JourneysJourneys

Journeys is a historical novel set in New Zealand between 1863 and 1918, a period marked by profound political and social upheaval. Its historical backdrop includes the NZ wars of the 1860s and their aftermath, notably the invasions of the Waikato and Parihaka.The central characters are fictional but the historical setting, events and many of the figures who appear in the novel are real and presented as accurately as possible. It is all well researched and fact checked.The narrative begins with the (Irish) protagonist's involvement in the wars, then follows the life he makes for himself in colonial Auckland, his deepening involvement with a Māori whanau, with the story continuing into the next generation. Themes and issues include: colonisation, parallels with the contemporaneous political situation in Ireland, the Treaty of Waitangi, the Kingitanga, the raupatu, racism, spirituality, political machinations, women's suffrage and women's rights, and New Zealand involvement in World War 1.