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Description edit
Premature departure to Christchurch, pre-empted by major ructions at Place of Learning. No intention of return (to Place of learning, that is). Financially endowed and psychologically positive. Will contact upon arrival, request no expression of concern or mindless brow-beating.' Mel Mel... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Characters/People edit
- Mel (Melanie Marriott): The feisty headstrong seventeen year old who is the narratorand central character of the novel
- Wai: Mel's close friend
- Benny: Wai's nineteen year old brother and Mel's boyfriend. Lives in Auckland where he works as a designer and bass player in a band. Drves an old green Bentley
- Florence: The elderly tourist who is as outspoken as Mel but sympathetic to her situation.
- Bob Marriott: Mel's absentee father whose separation from Mel's mother is the back story of the novel. Car dealer in Christchurch.
- Davy Marriott: Mel's older brother and guardian
- Stef: Davy's wife, Austrian national and psychology lecturer.
- Rochelle: Keyboard player and vocalist in Benny's band
Setting & Locations edit
New Zealand 1990s
First Sentence edit
It began with Wai and it ended with Wai
Themes & Symbolism edit
- Doc Martens boots: Mel wears these when she walks out
- Pohutukawa Flowers: This motif appears at Cape reinga and in Wai's painting.
- Sundial: Describe this theme.
Series & Lists edit
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: John McIndoe
Country: New Zealand
Publication Date: 1991
ISBN: Add the ISBN.
Page Count: 80
Publisher: John McIndoe
Country: New Zealand
Publication Date: 1991
ISBN: Add the ISBN.
Page Count: 80
Awards edit
- AIM Best First Book Award (1991: Young Adult)
Subjects edit
Links to Supplemental Material edit
More Books Like This edit
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