The Larnachs

by Owen Marshall

'Dougie's story and mine is not told in the history of William Larnach. It is our private journey, and only we understand how it came about; only we know the fitness and the wonder of it.'

William James Mudie Larnach's name resonates in New Zealand history - the politician and self-made man who built the famous 'castle' on Otago Peninsula. In 1891, after the death of his first two wives, he married the much younger Constance de Bathe Brandon. But the marriage that began with such happiness was to end in tragedy.

The story of the growing relationship between Conny and William's younger son, Dougie, lies at the heart of this subtle and compelling novel. The socially restrictive world of late nineteenth-century Dunedin and Wellington springs vividly to life as Marshall traces the deepening love between stepmother and stepson, and the slow disintegration of the domineering yet vulnerable figure of Larnach himself.

Can love ever really be its own world, free of morality and judgement and scandal?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

293 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Owen Marshall has written, or edited, over twenty-five books. He has held fellowships at the Universities of Canterbury and Otago, and in Menton, France. In 2000, he received the Officer of the Order of New Zealand Merit (ONZM), and in the same year his novel Harlequin Rex won the Montana New Zealand Book Awards Deutz Medal for Fiction. Marshall is an adjunct professor at the University of Canterbury, which awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in 2002. He was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2012 for services to literature, and in 2013 received the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Fiction.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might be out of step with other reviews, but here goes.
I am from Dunedin and have family ties with the early property owners on the peninsula. I was looking forward to a trip in history with familiar landmarks, but what I received was a repetitive story line with way too much time spent on 'hand-holding in the carriage'. I must not forget that this is a story not a history lession. It was all a bit slow for my liking.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, the her-then-his trade-off of chapters worked so very well. Especially how it was obvious "his" was not focused on the reality of their lives.
Kind of close to the bone, given the main two characters only died c.WWII... but I'm assuming Owen had some solid knowledge to guide him.
I'm now dying to visit "Larnach Castle", the homestead build by William Larnach near Dunedin in the 1870's/1880's.
Crazily enough, this is what's known as "Early New Zealand History".

[Sian Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome New Zealand historical tale rife with passion and scandal. Well written, showed the dynamism and questionable morals of the characters and also effectively captured the historical setting. Especially fun to read as a Dunedin local.

[R.L. Stedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully told tale of a forbidden love affair. This story is based on the true story of Constance Larnach and her step-son, Dougie Larnach, and her husband, William Larnach, a self-made millionaire, politician, and dreamer. Larnach's now mostly known for his eponymous Castle, but in the days of the disastrous affair, he was a member of parliament and a well-known figure in Dunedin. The story moves between Dougie and Constance's point of view, and as the narrative moves inevitably to its terrible ending, the reader can't help feel sympathy for the star-crossed lovers. I particularly enjoyed this book as its set really close to me, so I know the locations well. Marshall's done a lovely job of interweaving local lore with historical fact, but it never slips into drily-told history. I thoroughly recommend this book, partly because of the historical context, but also because it poses a central question: what to do when you fall in love with someone totally forbidden?

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into the writing style for this book - it was all telling and no showing - so it was a big disappointment for me. The history woven into the story line was interesting, but the characters were portrayed as either selfish, arrogant, immature or bitchy or a combination of all of them. I struggled to finish it, but the ending I found a satisfactory outcome to match my whole dislike.

[Penguin Books NZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Katharine) I was fascinated to read the backstory of one of New Zealand's 'founders', William Larnarch, from the perspective of his 3rd wife. A surprisingly moving and compelling story. Owen Marshall's writing has a deft and subtle touch.

[Mark Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Camp or as its more commonly known, Larnarch's Castle is without a doubt ripe for the picking in such a novel as this. The history and tragedy of Larnach is well known to me, and The Camp has always held a fascination as did the other colonial mansions of Dunedin. Owen Marshall's delightfully subversive telling of the Larnarch story is every bit a colonial Victorian bodice ripper filled with the starchy morality of colonial society yet with a contemporary edge. Marshall is a New Zealand literary treasure, and this continues his tradition of delightfully acute story telling with beautifully poised language and attention to detail. Thoroughly enjoyed the twists and naughtiness of this novel.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unexpectedly gripping read. It's an incredible historical tale of a fascinating character (William Larnach) a self made member of the NZ rich and MP and his marriage to a much younger fiesty woman's libber and her relationship in turn with William Larnach's son. It was very moving and wonderful to imagine the events taking place at Larnach Castle as well as the references to others of the time.

[Anthony O’Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen Marshall is well known as a master short story writer and, IMO, in the SS genre he has few peers in New Zealand. In The Larnachs, Marshall tells a story of a famous New Zealand family set within the context of national politics, finance, and the extremely staid social world of Dunedin at the close of the 19th century. I was interested as my family lived on the Otago Peninsula before and after the Larnachs and would have known many of those who worked at Larnach’s vanity project: the grandiose and remote “Larnach’s Castle”. The general story of William Larnach is well known but Marshall has written an imaginative novel based on the inner lives of Larnach’s third wife (Conny) and his son Douglas. Their love affair may have been the cause of Larnach’s suicide. The novel is an interesting psychological study and captures some key events in 19th century New Zealand. Neither protagonist is especially endearing, but their inner world is fascinating. There’s a voyeuristic attraction in reading of the clandestine affair at the heart of the novel. Marshall’s skill as a descriptive writer are fully on display, with moods that match the emotional states of Conny and Douglas. Even knowing the main plot development there is plenty of tension in reading towards its ultimate revelation.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is the final piece I needed to read for an article I'm writing about how William Larnach's suicide has been narrativized over time. The novel doesn't really focus much on William, instead being told from the alternating perspectives of Conny (William's third wife) and Dougie (his second son from his first marriage). Marshall works from the rumors--unsupported by any documentary or hard evidence--that they had an affair, and that the revelation of that affair is what led to William's suicide. For fictional purposes, I don't have any problem with this, as fiction doesn't have to function biographically.

What didn't sell me on this novel is the style. Although the work isn't presented as diary entries, the prose style very much read that way. There's a lot of interiority and reflection on stuff happening, but not much actual primary action. And because we're getting alternating chapters from Conny's and Dougie's perspectives, often we get the same kind of info presented back-to-back. I see the literary basis for this kind of multi-perspective approach, but I just found it slightly boring.
https://youtu.be/vZwYYoDibSk

[Catherine Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the lack of direct speech difficult at first, but by the end I had nothing but admiration for the way Marshall had turned my allegiance from Connie to Dougie and then William. I think the psychology of an affair was what I found most fascinating - motivations, self-delusion and justifications all artfully controlled and manipulated by the author.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. The Dunedin references and wonderful writing. Would recommend.

[Josie Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story brought the old castle to life.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written novel

[Gia Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow to begin but beautifully written

[Cheryll · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been to the Castle so was interested in reading this book but it was too boring for me.

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

entrancing and so finely crafted

[Rosie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting backstory to the Larnachs but repetative

[Kate M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the last book, The Rosie Project, more a 2.5 but a mediocre read and dragged out a few too many chapters towards the end

[Stefan Fairweather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too slow, too long.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unsure about reading this novel since betrayal is not a theme I'm interested in but the intriguing reviews when this book was first released and my love of early nz finally nudged me into giving it a go.

And I'm so glad I did.

Who could possibly read this book and come away feeling unaffected by the hopelessly impossible situation faced by William, Dougie and Conny?

When the story begins William is without doubt king of his own castle and all he surveys, he's wealthy, proud, generous to a fault and he's just married Conny, a woman twenty years his junior.

Dougie is Williams youngest son and his favourite but Dougie doesn't have his father's driving ambition, he has spent his entire life walking in his fathers shadow.

Conny is no wallflower, she's cultured, well educated and a women's suffragette supporter and willing to share her opinions with her indulgent husband or any ear she can bend.

Through Conny and Dougies eyes we watch Williams dwindling fortunes, his declining health, the deterioration of his marriage, the collapse of his relationship with his son and Conny and Dougies growing attraction for each other. My heart bled for them.

Though not my favourite writing style it is still a beautifully written love affair that ended tragically...or did it? The epilogue seems to hint otherwise, a titillating little something but perhaps its just my imagination and a sincere wish we haven't seen the last of Conny and Dougie.

At times a tad slow but nonetheless a fascinating, totally engaging snapshot view of a bygone era.

[Amy Paulussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story, and I didn't know the history so it was a surprise how it ended. I didn't love the distance of the narrative voice and it took me a week to read the first couple of chapters, but then I finished it in two sittings - so the distance didn't hamper my interest for long. Based on a true story but I suspect very much made up from tiny bits of historical evidence - which I have no problem with by ardent historians might. Ambiguity of ending feels like a return to the coldness of history. But that's not a complaint, just an observation. It's the first I've read of Owen Marshall and I'll look him up again. Hopefully the narrative style here was a nod to the period and it's habits of reserve/formality, and his other books are more in-the-action.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this...but am going to have to be careful not to fall into the trap of believing every word to be true! It is a novel, not a biography...but written about real people (who may or may not have lived lives as exciting as the novel!). Can't wait to get back to Dunedin and revisit Larnach Castle a.k.a 'The Camp', and imagine Conny and Dougie living their secret life...

Well written, in the alternating voices of Conny and Dougie. Great insight into the way people's minds (may or may not have) worked in the late 19th century in New Zealand. The petty little things they worried about, and the social divisions.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

William Larnach built the famous castle on Otago Peninsula and married the much younger constance de Bathe Brandon. The story revolves around the relationship between Conny and William's younger son, Dougie. The impossibility of a relationship such as this back in the nineteenth century is vividly brought to life as is the disintegration of Larnach himself.

It is based on a true story, well written and a fascinating look at life of the early settlers.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really liked it. Beautifully and cleverly written. The way he tracks the evolution of a marriage and a relationship through the voices of his two main characters is just brilliantly done. It felt almost voyeuristic to watch the relationship evolve as it did. Absolutely fascinating glimpse into NZ society at the end of the 1800s. And the mark of any well-written historical fiction, it's left me wanting to know more. What an interesting family the Larnachs were.

[Madteapartier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling, well written historical fiction, based on actual people & events. Particularly interesting to me because I'm from Dunedin & have visited Larnach's Castle. The main characters are believable and the plot is delivered in a suspenseful well paced manner, without sensationalism. Highly recommended! (:

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although an interesting look at a fascinating time in New Zealand history, the writing itself missed the mark for me - a matter of personal taste, rather than any real problems, but the descriptive style made it harder for me to connect with the characters. More frustrating is the lack of a full author's note to explain just which bits are true, and which imagined.

[Kristie Saumure · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it, but not as much as I'd hoped. Found the long and rambling style to be a bit tedious some times. Was an interesting tale that was being told though. Main characters were a touch self-centered, but that wasn't what bothered me in particular. Worth a read if you're trying to get yourself in the mood for a holiday on the Otago Peninsula (like me!).

[Bachyboy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book alternates between Larnach's third wife, Connie and her step son and love interest, Duggie. I found this a sad, somewhat depressing book and I am not sure it is wholly successful as a novel. There was an absence of dialogue and I really missed that. Overall it is worth reading though and I might even revisit the castle!

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, having visited Larnachs Castle when I was about 14, the book caught my eye on display in the Wellington City Library and I didn't know anything about the people behind the place. Walking to work I pass Brandon Street, I now know it is named after - Alfred de Bathe Brandon who was a politician 1809-1886, father of Constance, William James Mudie Larnach's 3rd wife.