Catherine Chidgey's Unusual New Zealand | Livestream Zoom

Course Description:

Acclaimed Kiwi author Catherine Chidgey excels at revealing intricate characters that connect to others in intricate ways. She is interested in how all families and relationships are unusual in their own ways, but particularly unusual within New Zealand culture. We'll read two books together: "Pet" (2023) is a thriller set in the urban centers of Wellington and Auckland, exploring connections between a teacher and her 'teacher's pet.' "The Axeman's Carnival"(2024), a dark comedy set in the rural high country, is written from the perspective of Tama, a talking magpie and social media influencer. Chidgey depicts humanity through such unusual perspectives that clarity slips through and reassures us of where—and how—we belong in the world, whether we want to belong here or not.