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A House Built on Sand
Maxine has been losing things lately. Her car in the shopping centre carpark. Important work files—and her job as a result. Her marbles? ‘Mild cognitive impairment’, according to the doctor. Time for a nursing home, according to her daughter, Rose.
Rose has her own troubles with a recurring vision of a locked cupboard, claustrophobic panic. Something in the shadows. Something to do with the old family house in Kutarere.
Back in that house by the beach, Maxine and Rose try to find their bearings. But they can’t move forward without dealing with the past—and the past has a few more surprises in store.
Full of suspense and heartbreak, A House Built on Sand is a haunting novel about family secrets, the hazards of memory and ghosts that linger.
Rose has her own troubles with a recurring vision of a locked cupboard, claustrophobic panic. Something in the shadows. Something to do with the old family house in Kutarere.
Back in that house by the beach, Maxine and Rose try to find their bearings. But they can’t move forward without dealing with the past—and the past has a few more surprises in store.
Full of suspense and heartbreak, A House Built on Sand is a haunting novel about family secrets, the hazards of memory and ghosts that linger.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 26, 2024
“Something’s at the back of my mind, lurking like a bad smell; it jitters and crawls inside me like cockroaches. I reach out with mental fingertips to try and locate it, sensing a shadowy thing— what is it?—but just as it starts to take shape, I shove it away.
A House Built On Sand is a novel by prize-winning New Zealand author, Tina Shaw. Although the doctor and her daughter have said she’s no longer safe to drive her car, Maxine Christensen is driving from Auckland to the family bach at Kutarere. There’s something very important she has to do there, and she’s hoping she’ll remember what it is. But as she pulls out of a nearby layby, she has a close encounter with a truck, and ends up in a ditch.
When the police officer at Whakatane rings Rose Christensen about her mum, it means a four-hour drive to collect her. It’s already early evening, so after a night in a motel, Rose plans to follow Maxine to Kutarere, leave her old Toyota there, and bring her home. It’s not the first time she’s had to drop everything to sort out her mum; there are family and friends but, to her husband’s irritation, Rose seems to be the default person whenever her mother needs someone.
Maxine is only fifty-eight, and her GP said it’s likely mild cognitive impairment, pending further tests, but the number of worrying incidents is increasing, despite Maxine’s reliance on phone notes and calendar reminders and, even as she hopes her mother’s condition will improve, Rose fears they are facing early-onset dementia.
At Kutarere, Rose decides a break from home, an extra night away at a favourite spot, will do them both good. Her husband doesn’t seem wholly invested in overcoming their infertility challenge and, even as an early childhood educator, dealing with the babies at Little Poppets can be a strain. Is she anticipating catching up with an old boyfriend more than she should? The hypnotist she’s seeing for her claustrophobia is happy to do sessions over the phone, and being back at this childhood place might help her find what has triggered it.
For Maxine, being at Kutarere stirs memories, some good, some disturbing, but all feel very real. Most unsettling : “None of them knew. Not what was really important. I didn’t write that down. Maybe I should have. Then I could be sure now about who’s who and what exactly took place…because things have got a bit hazy in my mind, slippery little fish in my clumsy hands, flip-flop. It would have been helpful to have it set straight in black and white instead of this brain sieve I’ve got now.”
Shaw gives the reader a thoroughly convincing portrayal of dementia, both from the perspective of the one afflicted, and a close family member. She then adds the twist of a long-held secret with potentially devastating consequences. Shaw’s personal experience lends the work an undeniable authenticity, and the ending is very realistic. Compelling contemporary fiction.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Text Publishing.
A House Built On Sand is a novel by prize-winning New Zealand author, Tina Shaw. Although the doctor and her daughter have said she’s no longer safe to drive her car, Maxine Christensen is driving from Auckland to the family bach at Kutarere. There’s something very important she has to do there, and she’s hoping she’ll remember what it is. But as she pulls out of a nearby layby, she has a close encounter with a truck, and ends up in a ditch.
When the police officer at Whakatane rings Rose Christensen about her mum, it means a four-hour drive to collect her. It’s already early evening, so after a night in a motel, Rose plans to follow Maxine to Kutarere, leave her old Toyota there, and bring her home. It’s not the first time she’s had to drop everything to sort out her mum; there are family and friends but, to her husband’s irritation, Rose seems to be the default person whenever her mother needs someone.
Maxine is only fifty-eight, and her GP said it’s likely mild cognitive impairment, pending further tests, but the number of worrying incidents is increasing, despite Maxine’s reliance on phone notes and calendar reminders and, even as she hopes her mother’s condition will improve, Rose fears they are facing early-onset dementia.
At Kutarere, Rose decides a break from home, an extra night away at a favourite spot, will do them both good. Her husband doesn’t seem wholly invested in overcoming their infertility challenge and, even as an early childhood educator, dealing with the babies at Little Poppets can be a strain. Is she anticipating catching up with an old boyfriend more than she should? The hypnotist she’s seeing for her claustrophobia is happy to do sessions over the phone, and being back at this childhood place might help her find what has triggered it.
For Maxine, being at Kutarere stirs memories, some good, some disturbing, but all feel very real. Most unsettling : “None of them knew. Not what was really important. I didn’t write that down. Maybe I should have. Then I could be sure now about who’s who and what exactly took place…because things have got a bit hazy in my mind, slippery little fish in my clumsy hands, flip-flop. It would have been helpful to have it set straight in black and white instead of this brain sieve I’ve got now.”
Shaw gives the reader a thoroughly convincing portrayal of dementia, both from the perspective of the one afflicted, and a close family member. She then adds the twist of a long-held secret with potentially devastating consequences. Shaw’s personal experience lends the work an undeniable authenticity, and the ending is very realistic. Compelling contemporary fiction.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Text Publishing.
October 26, 2024
I've been rather neglectful of my #AYearofNZLit, but this new release, A House Built on Sand by Tina Shaw, was just the title to get me back on track.
Unfolding over only a couple of days, this is a story of the tragedy that is early onset dementia. Maxine is only fifty-eight years old - eleven years older than me - and has been experiencing a rapid decline in her cognitive ability. Her only daughter Rose, in her early thirties, is bearing the brunt of dealing with her increasingly erratic and unsafe behaviour. She has a lot going on in her personal life as it is, along with some repressed memories she's working through related to claustrophobia. The frustration bleeding into worry about her mother was realised with such honesty throughout the narrative; I really felt for Rose.
As Maxine's mental awareness deteriorates, the past begins rushing into the present, confusing her and giving rise to a disturbing truth about Rose and another little girl, Jade, who went missing thirty years previous. Maxine's chapters were written so well, like shifting sands, the present and past mixing together, along with delusions associated with her illness. They were often chaotic and confusing, a mirror of what Maxine's mind must have been like, with occasional shards of clarity.
The novel is structured with alternating chapters between Maxine and Rose. They were short and kept the story moving swiftly along. There is a lot of thought-provoking material within this story. I don't judge Maxine for what she did, but I do wonder at how she buried it within her and maintained the lie for the remainder of her life. It just goes to show how damaging grief and trauma are to the human brain and how, when faced with the alternative, some people have the capability within them to do the unthinkable. As time presses on and the secrets erode away, what matters most? The truth or a life lived with love? Just a few of the questions I was left with at the end.
Another good one for book clubs.
Thanks to Text Publishing for the review copy.
Unfolding over only a couple of days, this is a story of the tragedy that is early onset dementia. Maxine is only fifty-eight years old - eleven years older than me - and has been experiencing a rapid decline in her cognitive ability. Her only daughter Rose, in her early thirties, is bearing the brunt of dealing with her increasingly erratic and unsafe behaviour. She has a lot going on in her personal life as it is, along with some repressed memories she's working through related to claustrophobia. The frustration bleeding into worry about her mother was realised with such honesty throughout the narrative; I really felt for Rose.
As Maxine's mental awareness deteriorates, the past begins rushing into the present, confusing her and giving rise to a disturbing truth about Rose and another little girl, Jade, who went missing thirty years previous. Maxine's chapters were written so well, like shifting sands, the present and past mixing together, along with delusions associated with her illness. They were often chaotic and confusing, a mirror of what Maxine's mind must have been like, with occasional shards of clarity.
The novel is structured with alternating chapters between Maxine and Rose. They were short and kept the story moving swiftly along. There is a lot of thought-provoking material within this story. I don't judge Maxine for what she did, but I do wonder at how she buried it within her and maintained the lie for the remainder of her life. It just goes to show how damaging grief and trauma are to the human brain and how, when faced with the alternative, some people have the capability within them to do the unthinkable. As time presses on and the secrets erode away, what matters most? The truth or a life lived with love? Just a few of the questions I was left with at the end.
Another good one for book clubs.
Thanks to Text Publishing for the review copy.
July 20, 2024
A House Built on Sand is about a woman who exhibits symptoms of early onset Alzheimer's and her daughter. As they return to their family house, where they used to spend their summers together, both deal with memories and visions which may not always be reliable.
This book is written in alternating chapters from the first-person singular perspective of the mother and a third-person perspective of the daughter. Having this division improved the readability of the story; alternatively the author could have chosen to name the chapters based on the characters. The chapters in the mind of the mother were quite interesting, as they dove into some raw experiences of her past and her relationship with her own mother.
Generally I liked the writing of the author, but I struggled a bit with finding the point of the story. It is a slow burn and takes a bit of a confusing but intriguing twist towards the ends.
I received an advance reading copy through NetGalley.
This book is written in alternating chapters from the first-person singular perspective of the mother and a third-person perspective of the daughter. Having this division improved the readability of the story; alternatively the author could have chosen to name the chapters based on the characters. The chapters in the mind of the mother were quite interesting, as they dove into some raw experiences of her past and her relationship with her own mother.
Generally I liked the writing of the author, but I struggled a bit with finding the point of the story. It is a slow burn and takes a bit of a confusing but intriguing twist towards the ends.
I received an advance reading copy through NetGalley.
May 2, 2025
scary scary
August 3, 2024
Shaw's been able to place readers in the minds of both mother and daughter (Maxine and Rose) here. It took me a while to get used to expecting the alternating voice but suspect labelling each chapter with the name of our narrator is probably also overkill. But we certainly get a sense of who they are and they feel very real. I found myself invested in their stories - Maxine's memory issues and her confusion, as well as her determination that there's something from the past she needs to deal with. And then there's Rose and her desperation to get pregnant, unsure how supportive her husband remains.
We're privy to a short slice of time in Rose and Maxine's life, but it's a pivotal one. Shaw's development of our two lead characters and their stories certainly stands out here as well as their relationship and the way it's changed over time. She also very deftly hints at past secrets that are eventually - quite shockingly - revealed. And though we might have had an inkling I still found myself turning the last page (metaphorically as I was reading an electronic review copy) wondering what would happen next.
SPOILER - A QUESTION FOR THOSE WHO'VE READ THE BOOK
As I understand it Rose died and Maxine takes Jade (who she believes to be at risk from her own parents). But there's mention of her seeing Tony's car when she wakes/sobers up, so was he at the house? Did he take Rose and kill her? Or did she wander out and fall down the steps? Also, I wondered what Maxine would have done with her body. There's reference earlier to someone floating in the river or lake but I can't help but think Rose's body would have been found if she'd put her in the river or ocean. And Maxine was badly injured so how would she have dug a hole and buried her? I should mention I don't mean to criticise the plot, it's more that this made me ponder the 'what' and 'how' later and I wondered if I missed something.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
We're privy to a short slice of time in Rose and Maxine's life, but it's a pivotal one. Shaw's development of our two lead characters and their stories certainly stands out here as well as their relationship and the way it's changed over time. She also very deftly hints at past secrets that are eventually - quite shockingly - revealed. And though we might have had an inkling I still found myself turning the last page (metaphorically as I was reading an electronic review copy) wondering what would happen next.
SPOILER - A QUESTION FOR THOSE WHO'VE READ THE BOOK
As I understand it Rose died and Maxine takes Jade (who she believes to be at risk from her own parents). But there's mention of her seeing Tony's car when she wakes/sobers up, so was he at the house? Did he take Rose and kill her? Or did she wander out and fall down the steps? Also, I wondered what Maxine would have done with her body. There's reference earlier to someone floating in the river or lake but I can't help but think Rose's body would have been found if she'd put her in the river or ocean. And Maxine was badly injured so how would she have dug a hole and buried her? I should mention I don't mean to criticise the plot, it's more that this made me ponder the 'what' and 'how' later and I wondered if I missed something.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
August 28, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A House Built on Sand by Tina Shaw. It’s a beautifully written depiction of the relationship between mother and daughter while navigating a recent dementia diagnosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to dementia in their family will know that it often feels like you’re standing on unstable footing, unsure whether you’re catching the sufferer on a good day or a bad day. I felt the author depicted this feeling of unease and the challenges of supporting a dementia patient very well, and it was comforting to read.
There’s an element of mystery to this story as Maxine, suffering from early onset dementia, travels to her family home with her daughter Rose to ensure that a long-kept secret doesn’t surface. There’s a sense of urgency that builds throughout the story as Maxine attempts to stay on course with the task she’s come home to complete, while her memory frequently betrays her, transporting her to different places and points in time. From the reader’s perspective, this offers little snippets of background as Maxine recalls events from her adolescence, early career and Rose’s childhood. We piece together Maxine’s secret as she works to keep it hidden.
Though A House Built On Sand was at times a heavy read, I found it to be very enjoyable and it kept me hooked the whole time. I found it a little difficult to find my bearings at the start with the alternating chapters, but it became quickly clear that each chapter alternates the perspectives and it was smooth sailing from there. A tip to readers who haven’t spent much time in Auckland - it might be helpful to have Google Maps on hand as there are numerous references to Auckland and surrounds throughout the story!
Many thanks to Text Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 ⭐️
Anyone who has been exposed to dementia in their family will know that it often feels like you’re standing on unstable footing, unsure whether you’re catching the sufferer on a good day or a bad day. I felt the author depicted this feeling of unease and the challenges of supporting a dementia patient very well, and it was comforting to read.
There’s an element of mystery to this story as Maxine, suffering from early onset dementia, travels to her family home with her daughter Rose to ensure that a long-kept secret doesn’t surface. There’s a sense of urgency that builds throughout the story as Maxine attempts to stay on course with the task she’s come home to complete, while her memory frequently betrays her, transporting her to different places and points in time. From the reader’s perspective, this offers little snippets of background as Maxine recalls events from her adolescence, early career and Rose’s childhood. We piece together Maxine’s secret as she works to keep it hidden.
Though A House Built On Sand was at times a heavy read, I found it to be very enjoyable and it kept me hooked the whole time. I found it a little difficult to find my bearings at the start with the alternating chapters, but it became quickly clear that each chapter alternates the perspectives and it was smooth sailing from there. A tip to readers who haven’t spent much time in Auckland - it might be helpful to have Google Maps on hand as there are numerous references to Auckland and surrounds throughout the story!
Many thanks to Text Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 ⭐️
November 25, 2024
Well, here we are nearly at the end of #AYearofNZLit and I have made barely a dent in my New Zealand TBR because I keep borrowing books from the library instead of reading what I've got!
Tina Shaw (b.1961) is an award-winning writer. She won the 1999 Grimshaw Sargeson Fellowship, the Creative New Zealand 2001 Berlin Writers Residency, and the 2005 writer in residence award at the University of Waikato. She was also awarded the 2023 Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Manuscript with the MS that became A House Built on Sand, published by Text Publishing in 2024. It is her ninth novel. She has previously published:
Birdie (1996)
Dreams of America (1997)
City of Reeds (2000)
Paradise (2002)
The Black Madonna (2005, Penguin)
The Children's Pond (2014, Pointer Press Ltd)
Make a Hard Fist (2017, OneTree House)
Ephemera (2020, Cloud Ink Press)
Although A House Built on Sand is fictional, Shaw's character Maxine was inspired by her mother's experience of Lewy Body dementia, a form of the disease that can feature hallucinations, paranoia and confusion, symptoms which can in the early stages be confused with other brain diseases or psychiatric conditions. Shaw shows how these symptoms impact by alternating the narration between Maxine and her daughter. The reader can see Maxine's confusion and distorted reality while at the same time being aware that Rose often doesn't understand what's going on either.
I'm not keen on novels that are woven around some hyped-up (and not very credible) secret, but the narration of this one was so skilfully done, that I kept reading. Maxine is troubled by something that happened long ago, and she insists on gong back to the family holiday house to try to remember before it's too late. And although the reader knows that Maxine's narration is unreliable, still, her sense of time running out is palpable. At the same time, it's no pity party: Maxine is determined, uncooperative and irascible, yet there are flashes of her real personality which make her a likeable character all the same.
Although Maxine is only 58, the needs of her condition make her daughter Rose one of the 'sandwich' generation, i.e. having to care for a parent as well as a child. The twist in this situation is that Rose doesn't yet have a child... it's her partner Paul who selfishly behaves like a brat. When the crisis erupts and Rose has to rescue her mother, he is like a spoilt child, complaining about her absence instead of offering support. No wonder she takes a mild interest in a long-ago love interest called Aaron!
There's a somewhat puzzling diversion into the problems of a brother called Renfrew. It isn't fleshed out enough, and makes the ending more confusing than it needed to be.
Still, A House Built on Sand was interesting light reading, and the novel makes a useful contribution to understanding more about dementia.
Tina Shaw (b.1961) is an award-winning writer. She won the 1999 Grimshaw Sargeson Fellowship, the Creative New Zealand 2001 Berlin Writers Residency, and the 2005 writer in residence award at the University of Waikato. She was also awarded the 2023 Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Manuscript with the MS that became A House Built on Sand, published by Text Publishing in 2024. It is her ninth novel. She has previously published:
Birdie (1996)
Dreams of America (1997)
City of Reeds (2000)
Paradise (2002)
The Black Madonna (2005, Penguin)
The Children's Pond (2014, Pointer Press Ltd)
Make a Hard Fist (2017, OneTree House)
Ephemera (2020, Cloud Ink Press)
Although A House Built on Sand is fictional, Shaw's character Maxine was inspired by her mother's experience of Lewy Body dementia, a form of the disease that can feature hallucinations, paranoia and confusion, symptoms which can in the early stages be confused with other brain diseases or psychiatric conditions. Shaw shows how these symptoms impact by alternating the narration between Maxine and her daughter. The reader can see Maxine's confusion and distorted reality while at the same time being aware that Rose often doesn't understand what's going on either.
I'm not keen on novels that are woven around some hyped-up (and not very credible) secret, but the narration of this one was so skilfully done, that I kept reading. Maxine is troubled by something that happened long ago, and she insists on gong back to the family holiday house to try to remember before it's too late. And although the reader knows that Maxine's narration is unreliable, still, her sense of time running out is palpable. At the same time, it's no pity party: Maxine is determined, uncooperative and irascible, yet there are flashes of her real personality which make her a likeable character all the same.
Although Maxine is only 58, the needs of her condition make her daughter Rose one of the 'sandwich' generation, i.e. having to care for a parent as well as a child. The twist in this situation is that Rose doesn't yet have a child... it's her partner Paul who selfishly behaves like a brat. When the crisis erupts and Rose has to rescue her mother, he is like a spoilt child, complaining about her absence instead of offering support. No wonder she takes a mild interest in a long-ago love interest called Aaron!
There's a somewhat puzzling diversion into the problems of a brother called Renfrew. It isn't fleshed out enough, and makes the ending more confusing than it needed to be.
Still, A House Built on Sand was interesting light reading, and the novel makes a useful contribution to understanding more about dementia.
November 9, 2024
Maxine appears to be suffering from 'mild cognitive impairment' at the same time her daughter, Rose, is recalling vague, disturbing memories of claustrophobia. For both women, the beach house at Kutarere seems to hold the answers.
In alternating voices, we live in Maxine's and Rose's present while slowly understanding their pasts. Maxine is aware she is forgetting things, and in moments of lucidity, she worries. Then, her mind clouds over, and she's never too sure if what she remembers really happened, or is just a confused mishmash of events. Rose is desperate to get pregnant, and her relationship with her partner, Paul is suffering. She meets her first love and memories lead her to temptation.
Maxine and Rose are flawed, believable characters. I wanted them both to have happy endings. This is a sad story (although at times funny) but overall it is a subtle, beautifully written, devasting story of past decisions impacting the future. Recommended.
In alternating voices, we live in Maxine's and Rose's present while slowly understanding their pasts. Maxine is aware she is forgetting things, and in moments of lucidity, she worries. Then, her mind clouds over, and she's never too sure if what she remembers really happened, or is just a confused mishmash of events. Rose is desperate to get pregnant, and her relationship with her partner, Paul is suffering. She meets her first love and memories lead her to temptation.
Maxine and Rose are flawed, believable characters. I wanted them both to have happy endings. This is a sad story (although at times funny) but overall it is a subtle, beautifully written, devasting story of past decisions impacting the future. Recommended.
February 6, 2025
"If you don't remember something, is it still true?" This line leapt out of the pages at me and made me ponder the frailty of our own memories, something at the core of this novel. Maxine is starting to forget things but knows there is something she still has to do. Her daughter Rose suffers from claustrophobia with a vague vision of being locked in a cupboard.
Told in alternating and incredibly authentic chapters by the two characters (especially Maxine as her thought processes feel so real... and relatable to anyone remotely forgetful) we delve into the family relationships (including generational flashbacks) and secrets as they retreat to their holiday home at Kuateretere.
what are the secrets, where will the memories lead and will our characters follow that path or choose to remain unknowing? While I had an inkling about some of what might be revealed, that didn't stop me from turning the pages and seeing where everyone ended up. Loved it.
Told in alternating and incredibly authentic chapters by the two characters (especially Maxine as her thought processes feel so real... and relatable to anyone remotely forgetful) we delve into the family relationships (including generational flashbacks) and secrets as they retreat to their holiday home at Kuateretere.
what are the secrets, where will the memories lead and will our characters follow that path or choose to remain unknowing? While I had an inkling about some of what might be revealed, that didn't stop me from turning the pages and seeing where everyone ended up. Loved it.
February 15, 2025
An absorbing and well written novel that deals with family secrets and failing memory.
Maxine is beginning to forget things, but she knows there is a secret that needs to be revealed. A return the the old family beach house brings back memories and moves the action along.
What impressed me most was Tina Shaw's ability to capture the struggle with someone suffering from 'mild cognitive impairment'. Sometimes they can't remember the simplest of things, and at others they have sudden flashes of complete lucidity, when everything is clear.
Maxine is beginning to forget things, but she knows there is a secret that needs to be revealed. A return the the old family beach house brings back memories and moves the action along.
What impressed me most was Tina Shaw's ability to capture the struggle with someone suffering from 'mild cognitive impairment'. Sometimes they can't remember the simplest of things, and at others they have sudden flashes of complete lucidity, when everything is clear.
December 26, 2024
This is a 4.5 star book, and only loses points because the subject is difficult!
Why hasn't this book made a bigger splash? Especially given the growing awareness of other forms of dementia. I thought the way the author showed Maxine's unsettling thoughts and confusion was great, and not something I knew.
A family saga of secrets withheld.
Why hasn't this book made a bigger splash? Especially given the growing awareness of other forms of dementia. I thought the way the author showed Maxine's unsettling thoughts and confusion was great, and not something I knew.
A family saga of secrets withheld.
August 17, 2024
Devoured this beautifully written book in two days straight. It's no surprise that this talented author won the Michael Grifkins prize this year with this contemprary novel. The story and the characters are totally absorbing. I felt as if I was part of their family. Highly recommended.
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book - until the end. Can someone explain what happened?
The ending aside, it was an interesting portrayal of dementia from the sufferer and their family. I empathized with both characters.
The ending aside, it was an interesting portrayal of dementia from the sufferer and their family. I empathized with both characters.
October 29, 2024
Another NZ book. This is about a mother who is showing signs of dementia and her relationship with her daughter. Takes place over a couple of days but spans daughter Rose’s lifetime with flashbacks. More and more intrigue is revealed.
January 9, 2025
A very moving story based on the author's experiences of a family dealing with dementia and a mystery from the past.
January 22, 2025
Review to come...
July 15, 2025
Beautifully written, an excellent insight into the depths of dementia. Raced through this, an easy read.
March 23, 2025
An almost ephemeral story of remembering and forgetting as a woman and her daughter deal with early onset dementia. Shaw's gradual reveal builds a sense of unease, with some beautiful imagery and great wordplay.
September 29, 2025
Good. Interesting story of returning to the family each coast bach with a mother showing signs of early onset dementia. Maybe a little slow early on, but built up momentum as the characters were developed.
January 7, 2025
A bit of a slow burn but satisfying in the end.
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August 29, 2024The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of A House Built on Sand
‘Splendidly controlled.’
Radio NZ
‘Powerful.’
Sunday Life
‘Instantly absorbing.’
NZ Listener
‘An absorbing, haunting novel, beautifully written with compelling characters.’
NZ Herald
‘Reads as a love letter wrapped into a mystery, crafted and polished with the skill of someone who’s been doing this for decades…A House Built on Sand explores the intricacies of minds, memories and relationships, warmly and acutely observed, with a persuasive plot.’
NZ Review of Books
‘An absorbing, haunting novel, beautifully written with compelling characters...This is a book to savour.’
NZ Booklovers
‘A work of wisdom and maturity, likely to be read and treasured by many.’
Landfall
‘Maxine’s chapters were written so well, like shifting sands, the present and the past mixing together…There is a lot of thought-provoking material within this story…Another good one for book clubs.’
Theresa Smith Writes
‘Warmly told, finely crafted, convincing story centring on a NZ woman, apparently in early cognitive decline but also keeping secrets, who is cared for by a dedicated daughter.’
NZ Listener, Best Books of 2024
‘Splendidly controlled.’
Radio NZ
‘Powerful.’
Sunday Life
‘Instantly absorbing.’
NZ Listener
‘An absorbing, haunting novel, beautifully written with compelling characters.’
NZ Herald
‘Reads as a love letter wrapped into a mystery, crafted and polished with the skill of someone who’s been doing this for decades…A House Built on Sand explores the intricacies of minds, memories and relationships, warmly and acutely observed, with a persuasive plot.’
NZ Review of Books
‘An absorbing, haunting novel, beautifully written with compelling characters...This is a book to savour.’
NZ Booklovers
‘A work of wisdom and maturity, likely to be read and treasured by many.’
Landfall
‘Maxine’s chapters were written so well, like shifting sands, the present and the past mixing together…There is a lot of thought-provoking material within this story…Another good one for book clubs.’
Theresa Smith Writes
‘Warmly told, finely crafted, convincing story centring on a NZ woman, apparently in early cognitive decline but also keeping secrets, who is cared for by a dedicated daughter.’
NZ Listener, Best Books of 2024
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews