As someone who grew up in New Zealand (arriving from Indonesia aged 4 in 1958) but who left for Europe not that long after (1976 to be exact), devouring these short stories by Murray Edmond made me both nostalgic and curious. So much and so little has changed about NZ/Aotearoa! I recognized Edmond’s city dwellers, admired his deft characterizations, and felt I knew the people and their poignant circumstances firsthand, even from this distance. Dive into this masterful, evocative collection by a very accomplished author (this is his 18th published work) writing at the top of his talent and discover Aucklanders—no, New Zealanders—for yourself.

“Aucklanders” by Murray Edmond
99% Press/Lasavia Publishing Ltd., 2023
ISBN: 978-1-991083-03-6