House Within

by Fiona Kidman

Bethany Dixon is at the centre of a complex network of relationships. She is mother and stepmother, wife and ex, daughter-in-law, sister and lover. Earthy, generous, addicted to children and food, Bethany has yet to find her place in the world.

239 pages, Paperback

About the author

Fiona Kidman is a leading contemporary novelist, short story writer and poet. Much of her fiction is focused on how outsiders navigate their way in narrowly conformist society. She has published a large and exciting range of fiction and poetry, and has worked as a librarian, producer and critic. Kidman has won numerous awards, and she has been the recipient of fellowships, grants and other significant honours, as well as being a consistent advocate for New Zealand writers and literature. She is the President of Honour for the New Zealand Book Council, and has been awarded an OBE and a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to literature.

Reviews

[Anna KW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written story by kiwi author. I really enjoyed following Bethany's life and all the people she intersects with, kinda like visiting different rooms in a museum. Lots of characters but it never feels overwhelming or uneccesary.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much analysis of feelings, too many complicated relationships. It didn’t feel real. There were a few parts of the country I recognised like the drive over the Mamakus towards Rotorua, or the bypass at Taupo. But I felt no connection to the characters.

[Josie Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I find multiple points of view too disruptive, but Fiona manages to increase your understanding by visiting scenes from different angles. The characters become more complicated as a result.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will confess that I did return this book to the library without finishing it (which is never a good sign), but I checked it out and in the end was glad I gave it a second chance.