The Time Before The Time To Come : i mua, a muri

by Jill Johnson

Set between London and New Zealand and intertwining past and present, The Time Before The Time To Come follows Victoria’s journey as she rediscovers her Maori heritage and embarks on a path of self-discovery, unwrapping layers of her past to try to make sense of her present.

The Time Before The Time To Come beautifully encapsulates the family ties that exist from one generation to the next and explores the significance of holding on to your heritage as a way of not letting go of yourself. With strong women, epic journeys and heartbreaking revelations this is at its heart a book of hope and love.

Hardcover

Published July 19, 2018

About the author

Jill is a Māori writer based in the UK, having lived in south-east Asia, Europe and New Zealand. She moved to London when she was 18 and the following year opened Gosh! Comics. Alongside this, she and her partner launched a graphic novel publishing company and an editorial cartoon gallery. While running her businesses and raising her three children, Jill obtained a BA Hons degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Design. In 2013, she submitted her writing to Faber and Faber, and was accepted into the Faber Academy. Her first novel The Time Before the Time to Come was published by OWN IT! in 2018. She now lives in Brighton.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book. Jill Johnson's story is part novel, part history, part collection of short stories, weaving together the interlinking stories of a family through five generations, telling the history of Maori culture and the impact of Europeans on their way of life. Its not a history book, it is far more personal than that, but it is one of those brilliant novels that gives you insight into a period in history through the eyes of the ordinary people who lived it while telling a totally captivating story that I couldn't put down.

I loved every generation's story, from 1834 through to modern day. Every character came to life, each was brave in the face of challenging circumstances. I particularly loved Nell, such a strong woman making the best of horrible circumstances. There is poverty and suffering here, but also hope and magic and such a sense of a beautiful place and people. Every generation's story was complete and yet left me wanting to know more.

The Time Before The Time To Come makes me want to visit New Zealand and see it with my own eyes.

[Jedidja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing and storytelling. A great insight into at family lineage and Maori culture.

[Lisa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and evocative novel of the importance of knowing your roots, cultural heritage and family (chosen as well as the one we are born into). This is a wonderfully rendered novel where I found myself getting swept up by the different timelines and history of the family through their trials and triumphs. Very well crafted and paced. In no way is it just a history of the New Zealand Māoris though, the characters really come alive on the page.

For me as a European, getting to know some of the Māori history, stories and spirituality was absolutely fascinating, as well as heartbreaking at times

I’ve been fortunate to have spent some time in the South Pacific and New Zealand, and realised then how rich and colourful the Māori culture really is. It would take a lifetime to get to know it intimately, but this book gives you a great place to start.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was bought this book as a gift as I have recently emigrated to New Zealand. I really enjoyed it. Its a modern story incorporating Maori language and traditions/customs. It's really easy to read (I currently have a 5 week old baby so don't have a lot of concentration power) and sometimes I found it hard to put down (the book as well as the baby!).
Really enjoyable, and possibly my best book of 2018.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story telling, enjoyed especially after a trip to New Zealand. Singapore/ Malaysia involved too so that part of the tale also resonates. Thoroughly recommended.

[Mei Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very readable! Enjoyed the geographical and time shifts.