Book description
A terrific historical novel full of compelling events, vivid
communities and the irresistible character of Conrad Rasmussen. In this
companion novel to the bestselling Denniston novels, the free spirit is
pitted against the forces of tradition. On the run from an unfortunate
'indiscretion', young Conrad Rasmussen finds refuge in the North Island
of New Zealand under the employ of the famous (or notorious) Dane,
Bishop Monrad. However Conrad - a talented and impetuous Faroeman, known
in bestselling author Jenny Pattrick's Denniston novels as Con the Brake
- finds he cannot escape his past. This is Conrad's story, and that of
the unusual woman Anahuia. It is a tale of new lands and old songs, of
seafaring and war and the search for love. It is also the story of the
Faroe Islands and of Denmark's early connection with New Zealand.
Jenny Pattrick is an acclaimed historical novelist, whose The Denniston
Rose, and its sequel Heart of Coal, are among New Zealand s
biggest-selling novels. They have also been republished in a combined
illustrated edition. Novels by this former teacher and jeweller include
the number one bestsellers Landings, set on the Whanganui River, and
Inheritance, set in Samoa. Other titles include Catching the Current
(2005), In Touch with Grace (2006), and Skylark (2012). In 2009 she
received the New Zealand Post Mansfield Fellowship. She has been active
in the arts community, and has also written stories for children.
Identified by Nicky Pellegrino as  one of this country s most talented
storytellers , it has been said that she  writes with the assuredness
of a veteran , creating  an authentic stage for a cast of characters
who interact in ways that always ring true (The Christchurch Press).
Reviewing Landings, Graham Beattie concluded: Â It is not surprising
that she is one of NZÂ s most popular contemporary novelists and this
fine piece of historical fiction will further enhance that well-deserved
reputation.Â
