Millwater Book of the Month / Rowenas

millwaterbook of the month

Fishing for Maui by Isa Pearl Ritchie

Fishing for Maui is a distinctly New Zealand novel that follows a family in crisis. Val is a GP, raising a family of four on her own after a marriage breakdown. Her life is one of responsibility and worry – she worries about her children, and she worries about her patients. Elena, her grown-up daughter, is expecting her first baby with her partner Malcolm. But Elena is so obsessed with the healthy food blog that she writes and her pregnancy she has no time for Malcolm anymore. Malcolm is a professor who teaches ethics at the local university, but he is increasingly frustrated by the lack of intimacy and attention from Elena, and before long he is contemplating things he shouldn’t with a student.

Eldest son, Michael is a university student and enjoys hanging out with his mates, surfing and spending time with his vegan girlfriend, Evie. He is interested in exploring his Maori heritage, while Evie has strong opinions about animal welfare and not eating animal products.

Younger son, John is struggling at high school and seems willing to alienate everyone in the family with his angry behaviour.

Rosa is only eight years old and is often lost in her own fantasy world. But at eight, she knows something is not right. It takes a major crisis for the rest of the family to take notice; but, even then, will it be too late?

The major themes that run through this novel are about food and the differing opinions on what is healthy to eat, and the welfare of animals. It’s also a story about mental illness. It’s also a story about identity and heritage. Mainly it’s a compelling story of whanau, and just how diverse and complicated a family can be. Fishing for Maui is Isa Pearl Ritchie’s second novel, and she’s created a book with plenty to think about.

Karen McMillan, author of Everyday Strength and Brushstrokes of Memory, www.karenm.co.nz

millwaterRowenas

On one of the rare, lovely sunny days in June, 11 members of the ROWENAs (Retired Old Women Enjoying Nice Afternoons) went for lunch to Fresco Family Restaurant and Bar, 2/154 Harbour Village Drive, Gulf Harbour.

This was previously known as Carpe Diem but changed hands around November 2017. The new staff were polite and friendly, the food was very good and of ample portions. All the ladies enjoyed their choices from the menu and, as a special treat at the end of the meal, the management gave everyone a small dessert treat. Since it was a Thursday lunchtime when we went, it was quiet and I am sure they were delighted to see 11 ladies there to eat. It is probably just as well that there were only a few other customers, some of whom were outside, because I am sure you can imagine 11 ladies all talking can get a little noisy.