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Squashed Possums: Off the beaten track in New Zealand
Bill Bryson, author of Notes from a Small Island "Terrific"
2016 Award Finalist - Travel Non-Fiction - Readers' Favorite Awards
Ten years after returning from the New Zealand outback, Jon receives a mysterious manuscript in the post. Narrated by Jon's former home, the lone caravan, Squashed Possums reveals what it's like to live in the wild through four seasons, including New Zealand's coldest winter in decades.
Dr Jock Phillips, NZ historian and author “I thoroughly enjoyed it! What an interesting story”
Giles Milton, author of White Gold and Nathaniels Nutmeg “The caravan narrator – yes, a first. May it sell in the millions”
Discover how Jon finds himself reversing off the edge of a cliff, meet the Maori chef who survived 9/11, the pioneers who paved the way, and catch sight of the elusive kiwi bird. Encounter hedgehogs that fly, possums that scream, and perhaps most importantly, the lone caravan with a story to tell...
2016 Award Finalist - Travel Non-Fiction - Readers' Favorite Awards
Ten years after returning from the New Zealand outback, Jon receives a mysterious manuscript in the post. Narrated by Jon's former home, the lone caravan, Squashed Possums reveals what it's like to live in the wild through four seasons, including New Zealand's coldest winter in decades.
Dr Jock Phillips, NZ historian and author “I thoroughly enjoyed it! What an interesting story”
Giles Milton, author of White Gold and Nathaniels Nutmeg “The caravan narrator – yes, a first. May it sell in the millions”
Discover how Jon finds himself reversing off the edge of a cliff, meet the Maori chef who survived 9/11, the pioneers who paved the way, and catch sight of the elusive kiwi bird. Encounter hedgehogs that fly, possums that scream, and perhaps most importantly, the lone caravan with a story to tell...
- GenresTravelNonfiction
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2015
162 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Tindale
3 books14 followersJonathan Tindale is a father of two and in desperate need of a haircut and a strong cup of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 9, 2019
A Londoner living in a caravan (travel trailer) in the wop-wop (wilderness/forests) of New Zealand.
Alternately told through the diaries of the author and the 'voice' of the caravan, this book reflects the changes that come to a person through new experiences and extended visits to a different culture than what one has grown up in. The voice of the caravan provides New Zealand details that reflect Jonathan Tindale's background research for his NZ adventure. This was an enjoyable read, reminding me of my own trip to NZ and how different the sounds sights (particularly the trees) things were from my own home. A good read, particularly for someone heading to the south island. Oh - and there were bonus tales from other trips he has made in his life at that end of the book.
2019 - Bk 6
Alternately told through the diaries of the author and the 'voice' of the caravan, this book reflects the changes that come to a person through new experiences and extended visits to a different culture than what one has grown up in. The voice of the caravan provides New Zealand details that reflect Jonathan Tindale's background research for his NZ adventure. This was an enjoyable read, reminding me of my own trip to NZ and how different the sounds sights (particularly the trees) things were from my own home. A good read, particularly for someone heading to the south island. Oh - and there were bonus tales from other trips he has made in his life at that end of the book.
2019 - Bk 6
July 3, 2019
Quirky, enjoyable and lighthearted. An unusual and interesting book, which delicately splices the experience of living in the wilderness with a bit of background of New Zealand and it's inhabitants.
I would've liked to read a little more in depth about some of the history and subjects touched upon, but there are other books for that. A very enjoyable introduction and travel read.
I would've liked to read a little more in depth about some of the history and subjects touched upon, but there are other books for that. A very enjoyable introduction and travel read.
July 17, 2022
I found this a really interesting book. You're led to believe that the caravan actually wrote quite a lot of the manuscript with Jonathan Tindale's diary entries filling out the human aspect.
This is not a gimmicky piece of nonsense though because the caravan is actually a main character. Bereft of wheels it now remains in the "wop wops" (NZ slang for the middle of nowhere). The caravan has been travelling for many more years than Mr Tindale stayed in it and provides an interesting and honest narration of where, with whom and why it has ended up where it is.
Jonathan Tindale is merely one inhabitant whereas the caravan has (often suffered) through many years, various owners and the indignity of being set upon by whatever wildlife the owners have parked near.
This book certainly dispelled a few NZ myths - for instance the idea that all Kiwis are basically rugged, outdoorsy types whereas they do like the great outdoor but mainly live in towns and cities. For whatever reason I'd always imagined most of the population living "on the edge".
There's also some interesting Maori history and information thrown in for good luck and the final section of the book is dedicated to some short memoirs of Mr Tindale's time in other parts of the world (none of them your average 2 weeks on the Spanish coast I hasten to add).
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone interested in travel or just a slightly quirky but interesting take on a travelogue. Well written, funny and engaging.
This is not a gimmicky piece of nonsense though because the caravan is actually a main character. Bereft of wheels it now remains in the "wop wops" (NZ slang for the middle of nowhere). The caravan has been travelling for many more years than Mr Tindale stayed in it and provides an interesting and honest narration of where, with whom and why it has ended up where it is.
Jonathan Tindale is merely one inhabitant whereas the caravan has (often suffered) through many years, various owners and the indignity of being set upon by whatever wildlife the owners have parked near.
This book certainly dispelled a few NZ myths - for instance the idea that all Kiwis are basically rugged, outdoorsy types whereas they do like the great outdoor but mainly live in towns and cities. For whatever reason I'd always imagined most of the population living "on the edge".
There's also some interesting Maori history and information thrown in for good luck and the final section of the book is dedicated to some short memoirs of Mr Tindale's time in other parts of the world (none of them your average 2 weeks on the Spanish coast I hasten to add).
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone interested in travel or just a slightly quirky but interesting take on a travelogue. Well written, funny and engaging.
August 23, 2015
A fairly horrific conceit sees this travel book 'written' by the old campervan the (real) author lived in, used, traveled around NZ in; the writing is pedestrian at best and the puzzling attempt at being clever, narration-wise, is at best baffling but mostly just really shitty writing, undercooked yet overthought.
May 10, 2022
To the author... I'll be visiting New Zealand for two and a half months starting the beginning of December, 2022. I'll be staying with a Kiwi friend and for the first month we will be touring the South Island with her caravan in tow. Your story is enlightening in an off the beaten track kind of way and has provided a generous amount of info about the culture, history, language, places and the people of NZ. I'm certain my 77 day adventure will undoubtedly be a life changing experience. Thank you (and the caravan) for sharing yours! :)
December 31, 2019
3.5 stars - I enjoyed the historical details and the fun way the story was told. There were a few relationships in the story that didn’t seem to fit. I’m glad I read it before my upcoming trip to New Zealand.
March 18, 2019
I enjoyed the nostalgia this book created of a recent trip to New Zealand and the pure beauty and wonder of the country.
May 1, 2022
Jon takes a big leap. He moved from England to New Zealand and lived in an RV in the middle of nowhere for months. Truly living off the grid.
May 2, 2022
great book with a wonderful quirk in the way it is written. would definitely recommend.
January 10, 2021
"I've come to the conclusion that to travel the world means nothing, if you don't allow the experience to change you. With the age of exploration long since dead and buried, every continent, every island every corner of every forest tagged, mapped and catalogued, the only journey worth the trouble is to explore your own mind. If travelling doesn't change the way you think, then you haven't really travelled."
I don't usually read autobiographies but there's no doubt that I found this text very relatable as someone who decided to abandon their life in the UK in 2019 and move to the quiet, remote and adventurous land of New Zealand. As the author flees a UK caught up in the midst of the invasion of Iraq in search of something more and takes to living in a caravan in the middle of absolutely nowhere, or the wop-wops, I fled a country caught up in Brexit and, a few months later, Covid-19. I found the parallels interesting and wonder if it's these external factors, on top of the meaningless hustle and bustle of every day that eventually drives some of us to turn to somewhere else to learn something new, to have our outlook changed.
The book is part diary entries, part the musings of a caravan dumped in the middle of a wild, dense forest in New Zealand. This works well with the caravan a more authoritative voice on New Zealand providing facts and anecdotes that span a number of years and topics. Jon's voice, in contrast, speaks of those slightly shocking moments you experience when confronted with aspects of a new culture or place you didn't expect and some of the people he met in his time here.
New Zealand is such a treasure of history and culture that so few of us know about from the outside. To many it looks like another predominantly white colonised country, but its isolation and distance in terms of geography has come to define it in so many ways and this is a recurring theme throughout the book.
You get an overview of everything from the spectacular, unique wildlife of this islands, its conservation challenges, some of its incredible sites, a brief history of Māori and the arrival of Pakeha (European settlers) and how it has shaped the culture and customs of this country. You get a view of some of the existing tensions between the two peoples and how the country strives for better relations than have traditionally existed between native peoples and colonists, a low bar to be sure, but the recent efforts are heartening. You are reminded of some of the things you get used to, like New Zealander's love of a bush track that isn't really a track but "No trail, no path, just these red plastic tags every hundred feet or so. I thought I was lost!", Kiwi's hatred of possums and some of the more bizarre driving customs. More often than not you learn something you didn't know or hadn't yet encountered.
For anyone wanting to learn about New Zealand through a foreigner's eyes, as well as through facts I'd really recommend this book. If you're interested in people discarding the comfort of modern society in pursuit of something else then this will also interest you. If you're looking for a plot driven book this will not be for you. Although I enjoyed it, like many autobiographical works, there are some questions that never resolve themselves and some intriguing points that are raised but never completely explored. For example, after leaving the hustle and bustle of London, experiencing a profound sense of connectedness is the wilderness, what would tempt you to return?
I don't usually read autobiographies but there's no doubt that I found this text very relatable as someone who decided to abandon their life in the UK in 2019 and move to the quiet, remote and adventurous land of New Zealand. As the author flees a UK caught up in the midst of the invasion of Iraq in search of something more and takes to living in a caravan in the middle of absolutely nowhere, or the wop-wops, I fled a country caught up in Brexit and, a few months later, Covid-19. I found the parallels interesting and wonder if it's these external factors, on top of the meaningless hustle and bustle of every day that eventually drives some of us to turn to somewhere else to learn something new, to have our outlook changed.
The book is part diary entries, part the musings of a caravan dumped in the middle of a wild, dense forest in New Zealand. This works well with the caravan a more authoritative voice on New Zealand providing facts and anecdotes that span a number of years and topics. Jon's voice, in contrast, speaks of those slightly shocking moments you experience when confronted with aspects of a new culture or place you didn't expect and some of the people he met in his time here.
New Zealand is such a treasure of history and culture that so few of us know about from the outside. To many it looks like another predominantly white colonised country, but its isolation and distance in terms of geography has come to define it in so many ways and this is a recurring theme throughout the book.
You get an overview of everything from the spectacular, unique wildlife of this islands, its conservation challenges, some of its incredible sites, a brief history of Māori and the arrival of Pakeha (European settlers) and how it has shaped the culture and customs of this country. You get a view of some of the existing tensions between the two peoples and how the country strives for better relations than have traditionally existed between native peoples and colonists, a low bar to be sure, but the recent efforts are heartening. You are reminded of some of the things you get used to, like New Zealander's love of a bush track that isn't really a track but "No trail, no path, just these red plastic tags every hundred feet or so. I thought I was lost!", Kiwi's hatred of possums and some of the more bizarre driving customs. More often than not you learn something you didn't know or hadn't yet encountered.
For anyone wanting to learn about New Zealand through a foreigner's eyes, as well as through facts I'd really recommend this book. If you're interested in people discarding the comfort of modern society in pursuit of something else then this will also interest you. If you're looking for a plot driven book this will not be for you. Although I enjoyed it, like many autobiographical works, there are some questions that never resolve themselves and some intriguing points that are raised but never completely explored. For example, after leaving the hustle and bustle of London, experiencing a profound sense of connectedness is the wilderness, what would tempt you to return?
November 22, 2017
This is a quirky "travel" come life experience book. It's written from the perspective of an isolated caravan, yes a caravan with opinions! which Jon lives in for a time in the Wop-wops in New Zealand. These sections are interspersed with Jon's own diary reflections. I read this one whilst travelling around NZ myself, admittedly in accommodation far removed from a broken down caravan without wheels, but it was quite an interesting read and it does have some interesting 'facts' and opinions to share which you won't find in the more conventional travel guide.
It's not really to be taken too seriously but if you are thinking of visiting NZ then take it along, it's an easy read and its small so won't add too much to the economy class baggage allowance. It's not great literature and if you are wanting a comprehensive travel guide this isn't it but nevertheless it does have some interesting stories to offer. I will be leaving my copy in NZ for other travellers to enjoy.
It's not really to be taken too seriously but if you are thinking of visiting NZ then take it along, it's an easy read and its small so won't add too much to the economy class baggage allowance. It's not great literature and if you are wanting a comprehensive travel guide this isn't it but nevertheless it does have some interesting stories to offer. I will be leaving my copy in NZ for other travellers to enjoy.
June 21, 2020
Fun to read
I thought that giving us the perspective of the caravan was great. I hadn't read a book in a long time and this was a good one to start back up with. The short writings at the end were interesting as well. I look forward to reading more from Jonathan Tindale.
I thought that giving us the perspective of the caravan was great. I hadn't read a book in a long time and this was a good one to start back up with. The short writings at the end were interesting as well. I look forward to reading more from Jonathan Tindale.
Read
September 25, 2019Great primer on Nz
I was looking for literature about NZ before travelling there and came across this sweet little gem. A mix of anthropology, biology and history all delivered in a very cute and funny story told by a caravan and it's inhabitant. Many of the observations in the book ring true after having seen the country. Really enjoyed it.
I was looking for literature about NZ before travelling there and came across this sweet little gem. A mix of anthropology, biology and history all delivered in a very cute and funny story told by a caravan and it's inhabitant. Many of the observations in the book ring true after having seen the country. Really enjoyed it.
November 8, 2022
I read this book as part of my preparations to travel to New Zealand sometime in the new year. It was the best introductions to New Zealand, so far. The story is mostly told by a caravan -- a rather unusual voice to use. Tindale did it affectively. I felt that I learned much about life in the wop wops, and Māori culture and history -- at least history since the arrival of Europeans. Reading this book has increased my anticipation of traveling to New Zealand.
February 4, 2020
I loved this book. I thought it was creative, thoughtful, unique and interesting. What a fun way to learn a bit of the history and the characteristics of the Maori/New Zealand culture along with the landscape that is so appealing to world travelers. I am headed to New Zealand on a hiking, biking, kayaking trip and this was a wonderful first read about New Zealand.
June 1, 2018
Books about travel are amongst my favourite and I have read a lot over the years. Squashed Possums however, really stands out from the crowd. Not just because part of the tale is told from the point of view of a caravan. (different) Not just because the author provides a delightful and well-thought out combination of personal insight, history and culture of New Zealand, but because this is a wonderfully quiet book.
As both human and home talk about their respective experiences of living day to day in the middle of nowhere, one aspect comes through very strongly. The silence and isolation of living (and at times) surviving far away from other people.
The narration captures the essence of this quietness in a way I found quite compelling. It came as no surprise that this book is an award finalist.
Do I have any gripes? Just one, I thought it ended far too soon with some tales left incomplete. I definitely wanted more.
As both human and home talk about their respective experiences of living day to day in the middle of nowhere, one aspect comes through very strongly. The silence and isolation of living (and at times) surviving far away from other people.
The narration captures the essence of this quietness in a way I found quite compelling. It came as no surprise that this book is an award finalist.
Do I have any gripes? Just one, I thought it ended far too soon with some tales left incomplete. I definitely wanted more.
September 16, 2021
Una perspectiva diferente para un libro de viajes. Aunque de un modo distinto, el autor logra transportarte a las salvajes escenas de los wop-wops en Nueva Zelanda y que experimentes con él tanto los momentos felices como los duros. Transmite en primera persona lo que significa vivir en soledad, compartiendo contigo la filosofía que entraña ese estilo de vida.
Me ha encantado que el libro no solo se centre en las vivencias del protagonista, sino que también divulgue la cultura y cotidianidad de los ciudadanos de Nueva Zelanda, detalles sobre la naturaleza autóctona y la historia del país. He aprendido mucho con este libro y me ha servido para conocer un poco mejor un lugar que nos queda tan lejos.
Muy curiosos también los relatos cortos del final del libro donde el autor narra algunas anécdotas vividas durante sus viajes en Oriente y Oriente Medio.
Me ha encantado que el libro no solo se centre en las vivencias del protagonista, sino que también divulgue la cultura y cotidianidad de los ciudadanos de Nueva Zelanda, detalles sobre la naturaleza autóctona y la historia del país. He aprendido mucho con este libro y me ha servido para conocer un poco mejor un lugar que nos queda tan lejos.
Muy curiosos también los relatos cortos del final del libro donde el autor narra algunas anécdotas vividas durante sus viajes en Oriente y Oriente Medio.
January 11, 2020
When I was looking to create my "New Zealand reading list" I came across this book. A Travelog from the perspective of a caravan? Yes please. Equally balanced between the caravan and diary entries, it did not disappoint. Since it's about life as a lone caravan in the middle of the New Zealand bush, I wasn't sure how much relevance it would have to my upcoming tip - but the conceit allowed for an interesting narrative and painted a colorful tapestry spiced up with just the right level of humor. I feel I have a better understanding of the history, landscape and culture of New Zealand. Which means that Jonathan Tindale has done his job, and a good one too.
February 17, 2020
Grabbed this book in anticipation of my hugely anticipated trip to New Zealand finally! Saved it to read there, as always love reading books about where I'm at when I'm there. This was a cleverly written book as that written by a caravan which has held many folks in the countryside of New Zealand. It particularly cues in on a man who spent four seasons in it, coming straight in from London, to live a different life. I enjoyed the humor; truth, insights and overall idea of the book. The theme that often less is is more definitely shines through in this book. I found it charming and a good read....although the actual trip was even more spectacular!!
January 31, 2019
I read this quirky travel narrative on a flight to New Zealand. I found it a painless way to familiarize myself of the Kiwi culture, emphasizing those aspects a fellow outsider felt relevant (Mauri history, chocolate fish, interesting native and invasive fauna and flora, and a bit of history).
Distractions were the travel trailer complaining about how the weather affects it and the authorl's kiss and tell love life (why do British Male authors feel the need to boast about their conquests in travel books?).
Distractions were the travel trailer complaining about how the weather affects it and the authorl's kiss and tell love life (why do British Male authors feel the need to boast about their conquests in travel books?).
December 15, 2019
Hilarious book to read before a travel in New Zealand. Easy Read.
The plot is very simple, maybe not the most exciting, but what I enjoyed the most is the fact that the plot is narrated from the point of view of an old caravan which tell a lot about the story of New Zealand.
I bought the audiobook version of this book on audible, so I have been listening to it. The actors reading the book have a fantastic New Zealand accent which made be smile all the time.
The plot is very simple, maybe not the most exciting, but what I enjoyed the most is the fact that the plot is narrated from the point of view of an old caravan which tell a lot about the story of New Zealand.
I bought the audiobook version of this book on audible, so I have been listening to it. The actors reading the book have a fantastic New Zealand accent which made be smile all the time.
July 17, 2022
Excellent description of what is what like living in an old rundown caravan (we would call it a camper van) in the back country of New Zealand in some very primitive conditions. What made this book so different and entertaining was the fact that the caravan itself told the story. This alternated with diary entries from the other main character, a young man named Jon. A quick and very entertaining book.
May 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. An interesting sense of place and viewpoint, some great stories, especially midway 'On the Road." I also learned some surprising things about New Zealand that perhaps conflicted with the ideas I had about the place myself (having never been). Humorous too in places. Great travel writing.
November 18, 2018
A really fun, self-published account of the author's 7 months living in the boonies of New Zealand, narrated by the caravan he lives in (I promise this narrative decision actually works really well) and interspersed with his own personal diary entries. As enjoyable as this book was, it ended far too abruptly for my liking, and I wish some sections could have been expanded upon.
December 3, 2019
A random book I picked up in a hostel whilst backpacking through New Zealand and loved it. Having the caravan as the narrator was so unusual, but worked perfectly. Was brilliant to read about places I was soon heading. Learnt a lot about the history and country without the boring factual layout of a guide book.
February 24, 2020
Quite entertaining
This story,of a British man who lives in the new zealand outback in a caravan is narrated alternatively by him and by the caravan itself. A unique literary device to be sure. The caravan is the purveyor of new zealand history and culture, which is quite interesting and the British man lends a bit of local flavor by interacting with people.
This story,of a British man who lives in the new zealand outback in a caravan is narrated alternatively by him and by the caravan itself. A unique literary device to be sure. The caravan is the purveyor of new zealand history and culture, which is quite interesting and the British man lends a bit of local flavor by interacting with people.
March 16, 2020
This book is an interesting story taking place in the WopWop of New Zealand. Jon, who is from Britain, lives in a caravan in the forest for a prescribed time. The story is told from the perspective of the caravan while Jon’s diary tells of his experiences. The grand adventure is in essence a travelogue and fun read.
October 20, 2019
Definitely the first book I've ever read from the perspective of a caravan! I found it quite hard going at times as the writing meandered around different topics, but some interesting insights into New Zealand and a bit different from the books I usually read!
February 24, 2018
Delightfully different !
November 27, 2018
Great read👍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews