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Hannah & Huia
Hannah is in a mental health unit, in shock and rendered speechless following the sudden death of her husband and baby son. She pays little attention to her institutional surroundings as events play and replay inside her head. There is no way out, no way back, and no future she can possibly imagine, just an endless, unbearable present. Huia is also there, a long-term resident who lives entirely in her own inner world. Her mutterings, her sleeve-plucking, her foot-tapping? Well, that's just Huia. But who is she? What is her story and why does the mystery of the older woman start to play on Hannah's mind? Gradually drawn out of her own web of misery, Hannah learns to read Huia and decides to follow the tiny clues back to the source and discover the truth of Huia. In the process, she uncovers the strange bonds that unite them and finds it might, after all, be possible to save her own life - that families can and should heal. And that Huia may be her path to redemption. Two women, two literally unspeakable tragedies, two families, one powerful and unforgettable story. No one should ever be made to feel invisible. And you are never alone.
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2023
1 person is currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Lobb
1 book16 followersCharlotte Lobb was born and raised on a lifestyle block just out of Hamilton, in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Charlotte kept busy in her earlier years with interests and talents ranging from ballroom dancing, violin, piano and singing, to being a member of the NZ Shooting Team and High Performance Academy for air-rifle shooting.
After leaving school, Charlotte completed a Bachelor in Speech and Language Therapy (Hons) at the University of Canterbury. She now lives in Tauranga, in the sunny Bay of Plenty, with her husband, two children and their fluffy cat.
Along with her passion for words, Charlotte has a desire to bring mental health topics out into the open, and to provide hope for those in need. 'Hannah & Huia' is Charlotte’s debut novel.
After leaving school, Charlotte completed a Bachelor in Speech and Language Therapy (Hons) at the University of Canterbury. She now lives in Tauranga, in the sunny Bay of Plenty, with her husband, two children and their fluffy cat.
Along with her passion for words, Charlotte has a desire to bring mental health topics out into the open, and to provide hope for those in need. 'Hannah & Huia' is Charlotte’s debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 30, 2024
This review comes to you from a face full of tears and a nose full of snot.
I should caveat this by saying that having lost our Mum unexpectedly, nearly a year ago, any topic of grief is still very raw.
Hannah and Huia is a deft exploration of mental health, and the way in which people are so often left to wend their own way through its nightmarish mazes, or to simply get lost.
The author has incredibly deftly woven together two deeply heartbreaking stories of loss - the two women of the title.
Their two stories intertwine with such pain and poignancy, and incredibly heartbreaking loss that it’s almost impossible to put the book down.
There’s a beautiful emotional shift during the book, where Hannah starts off almost disconnected from events, and we almost read as an observer. She notes that at times she’s watching her body perform functions without any real sensation. Later she feels, and we feel intensely with her.
During her time in a psychiatric ward, in an attempt to help her confront the nightmares from losing her husband and baby, she meets a variety of other people.
It’s here that we see them the way she does, each as individuals with their own personalities and quirks. Yes, they all have mental health problems that need support — and the author does note that the staff are so often undersupported themselves — but she takes the time to flesh out the characters as people who deserve to be heard.
We meet Huia, an old Māori women, who’s been in care for most of her life. Hannah stumbles across what seems to be a pattern in her behaviour and takes the time to listen to her.
Along the way, we see a portion of Huia’s history that ties so many threads together. We see her come to life as more than just some random old woman in the corner, but as a vibrant young woman who has deep and intense hopes and dreams.
About 2/3 of the way through I found myself hoping for Hannah to find the success that she herself was hoping for, and hoping that the end of the book wasn’t going to be some cruel crushing defeat.
A little after this, I began to cry with almost every page, and by the end I was a sobbing mess.
The whole story is wound together so beautifully, so deftly, and so sensitively. It’s a story that I wholeheartedly recommend and only wish that my mother had been here to read, as she adored supporting local authors.
Get it. Read it. Be prepared for a whole lot of tears.
I should caveat this by saying that having lost our Mum unexpectedly, nearly a year ago, any topic of grief is still very raw.
Hannah and Huia is a deft exploration of mental health, and the way in which people are so often left to wend their own way through its nightmarish mazes, or to simply get lost.
The author has incredibly deftly woven together two deeply heartbreaking stories of loss - the two women of the title.
Their two stories intertwine with such pain and poignancy, and incredibly heartbreaking loss that it’s almost impossible to put the book down.
There’s a beautiful emotional shift during the book, where Hannah starts off almost disconnected from events, and we almost read as an observer. She notes that at times she’s watching her body perform functions without any real sensation. Later she feels, and we feel intensely with her.
During her time in a psychiatric ward, in an attempt to help her confront the nightmares from losing her husband and baby, she meets a variety of other people.
It’s here that we see them the way she does, each as individuals with their own personalities and quirks. Yes, they all have mental health problems that need support — and the author does note that the staff are so often undersupported themselves — but she takes the time to flesh out the characters as people who deserve to be heard.
We meet Huia, an old Māori women, who’s been in care for most of her life. Hannah stumbles across what seems to be a pattern in her behaviour and takes the time to listen to her.
Along the way, we see a portion of Huia’s history that ties so many threads together. We see her come to life as more than just some random old woman in the corner, but as a vibrant young woman who has deep and intense hopes and dreams.
About 2/3 of the way through I found myself hoping for Hannah to find the success that she herself was hoping for, and hoping that the end of the book wasn’t going to be some cruel crushing defeat.
A little after this, I began to cry with almost every page, and by the end I was a sobbing mess.
The whole story is wound together so beautifully, so deftly, and so sensitively. It’s a story that I wholeheartedly recommend and only wish that my mother had been here to read, as she adored supporting local authors.
Get it. Read it. Be prepared for a whole lot of tears.
December 14, 2023
A heartfelt novel that deals with death, depression, suicide and mental health. All that makes it sound like a very depressing book but it actually is the opposite.
Hannah has lost her husband and infant son in a car crash. After taking an overdose of pills she is in a mental health unit and when we meet her at the start of the book she isn’t talking or eating but existing in this fugue like state. One day she notices Huia, an elderly Māori woman who is a long term resident of the care facility, and like Hannah, resides in her own world. But as Hannah observes Huia she starts to observe a pattern to her three word random mutterings and as Hannah connects more with Huia she in turn starts her own journey of healing.
Hannah has lost her husband and infant son in a car crash. After taking an overdose of pills she is in a mental health unit and when we meet her at the start of the book she isn’t talking or eating but existing in this fugue like state. One day she notices Huia, an elderly Māori woman who is a long term resident of the care facility, and like Hannah, resides in her own world. But as Hannah observes Huia she starts to observe a pattern to her three word random mutterings and as Hannah connects more with Huia she in turn starts her own journey of healing.
September 28, 2023
3.5
A brilliantly written portrayal of the effect of loss on two women. Hannah is admitted to a mental health unit following the sudden death of her husband and son. There she meets Huia another patient in the unit. Uncovering Huia's story brings purpose to Hannah as she processes her own trauma.
Two things bothered me about Hannah and Huia. The portrayal of Hannah's fellow patients in the mental health unit felt like caricatures - a Hollywood understanding of how people behave with mental health disorders. The second thing that bothered me is whether Lobb needed to make Huia a Māori character. Her experiences weren't Māori and at times it felt like Huia's role was to be gazed upon (more than once Hannah gazes upon Huia's moko). There is also something iffy about a white woman finding solace and purpose through a non-white person. I would have rated this book higher if it wasn't for my lingering doubts over the "colonial gaze", almost white saviour behaviour of Hannah.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading future works from this author.
A brilliantly written portrayal of the effect of loss on two women. Hannah is admitted to a mental health unit following the sudden death of her husband and son. There she meets Huia another patient in the unit. Uncovering Huia's story brings purpose to Hannah as she processes her own trauma.
Two things bothered me about Hannah and Huia. The portrayal of Hannah's fellow patients in the mental health unit felt like caricatures - a Hollywood understanding of how people behave with mental health disorders. The second thing that bothered me is whether Lobb needed to make Huia a Māori character. Her experiences weren't Māori and at times it felt like Huia's role was to be gazed upon (more than once Hannah gazes upon Huia's moko). There is also something iffy about a white woman finding solace and purpose through a non-white person. I would have rated this book higher if it wasn't for my lingering doubts over the "colonial gaze", almost white saviour behaviour of Hannah.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading future works from this author.
December 13, 2023
Although I am a writer myself, I don’t get much time to read books from other authors. I’m so glad I found this in my local library. It’s well-written, thought-provoking and in short one of those books you don’t want to put down. I read it in two sittings, which is also a first for me. I hope there’s a sequel. Well done Charlotte!
June 27, 2024
So beautifully written. The characters come alive off the page and stay with you long after the story is done. Charlotte is a great writer, making you feel their pain and their triumphs as your own. I strongly recommend this book.
October 28, 2024
A moving and thought-provoking read.
The authors intention to represent the 'complexities of mental health' was executed thoughtfully and in a heartfelt manner.
Charlotte Lobb is a talented writer. I would love to read more of Charlotte's works.
The authors intention to represent the 'complexities of mental health' was executed thoughtfully and in a heartfelt manner.
Charlotte Lobb is a talented writer. I would love to read more of Charlotte's works.
November 19, 2023
This book is brilliant. Charlotte has written from her heart and it is evident in every word on every page. It shines a light on mental health and the shame experienced by many when they, or a family member is afflicted. By the end of Hannah’s story I was reduced to tears… a very moving and emotional journey. A five star read I highly recommend.
November 22, 2023
I loved this book, it described grief and despair brilliantly and I was so captivated I couldn’t put it down.
November 2, 2024
An incredible story that I inhaled as soon as it arrived.
Charlotte Lobb has written a heart wrenching story of loss and trauma with hope, love and the power of family.
You feel for the characters.
The story is woven with care and it really highlights Hannah's inner strength and resilience which manages to find its way through her trauma and allows her to help Huia with hers.
Charlotte Lobb has written a heart wrenching story of loss and trauma with hope, love and the power of family.
You feel for the characters.
The story is woven with care and it really highlights Hannah's inner strength and resilience which manages to find its way through her trauma and allows her to help Huia with hers.
September 17, 2024
Beautiful, heartfelt and important read.
January 5, 2024
Charlotte Lobb - author I’m not very good with words to write a book review.
This story had me from the first page & then chapter 31 started to break me & then the tears would start rolling down my face because I understood & felt those emotions of Huia. I honestly didn’t want to put the book down.
This will be another story that will stay with me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story had me from the first page & then chapter 31 started to break me & then the tears would start rolling down my face because I understood & felt those emotions of Huia. I honestly didn’t want to put the book down.
This will be another story that will stay with me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 22, 2024
This book drew me in from the start. Exceptionally well written which it would have to be to take on a unique story involving emotional and mental distress and make it engaging and relatable. Great character development and alot of attention to the small details of life, which is what real life is all about. The author is a speech therapist and that love of words shines through, making it so easy to read. Set in New Zealand but this could be anywhere, anyone. Took the author 6 years to write, on and off, and the effort shows through in the quality of it. Loved it!! And highly recommend it.
October 11, 2023
Hannah & Huia is a heartbreaking tale of loss, grief and ultimately finding hope again. Hannah loses her husband and baby in a car accident, and crazed with grief she is taken to a mental health unit. Despite her refusal to engage with the doctors, she finds herself drawn into conversations with other inmates and becomes obsessed with Huia, an old Maori woman who repeats a chain of three words at a time.
Hannah begins to re-engage with the world as she uncovers Huia's story, and makes sense of the woman's words, previously dismissed as babble. Huia is a puzzle that helps Hannah find a reason to live. By figuring out how to bring peace to someone else, she finds her own way out of grief, albeit by a slightly obsessive path.
The story is written through Hannah's eyes. An unlikely heroine, she is drawn compassionately and vividly by the author, no anguish hidden. She has suffered the ultimate tragedy and her grief is not sugarcoated. Flashbacks to Huia's life give the crazy lady in the corner bring her to life and we can't help but warm to her. An astonishing, life-affirming first novel by an author to watch.
Hannah begins to re-engage with the world as she uncovers Huia's story, and makes sense of the woman's words, previously dismissed as babble. Huia is a puzzle that helps Hannah find a reason to live. By figuring out how to bring peace to someone else, she finds her own way out of grief, albeit by a slightly obsessive path.
The story is written through Hannah's eyes. An unlikely heroine, she is drawn compassionately and vividly by the author, no anguish hidden. She has suffered the ultimate tragedy and her grief is not sugarcoated. Flashbacks to Huia's life give the crazy lady in the corner bring her to life and we can't help but warm to her. An astonishing, life-affirming first novel by an author to watch.
October 14, 2023
It takes a brave author to embark on a mental health story. Charlotte Lobb embraces the challenge and dives in, fully immersing us in the head of Hannah, a mother and wife who has been through an unimaginable tragedy. The story takes us through the aftermath, where Hannah is in a mental health unit, desperate to hide from the memories that haunt her. It’s her fascination with understanding and helping fellow patient Huia that in the end helps her come to terms with what happened.
It's beautifully written, with harrowing moments interspersed with humour at just the right times. I’ve never read a book quite like it. An incredible debut novel. Highly recommend.
It's beautifully written, with harrowing moments interspersed with humour at just the right times. I’ve never read a book quite like it. An incredible debut novel. Highly recommend.
August 11, 2024
I was captured from page 1 -the author's characters are so real, they could be any one of us. The journey Hannah was on is one that none of us ever want to experience. This beautifully written story was filled with hope and unlikely friendships, where belonging isn't somewhere you thought it would be. I finished the book, sobbing my heart out, sometime in the middle of the night because there was no stopping until the end. This story is up there in my top 10 absolute, all time favourites that will stay with me forever. For me, it's on a par with "Mr God, This is Anna" by Fynn. Hannah and Huia digs in deep. It talks about mental health, mental health units and all the stuff that we would like to pretend don't exist. Read it! You won't be sorry.
May 11, 2024
4.5 stars. This was a really well written book. Beautiful characters, thoughtful prose and balanced. Thoroughly enjoyed.
August 4, 2024
This book was absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved the way the story progressed and it’s so beautifully written, especially when talking about mental health. I had many tears and reflections on how I would feel going through what Hannah has been through. This is an incredible book, well done Charlotte
August 13, 2024
So, so sad.
This book addresses some really dark topics & could possibly be triggering for some people, but it's really well written.
This book addresses some really dark topics & could possibly be triggering for some people, but it's really well written.
July 28, 2024
Absolute amazing book, and I would highly recommend it. It is like you are traveling alongside/ are a part of hannah and huia's story. The author has a great way of engaging you in the story and had me hooked to the end. We'll done Charlotte.
September 26, 2023
Hannah & Huia’s story moved me to tears, made me smile and left me feeling hopeful. Beautifully written. Charlotte Lobb is an author who will change your life.
October 3, 2023
A beautiful exploration of loss and grief, and the importance of being heard.
October 7, 2023
I read this book in a day.
Just beautiful.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel - I sure look forward to reading more from this author.
Just beautiful.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel - I sure look forward to reading more from this author.
February 10, 2024
What an excellent novel.
And how good for being a debut novel too.
The moving story of two women who have both suffered significant loss - Hannah very recently and Huia many decades ago.
Very often your connection to a work of fiction boils down to your own experiences and whether what you read aligns in some way with your own memories. In this way places and people from your own experience populate the faces and the settings in a book and bring them vividly to life. This is what happened for me with Hannah and Huia. I saw the folk in the Dementia Ward where I used to visit my mother every week, the different characters with their quirks and uninhibited behaviours.
I was also reminded of Claire Keegan's brilliant short novel 'Small Things Like These' and the story of the Irish nuns and the convents harbouring young unwed mothers and adopting out their babies.
This book faces into mental health, bereavement and abuse in very brave ways. Some might find these things difficult or even triggering, but I left the book impressed by the sensitivity with which they were handled.
And how good for being a debut novel too.
The moving story of two women who have both suffered significant loss - Hannah very recently and Huia many decades ago.
Very often your connection to a work of fiction boils down to your own experiences and whether what you read aligns in some way with your own memories. In this way places and people from your own experience populate the faces and the settings in a book and bring them vividly to life. This is what happened for me with Hannah and Huia. I saw the folk in the Dementia Ward where I used to visit my mother every week, the different characters with their quirks and uninhibited behaviours.
I was also reminded of Claire Keegan's brilliant short novel 'Small Things Like These' and the story of the Irish nuns and the convents harbouring young unwed mothers and adopting out their babies.
This book faces into mental health, bereavement and abuse in very brave ways. Some might find these things difficult or even triggering, but I left the book impressed by the sensitivity with which they were handled.
March 31, 2025
This book made me weep.
It was such a beautiful story with amazing characters and a setting that would, at first glance, seem too easy to stretch into a mockery of mental health institutions. But everything becomes clearer with how the story progresses and what happens with each character.
The book is all about relationships and growth.
10/10 this book made me feel so much and I immediately recommended it (in fact, I recommended it while I was still reading it!). Please support this amazing NZ author!
It was such a beautiful story with amazing characters and a setting that would, at first glance, seem too easy to stretch into a mockery of mental health institutions. But everything becomes clearer with how the story progresses and what happens with each character.
The book is all about relationships and growth.
10/10 this book made me feel so much and I immediately recommended it (in fact, I recommended it while I was still reading it!). Please support this amazing NZ author!
September 29, 2024
After the tragic deaths of her husband and newborn, and her subsequent suicide attempt, Hannah is in a psych unit. Bent double by grief she is barely talking, eating and surviving. Her one ray of light is Huia, another patient who is barely verbal and almost catatonic. Against all odds Hannah figures out how to communicate with Huia, leading to healing for both the women.
While this book does deal with hard hitting topics, it does occasionally wander into schmaltz territory, and ties up extremely quickly, leaving the last quarter feeling rushed. I would have liked to have had more of Huia's story. 3.5 stars.
While this book does deal with hard hitting topics, it does occasionally wander into schmaltz territory, and ties up extremely quickly, leaving the last quarter feeling rushed. I would have liked to have had more of Huia's story. 3.5 stars.
December 1, 2024
I have never been so drawn to a character as I was to Huia. This NEEDS to be made into a movie. Such a heartfelt and beautifully crafted novel covering some important themes and events in Aotearoa's history.
August 26, 2023
Wow, what a debut! Charlotte has written a book I found myself immediately immersed in, Hannah’s experience in the mental health ward is both insightful and heartbreaking. As she starts to unravel the mystery that is Huia, she starts to find a purpose to help her move forward, one step and one day at a time. I really loved this story and especially its NZ setting. I know it will stay with me for a long time - and that ending!! 5 stars from me!
October 19, 2024
Flawless.
May 30, 2025
What a beautiful and touching story. I wasn't sure what I expected of this story when I first picked it up, but I didn't expect to finish this with tears in my eyes!
July 29, 2025
It was a bit slow and disjointed to begin with, but on the whole I absolutely adored this book. Huia's story was my favourite, and the masterful ending had me in tears but was so well executed. If you start this book and don't enjoy it - keep going for a bit longer. It's a great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews