Celebrating Kiwi Talent: Two Incredible Reads by New Zealand Authors

I’m a big fan of New Zealand authors and the amazing work they do. Honestly, I’ll shout it from the rooftops any day—we have some seriously talented writers in Aotearoa, and they deserve all the love and recognition. I’m especially thrilled to see more Māori authors getting the spotlight they deserve. It’s so inspiring to witness their stories reaching wider audiences.

This week, I wanted to share two (very different) books by New Zealand authors that I’ve recently read and absolutely enjoyed. Let’s dive in!

Amma by Saraid de Silva

Wow, where do I even begin with Amma? Saraid de Silva weaves a powerful, multi-generational tale that spans continents and decades. The story follows three generations of Indian and Sri Lankan women, each grappling with their own struggles, identities, and family secrets.

First, there’s Josephina, an Indian woman from Pondicherry living in 1950s Singapore. Without giving too much away, let’s just say her family does her dirty in ways that will have you fuming. She escapes to post-independence Sri Lanka, carrying the weight of her past. Then we meet her daughter, Sithara, navigating life in 1980s Invercargill and Dunedin. Imagine trying to find your place in Southland’s not-so-welcoming environment while dealing with family grief and identity struggles—it’s raw and emotional, and so relatable. Finally, there’s Annie, Sithara’s daughter, who's landed in London, trying to piece together her own life while dealing with the ripple effects of her family’s history.

What I loved about Amma is how it delves into the complexities of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the weight of generational trauma. Each woman’s story is layered, emotional, and thought-provoking. If you’re into character-driven narratives that make you reflect on life and identity, this one’s a must-read.

17 Years Later by J P Pomare (Book Club Pick)

Switching gears completely—let’s talk about 17 Years Later. This was our latest book club pick, and although we haven’t had our first meeting yet, it sounds like it was a hit across the board. If you love a good twisty thriller, you’re in for a treat. I kept thinking I had it all figured out… only to be proven wrong. Repeatedly. (And honestly, I kind of love that!)

What made this even more enjoyable for me was the setting. It’s based in Cambridge, and recognising familiar places while reading was such a fun bonus. There’s something special about seeing locations you know brought to life in a book. It adds an extra layer of connection to the story.

17 Years Later is the kind of book you can easily devour in a couple of sittings. It’s fast-paced, engaging, and definitely keeps you guessing. Perfect for when you need a thrilling escape.

So there you have it—two very different reads, both by talented New Zealand authors. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep, reflective family saga or a page-turning thriller, these books have got you covered, because life is too short to read bad books.