn't buy it. I really wanted more explanation/exploration of the issues and for several people's story arcs (particularly Douglas's) to be closed out better.
I enjoyed the setting of the book and several of the characters. Samuel, for example was a character you felt you could relate to. So too Charlie Chee. The character of the Whanganui River also shines through in this book, described as some sort of primeval wilderness peopled by loveable rogues and eccentrics.
The book centres around the thriving tourist trade on the Whanganui River in the early 20th century, when tourists could take pleasure cruises by steamer all the way from Whanganui to Taumarunui, which is hard to believe was the case at the start of the 20th century when today it can only be navigated by kayak, canoe or jet boat. The core of the story is the mystery of what happened to Bridie, a girl caught in an accident on the river.
The thing that I found frustrating was that we don't really find out what happens. We have hints but no clarity. Why did Gertie push her sister off the boat? Why did Bridie lose her mind? Was she perhaps cognisant the whole time? Why was Danny so obsessed with Bridie? And what's with Douglas? His character seems like he is going to be important but comes to nothing. I was really disappointed with the storylines of the two river hermits, Samuel and Charlie Chee. I felt they deserved better plots.
In short, we have a simple mystery story without resolution and with a few frustrating niggles. I don't understand why Danny and Pita were fighting. It didn't seem to serve any particular purpose. Why too did Pita run away? And then the main one, the father of Bridie's baby. I just didn't buy it. I really wanted more explanation/exploration of the issues and for several people's story arcs (particularly Douglas's) to be closed out better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2019
Good read and reminder of canoeing up the Whanganui River in the early 1980s
Vivid and evocative, this is a moving novel of a unique time and place from one of New Zealand's favourite authors.
The Whanganui River at the turn of the twentieth century is a busy thoroughfare, taking sightseers through the spectacular landscape by paddle steamer and acting as highway for the sparse scatterings of settlements along its twisting length. The people who have made it their home are a diverse collection, from Samuel Blencoe, trying to forget his past life as a convict, to the hoteliers at Pipiriki, the nuns at Jerusalem, the Maori families, the Chinese market gardener and the farmers, like Danny and Stella, trying to tame the wild bush. There's also Bridie, the strange, silent girl, who haunts the banks of the river where the accident occurred that robbed her of her mind. Like the tributaries that trickle down the mountains and join the mighty river, so the lives of these people come together in this vivid and moving tale of a stunningly unique place.
Vivid and evocative, this is a moving novel of a unique time and place from one of New Zealand's favourite authors.
The Whanganui River at the turn of the twentieth century is a busy thoroughfare, taking sightseers through the spectacular landscape by paddle steamer and acting as highway for the sparse scatterings of settlements along its twisting length. The people who have made it their home are a diverse collection, from Samuel Blencoe, trying to forget his past life as a convict, to the hoteliers at Pipiriki, the nuns at Jerusalem, the Maori families, the Chinese market gardener and the farmers, like Danny and Stella, trying to tame the wild bush. There's also Bridie, the strange, silent girl, who haunts the banks of the river where the accident occurred that robbed her of her mind. Like the tributaries that trickle down the mountains and join the mighty river, so the lives of these people come together in this vivid and moving tale of a stunningly unique place.
November 9, 2022
Captivating and distressing.
Jenny Pattrick is clearly a fan of revealing just how nasty New Zealand was in the past - which is a good way of examining residual nasty.
I struggled a bit with this ones constant changing of point of view, but the stories were skillfully woven, so this was a minor inconvenience.
Having visited a chunk of this area earlier this year (we drove the Whanganui River Road up as far as Pipiriki, and had done the river trip up to the Bridge to Nowhere last year (about 1/3 of the way up from Pipiriki to the farm in the book at the junction of the Ohura and Whanganui Rivers), I enjoyed this book offering the ability to learn more about this secluded and often ignored part of the country.
I recommend anyone who has an interest in New Zealand history to read any and all of Pattricks books - every one I have read so far is so full of little tidbits of thoroughly researched information, and does not spare your blushes about bad things that happened.
Jenny Pattrick is clearly a fan of revealing just how nasty New Zealand was in the past - which is a good way of examining residual nasty.
I struggled a bit with this ones constant changing of point of view, but the stories were skillfully woven, so this was a minor inconvenience.
Having visited a chunk of this area earlier this year (we drove the Whanganui River Road up as far as Pipiriki, and had done the river trip up to the Bridge to Nowhere last year (about 1/3 of the way up from Pipiriki to the farm in the book at the junction of the Ohura and Whanganui Rivers), I enjoyed this book offering the ability to learn more about this secluded and often ignored part of the country.
I recommend anyone who has an interest in New Zealand history to read any and all of Pattricks books - every one I have read so far is so full of little tidbits of thoroughly researched information, and does not spare your blushes about bad things that happened.
January 10, 2020
When Angus McPhee and his family take the steamer on the panoramic Whanganui River, they set up a chain of events that changes their own lives and those of many who live on the banks of the river. Changing view-points chapter by chapter, this is a beautifully told story, bringing to life a lost tourist adventure, and making me wish we’d visited exploredthe river while we were in Raetihi.
I didn’t find the voices of the different characters so individualistic as they were in Denniston Rose, but then there were only two who told it first-hand. It was interesting how the author led up to the accident, then skirted round it by quoting a laconic Captain’s report, and moved on to the repercussions. Those, after all, were what the author wanted to dwell on.
If you want a feel-good novel, this isn’t it. But it’s very compelling.
I didn’t find the voices of the different characters so individualistic as they were in Denniston Rose, but then there were only two who told it first-hand. It was interesting how the author led up to the accident, then skirted round it by quoting a laconic Captain’s report, and moved on to the repercussions. Those, after all, were what the author wanted to dwell on.
If you want a feel-good novel, this isn’t it. But it’s very compelling.
November 9, 2022
Another well researched historical novel from Jenny Patrick, it is set on the Whanganui River at the beginning of the twentieth century. There’s a parade of colourful characters from the Chinese market gardener, the reclusive Australian convict, the young couple struggling to break in a farm, the nuns at Pipiriki to the stoker on the river boat. All of them are well drawn and believable.
The best aspects of this book for me were the insights into life on the river in its commercial heyday and a basic good read.
The best aspects of this book for me were the insights into life on the river in its commercial heyday and a basic good read.
April 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it was about a piece of history I knew nothing about. I never knew they had paddle steamers tripping up the Whanganui River, it sounded idyllic as a holiday. I really enjoyed the introduction of the Maori perspective on river life as well, I enjoy reading about history in my own country. Great characters, great scene setting (I could picture the landscape acutely in my mind), and a good strong storyline. I really good read.
Read
July 19, 2019This story and The Denniston Rose were the best of Jenny Pattricks books as far as I am concerned. I loved them both very much and recall them everytime I am in the area or see the areas come up on our maps. A great New Zealand writer.
April 13, 2021
Book Club read. Excllent story with wonderful descriptions of the Wanganui River and surrounding area, made all the more enjoyable as I have travelled down the river. Great character studies and nice flow to story even though each chapter was told from a different character's perspective.
October 14, 2023
Absolutely lovely turn of the last century novel, based on many facts, about the Whanganui river, its boats, its rapids and its people. Beautifully constructed story, with strong realistic characters and good holding power.
Now seeking everything else Jenny Pattrick has written!
Now seeking everything else Jenny Pattrick has written!
July 7, 2025
A good, readable story. However I really didn’t like some of the character development - Danny in particular. He was just too odd to be real. I didn’t see the ending coming - a real gasp in the last 2 pages.
November 22, 2017
Enjoyed finding out about the early history of Wanganui but found the story itself to be a bit drawn out.
February 4, 2018
Reading this novel is an enveloping experience. It presents wonderful insights into a unique part of New Zealand’s history and people.
Fantastic range of characters!
Fantastic range of characters!
April 10, 2020
Great story, true to the life of the times I would imagine. Strong characters. A snippet of nz history.
March 15, 2021
I enjoyed it, I read it quickly and thought maybe the Chinese gardener was lifted from Rose Tremain's The Colour but hell who cares!
April 23, 2023
Early life on the Wanganui River, very well written with a captivating story.
January 11, 2025
Enjoyed this story. I would like to read her other books .Interesting history with fiction
January 29, 2025
Very enjoyable. Lovely character development. Enjoyed the historical facts woven into the story
January 15, 2013
Quite a slow start and although very descriptive I prefer a bit more action. Things did happen in this book, but it wasn't a page-turner for me. The characters werent developed too too much, it was more a snapshot in time. It did start to pick up around halfway through and things were more exciting and the ending was somewhat sad and poetic, although I knew that was how it would end.
Reading it was hard to follow at first, as it jumps around from person to person, and from first person tense (I and my) to third person tense (she and he). Also some of the characters got left out for a large amount of time when I wanted to know what happened to their story.
Reading about NZs history was interesting, as I am a kiwi, so that side was good and different, and showed what life was like back then. I don't read too much of this genre so don't know what to compare it to, if you've seen The Piano and enjoyed that then I'd recommend this book.
Reading it was hard to follow at first, as it jumps around from person to person, and from first person tense (I and my) to third person tense (she and he). Also some of the characters got left out for a large amount of time when I wanted to know what happened to their story.
Reading about NZs history was interesting, as I am a kiwi, so that side was good and different, and showed what life was like back then. I don't read too much of this genre so don't know what to compare it to, if you've seen The Piano and enjoyed that then I'd recommend this book.
April 11, 2014
I wasn't too sure what to make of the book at first, but Bridie's misfortunes began to absorb me. When we first meet her she is depicted as a vivacious teenager playing with her siblings on a paddle steamer travelling along the river. However, an accident and near drowning leaves her simple-minded so her family send her to live with the nuns at Jerusalem. Bridie becomes pregnant and there is much speculation as to who the father is. His identity certainly surprised me!
The community along the river is many and varied and we learn a fair amount about most of them and follow the adventures of a few. While the book is fiction the author uses events and historical records of the time as her inspiration and also develops them in the book such as the hostility and racism directed at the Chinese and the need for the Chinese to pay excessively in order to get a permit to marry or bring over their wives.
Overall an interesting read.
The community along the river is many and varied and we learn a fair amount about most of them and follow the adventures of a few. While the book is fiction the author uses events and historical records of the time as her inspiration and also develops them in the book such as the hostility and racism directed at the Chinese and the need for the Chinese to pay excessively in order to get a permit to marry or bring over their wives.
Overall an interesting read.
April 29, 2016
This is not the type of novel I would choose for myself (it was a book club read) however, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, and am pleased to have finally read a NZ novel after living here for some years. At no point was I on the edge of my seat, but the story meandered along well enough, and the addition of some true facts, including the high incidence of racism towards Asian settlers, mingled in with the fiction to work well. Some sections were overly descriptive, but I guess the author was trying to set the scene. I wanted to give some of the characters a shake, while others were a little too good to be true, but I have certainly read worse.
December 31, 2014
I had already read The Denniston Rose when I read this, and had enjoyed it very much. Landings has a very different pace to the Denniston Rose books, but I found it much more evocative and complex. This book lingered in my mind for quite some time after I had read it.
The story is set in Whanganui, NZ, in the early 1900s and is largely the story of Bridie, a simple and quite fey teenager who mysteriously becomes pregnant. There is a wide supporting cast of characters and the early history of the township of Whanganui is convincingly portrayed.
Read a great review here:
http://beattiesbookblog.blogspot.co.n...
The story is set in Whanganui, NZ, in the early 1900s and is largely the story of Bridie, a simple and quite fey teenager who mysteriously becomes pregnant. There is a wide supporting cast of characters and the early history of the township of Whanganui is convincingly portrayed.
Read a great review here:
http://beattiesbookblog.blogspot.co.n...
February 17, 2015
I loved this book, my only regret is that I had not read it sooner, I did a trip up the Whanganui river some years back and saw the rugged land these farmers tried to tame, it has now returned mostly to native bush, the guide showed us how high the river swells at high water times which is meters above the normal level. We also seen many of the remains of the houses settlers built. Well worth the read
October 27, 2015
A book club read.
I have to admit to being woefully ignorant of the historical setting of this novel, steam travel on the Whanganui river at the turn of the century. So, it was quite a fascinating read, and now I'm keen to visit the Whanganui Riverboat Centre and see for myself how these paddle-steamers actually managed the journey through the area mentioned.
The story is great too, enough character intrigue to keep the pages turning, and a nice positive ending.
I have to admit to being woefully ignorant of the historical setting of this novel, steam travel on the Whanganui river at the turn of the century. So, it was quite a fascinating read, and now I'm keen to visit the Whanganui Riverboat Centre and see for myself how these paddle-steamers actually managed the journey through the area mentioned.
The story is great too, enough character intrigue to keep the pages turning, and a nice positive ending.
Read
April 25, 2009Picked this up in Christchurch
Read
February 21, 2015Enjoyed reading it because my mother was raised up the Whanganui river albeit a few decades later
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews