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Sewing Moonlight
It’s winter of 1928, and young German man Wilhelm Erdinger is left stranded in the remote New Zealand village of Falters Mill.
Wilhelm purchases a piece of land capable of providing the kind of sustainable, self-sufficient life he craves, and a shack he soon begins to call home. Though he is regarded with suspicion by many in the local community, he soon attracts a small number of friends, each outsiders in their own way.
With a little help from the ecological theories of Steiner and the poetic inspiration of Goethe, Wilhelm survives, at times even flourishes, in a country rocked by the effects of war and the Depression. However, it is the arrival of a new war ― coupled with the sometimes-brutal climate of Central Otago ― that threatens to destroy the utopia he has created.
Sewing Moonlight is a tragic tale of love, loss and biodynamics in a challenging time. More than this, it is a story of one man’s journey from alienation to acceptance. Like the moon, which looms large over everything, each ending is also a new beginning.
‘Set against the backdrop of two world wars and a global depression, this is a compelling story of lives blighted by secrets and expectations, love and loss, cultural conflict and misunderstandings, yet it also celebrates the ability of the human spirit to endure and find solace within the natural world.’
― MAXINE ALTERIO
‘A heart-warming and heart-rending tale about a man trying to escape his past. Permeated with the philosophy of Goethe and Steiner, the narrative unspools gently and lyrically to reveal the lives of a refreshingly original, richly-imagined cast of characters.’
― FIONA SUSSMAN
‘An utterly captivating story of determination in the face of prejudice and the struggle to escape the stranglehold of the past. Moving and compelling, with a heart as vast as a Central Otago sky.’
― CATHERINE CHIDGEY
Wilhelm purchases a piece of land capable of providing the kind of sustainable, self-sufficient life he craves, and a shack he soon begins to call home. Though he is regarded with suspicion by many in the local community, he soon attracts a small number of friends, each outsiders in their own way.
With a little help from the ecological theories of Steiner and the poetic inspiration of Goethe, Wilhelm survives, at times even flourishes, in a country rocked by the effects of war and the Depression. However, it is the arrival of a new war ― coupled with the sometimes-brutal climate of Central Otago ― that threatens to destroy the utopia he has created.
Sewing Moonlight is a tragic tale of love, loss and biodynamics in a challenging time. More than this, it is a story of one man’s journey from alienation to acceptance. Like the moon, which looms large over everything, each ending is also a new beginning.
‘Set against the backdrop of two world wars and a global depression, this is a compelling story of lives blighted by secrets and expectations, love and loss, cultural conflict and misunderstandings, yet it also celebrates the ability of the human spirit to endure and find solace within the natural world.’
― MAXINE ALTERIO
‘A heart-warming and heart-rending tale about a man trying to escape his past. Permeated with the philosophy of Goethe and Steiner, the narrative unspools gently and lyrically to reveal the lives of a refreshingly original, richly-imagined cast of characters.’
― FIONA SUSSMAN
‘An utterly captivating story of determination in the face of prejudice and the struggle to escape the stranglehold of the past. Moving and compelling, with a heart as vast as a Central Otago sky.’
― CATHERINE CHIDGEY
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2024
6 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Mewburn
97 books15 followersKyle Mewburn is an amazingly versatile and prolific author who has written many picture books including the award-winning Old Hu-Hu (NZ Post Book of the Year 2010) and Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck! (NZ Post Picture Book Award winner 2007), as well as the junior chapter books Do Not Push and four titles in the super-popular (and super-gross!) Dinosaur Rescue series.
Born in Brisbane, Australia, Kyle now lives in Millers Flat in Central Otago, New Zealand.
Born in Brisbane, Australia, Kyle now lives in Millers Flat in Central Otago, New Zealand.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 14, 2024
I normally don't write a review, but this book has left me moved and I just want to applaud the writer. It's very well written, funny and sad, uplifting and depressing and really makes you part of the story. 5+ stars!
November 26, 2024
Set in Central Otago after the First World War, Wilhelm has 'run away' from his home and parents in Germany to start a new life. He is trying to escape the loss of his brother and wants to live a self-sufficient life on his small plot of land. Times are hard and the small rural community are not quick to welcome him, but he gradually makes a few (very good) friends and even finds love. This is a thoughtful historical novel exploring the power of friendship and the ties of family. I loved that the setting was familar!
January 8, 2025
Oh my heart 🫶
A story of loss and love, heartbreak and hope.
After the tragic death of his brother, Wilhelm tries to escapes his shame and hurt by leaving his home in Germany and fumbling his way to New Zealand. He unceremoniously lands in a small, remote town with the hopes of creating himself a self-sustained and isolated life.
However, several determined residents have other ideas and doggedly befriend this new comer and Wilhelm finds himself enveloped by an eclectic bunch of characters, all carrying their own personal burdens.
I adored this book. I loved the cozy side of this story surrounding Wilhelm’s gardening and self-sustaining explorations, however, please don’t think this is a feel good, fluffy story. It is emotive and at times depressing. The raw emotions and feelings Wilhelm navigates are written in a way that absorbs the reader. The bias Wilhelm experiences as a German man residing in rural New Zealand, the mystery surrounding his brother’s passing, alongside several other character’s own secret and tragic tales, all add to the depth of the story.
I was sent this book by the publisher and all options are my own.
A story of loss and love, heartbreak and hope.
After the tragic death of his brother, Wilhelm tries to escapes his shame and hurt by leaving his home in Germany and fumbling his way to New Zealand. He unceremoniously lands in a small, remote town with the hopes of creating himself a self-sustained and isolated life.
However, several determined residents have other ideas and doggedly befriend this new comer and Wilhelm finds himself enveloped by an eclectic bunch of characters, all carrying their own personal burdens.
I adored this book. I loved the cozy side of this story surrounding Wilhelm’s gardening and self-sustaining explorations, however, please don’t think this is a feel good, fluffy story. It is emotive and at times depressing. The raw emotions and feelings Wilhelm navigates are written in a way that absorbs the reader. The bias Wilhelm experiences as a German man residing in rural New Zealand, the mystery surrounding his brother’s passing, alongside several other character’s own secret and tragic tales, all add to the depth of the story.
I was sent this book by the publisher and all options are my own.
October 2, 2024
A great book - very enjoyable.
January 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s one of those stories you can’t put down, the kind you look forward to all day. As someone who reads mostly at night before bed, I found myself going to bed early just to dive back into it.
Living in Otago, New Zealand, I found the book incredibly relatable. The descriptions of the people, climate, and landscape resonated with me, making it easy to picture the events as they unfolded. The details about life during the Great Depression and the World Wars were eye-opening. Although the wars took place elsewhere, the book captures their impact on New Zealand, something I hadn’t considered in depth before. It felt like the author really did their research.
It also made me realize that I, as a townie, was completely romanticizing true self-sufficiency like Wilhelm’s. It’s a lot of grueling hard work and worry.
The author vividly describes the alternative gardening style introduced by Rudolph Steiner, diving into details without ever being boring or wordy. The writing is both beautiful and engaging.
The author also builds tension remarkably well. I constantly worried about Wilhelm and felt his loneliness throughout.
There was one detail I wonder about: when Wilhelm arrived on his boat, did he have to register or obtain residency? The book doesn’t mention it, and I wondered if such formalities existed back then (1928). It seems he simply sailed in and settled, which might have been more straightforward in those days, at least in terms of documentation.
I loved the detail and character building, especially Wilhelm. Some of the other characters felt a bit flat, a bit one-dimensional, but it didn’t take away from the story. Towards the last 30% of the book (I read it on Kindle), it started to feel more like a contemporary romance, which was a bit different from how it started, but I still enjoyed it.
In the end, it’s an easy five stars from me.
Now that I’ve finished, I’m excited to look up more about the author and see what others are saying about the book.
Living in Otago, New Zealand, I found the book incredibly relatable. The descriptions of the people, climate, and landscape resonated with me, making it easy to picture the events as they unfolded. The details about life during the Great Depression and the World Wars were eye-opening. Although the wars took place elsewhere, the book captures their impact on New Zealand, something I hadn’t considered in depth before. It felt like the author really did their research.
It also made me realize that I, as a townie, was completely romanticizing true self-sufficiency like Wilhelm’s. It’s a lot of grueling hard work and worry.
The author vividly describes the alternative gardening style introduced by Rudolph Steiner, diving into details without ever being boring or wordy. The writing is both beautiful and engaging.
The author also builds tension remarkably well. I constantly worried about Wilhelm and felt his loneliness throughout.
There was one detail I wonder about: when Wilhelm arrived on his boat, did he have to register or obtain residency? The book doesn’t mention it, and I wondered if such formalities existed back then (1928). It seems he simply sailed in and settled, which might have been more straightforward in those days, at least in terms of documentation.
I loved the detail and character building, especially Wilhelm. Some of the other characters felt a bit flat, a bit one-dimensional, but it didn’t take away from the story. Towards the last 30% of the book (I read it on Kindle), it started to feel more like a contemporary romance, which was a bit different from how it started, but I still enjoyed it.
In the end, it’s an easy five stars from me.
Now that I’ve finished, I’m excited to look up more about the author and see what others are saying about the book.
July 4, 2024
Oooo it's tricky when someone you know writes a book. What if you don't like it? But I did. I really really did like it.
This is historical fiction, set just along the highway from the place I grew up in. It begins in 1928 and the story takes us through to the end of WW2 and this is the story of Wilhelm Erdinger, a young German man who has washed up, literally as his boat is wrecked and he is rescued by locals, in a town called Falters Mill. This is a town in the back of beyond, where strangers don't often arrive. After a series of misstarts Wilhelm who becomes Bill to the locals, acquires a piece of land and through trials, many and varied, begins to be able to support a frugal lifestyle with the things he grows following the teachings of Steiner and reading Goethe to soothe his soul and to give him company on the long evenings alone. Over time Wilhelm makes a few friends, suffers tragedy, is unlucky in love and then discovers love and companionship. All through the story his life is ruled by the vagaries of the harsh weather, he is plagued by drought, pests and angry farmers who are distrustful of this kind, sweet man so different from themselves.
This story deals with a lot of issues, the awful attitudes and suspicion of the local families towards Wilhelm, the awful thing that happened to him as a young man and the reason for his being in NZ. He is a lonely man, even when in good company he is inherently apart, and this pervades the book. I found this so moving. In this novel we are cheering for poor Wilhelm, hoping that things will work out for him. I felt such sadness for him when his beloved animals died and the tragedy that happens towards the end of the book is just crushing. While it is all very tragic, this book is infused with a love of his chosen lifestyle, a total appreciation for nature and the land he loves.
A beautiful book, a joy to read and I congratulate Kyle on creating a character that I became totally invested in. Lovely stuff.
This is historical fiction, set just along the highway from the place I grew up in. It begins in 1928 and the story takes us through to the end of WW2 and this is the story of Wilhelm Erdinger, a young German man who has washed up, literally as his boat is wrecked and he is rescued by locals, in a town called Falters Mill. This is a town in the back of beyond, where strangers don't often arrive. After a series of misstarts Wilhelm who becomes Bill to the locals, acquires a piece of land and through trials, many and varied, begins to be able to support a frugal lifestyle with the things he grows following the teachings of Steiner and reading Goethe to soothe his soul and to give him company on the long evenings alone. Over time Wilhelm makes a few friends, suffers tragedy, is unlucky in love and then discovers love and companionship. All through the story his life is ruled by the vagaries of the harsh weather, he is plagued by drought, pests and angry farmers who are distrustful of this kind, sweet man so different from themselves.
This story deals with a lot of issues, the awful attitudes and suspicion of the local families towards Wilhelm, the awful thing that happened to him as a young man and the reason for his being in NZ. He is a lonely man, even when in good company he is inherently apart, and this pervades the book. I found this so moving. In this novel we are cheering for poor Wilhelm, hoping that things will work out for him. I felt such sadness for him when his beloved animals died and the tragedy that happens towards the end of the book is just crushing. While it is all very tragic, this book is infused with a love of his chosen lifestyle, a total appreciation for nature and the land he loves.
A beautiful book, a joy to read and I congratulate Kyle on creating a character that I became totally invested in. Lovely stuff.
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May 11, 2024I chose to read this novel because I loved Kyle Mewburn’s memoir. I was nervous to begin with, as those very classic kiwi men started showing up, that I wouldn’t connect with the characters. I was wrong. I love a novel where you are invested in the characters and can’t quite see where the story is taking them. This novel has so many elements of love and loss and joy and disappointment, it feels very real. There are no heroes or villains (except maybe Sandy’s mother) and their flaws give them depth (even Barry). The story was clever, beginning and ending with the grandson worked perfectly, and the recipe was a brilliant touch. The language is dense which slowed down my reading and brought the landscape to life. I’m sure I could smell the rosemary and those strawberries. Wonderful read.
May 6, 2024
In credibly moving and tragic.
May 16, 2024
Outstanding . Just loved it .
May 17, 2024
.I became so drawn into the characters and their world. A moving insight into bias, inclusion, and community
June 13, 2024
This is a brilliant read. Beautifully written and a wonderful story. When I finished I wanted to start it all over again! But it had to go back to the library - I'm now going to buy my own copy.
April 29, 2025
Story of a German settler settling in South Island NZ . Very wordy, but wanted to finish the book as it was an interesting story.
June 8, 2024
Book 23. Starts off post WWI and ends post WWII. About a young German man who leaves Germany to get as far away as possible. He ends up in Central Otago. It is a gentle story, with some tragedy, hatred, love, regret, and prejudice. His goal is to be self sufficient and garden using the lunar calendar. A good read. 🤓📚 #tsreadinglist2024 #tsrecommendations
November 27, 2024
The prose was true to the era, but because the book itself was so heavy/difficult to hold, I struggled to finish reading it. Another factor was that the storyline was a bit slow.
December 17, 2024
This book reads like something written about 60 years ago. The wonderful lyrical descriptions of a rural South Island farming community, with all its flaws resonate with echoes of Barry Crump, Jim Henderson and possibly Witi Ihimarea and other mid century tale weavers, back when we were starting to accept our New Zealand voice.
This tale is both beautiful, and obviously heading for tragedy. With the more modern book end of the grandson's story, we at least know that Bill does ultimately get a happy ending.
This book is superb. Go read it.
This tale is both beautiful, and obviously heading for tragedy. With the more modern book end of the grandson's story, we at least know that Bill does ultimately get a happy ending.
This book is superb. Go read it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews