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The Story of a New Zealand River
Alice Roland, together with her children, boxes, mattresses and piano, is punted up river to the 'appalling isolation' of their new home, 'a small house against a splendid wall of bush' in the kauri forest at Pukekaroro. She is joining her husband there, a reunion that is far from warm, but this remote place is to mark Alice's long and steady growth towards shared love, a new awareness of life and a sense of personal liberation.First published in New York in 1920, this is the first New Zealand novel to confront convincingly many of the twentieth century's major political, religious, moral and social issues - most significantly women's rights. Daring for its time in its exploration of sexual, emotional and intellectual freedom, the New Zealand Herald found the ending 'too early for good public morality'. It is the most celebrated of Jane Mander's six novels, and is believed by many to be the inspiration of Jane Campion's film The Piano.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1920
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300 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 3, 2019
I had not heard of this New Zealand classic until it was set as the February read for our online book group. Although written in 1920 and set at the turn of the 20th century, it had a modern feel to the writing. As I was reading the early chapters, when Alice and her children arrived in a remote spot in New Zealand’s north island where her husband was establishing a timber mill, I was reminded of the movie, The Piano. I did find later that many believe this novel was the inspiration for the Jane Campion film, even though the stories diverge markedly.
The character analysis of Alice, from the time she arrives unwillingly at her new home until the end of the novel, is masterful. A cultured Englishwoman, it seems unlikely that she should have married her exuberant, entrepreneurial colonial husband, Tom, although the reasons are gradually revealed. Her friendships with the elderly Mrs Brayton and particularly her husband’s offsider, David Bruce become the cornerstones of her survival.
The book is largely an analysis, through narrative and character, of the pernicious effects of Puritan morality. David constantly challenges Alice’s Victorian attitudes as does her feisty daughter, Asia who emerges as wonderfully lively and unconventional. It is also a pioneer story of the New Zealand bush, where the reader feels the beauty as well as the isolation of the river, forests and mountains.
I could make a few minor criticisms but that would be churlish. I found the historical background interesting, the setting beautifully rendered and the characters for the most part convincing and well developed. Overall, I was absorbed in the book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The character analysis of Alice, from the time she arrives unwillingly at her new home until the end of the novel, is masterful. A cultured Englishwoman, it seems unlikely that she should have married her exuberant, entrepreneurial colonial husband, Tom, although the reasons are gradually revealed. Her friendships with the elderly Mrs Brayton and particularly her husband’s offsider, David Bruce become the cornerstones of her survival.
The book is largely an analysis, through narrative and character, of the pernicious effects of Puritan morality. David constantly challenges Alice’s Victorian attitudes as does her feisty daughter, Asia who emerges as wonderfully lively and unconventional. It is also a pioneer story of the New Zealand bush, where the reader feels the beauty as well as the isolation of the river, forests and mountains.
I could make a few minor criticisms but that would be churlish. I found the historical background interesting, the setting beautifully rendered and the characters for the most part convincing and well developed. Overall, I was absorbed in the book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 27, 2020
I’m surprised that this author has not had the prominence amongst well-loved and acclaimed NZ authors that I think she deserves. I only discovered this book after hearing a very positive radio review about it and was intrigued, given I had never even heard of this author. For me, Mander’s writing style is as beautiful as Katherine Mansfield’s. The story itself moved at just the right pace with a few unexpected turns along the way. What I thought was going to be an exercise in self-discipline turned out to be an effortless read and an insightful portrayal of the moral and physical rigours of life in colonial NZ.
January 31, 2026
I found this book to be both enjoyable and fascinating. It was published in 1920, but a lot of the themes still felt relevant.
December 11, 2024
Soo good!! It must have been so painful for Alice to realise all her beliefs were demonstrably false and the she essentially ruined her life because of them, even acknowledging that takes incredible strength I think. The ending was terrifying because Jane Mander could have easily torn everything down right up to the last page and it was so hard won that I think it would have ruined the book if she did (and a lesser writer would have). I read this while on a trip in a glacier valley surrounded by New Zealand streams and rivers and it was perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2017
I wanted to read a book from a local author and Jane Mander is as local as you can get (to me that is... she lived in the same city as I do). I really enjoyed this read, but why people seem to connect this book as the inspiration for the NZ movie "The Piano," I'm not so sure. They are similar stories, sure - but very different too.
Another beauty about this book is that it's based around an area I used to live so I recognise some of the places, although they are now quite different... things change after a century.
I really enjoyed learning the history of the area and the Kauri Tree harvesting and the Gum digging that went on in the day.
This story is full of unspoken yearnings from more than one character, but is more focused on Alice, the mother of Asia. They have been brought out to this remote area by her new husband (Alice's husband, Asia is only a girl at the start... but she ages too). It speaks of the hardships she had to endure, both real and imagined and how a community spirit is so strong that she was able to survive through the many trials, until she and finally blossoms. Alice is very much a frigid person encompassed by her religious upbringing and... the secrets she hides for so many years.
Highly recommended NZ historical novel.
Another beauty about this book is that it's based around an area I used to live so I recognise some of the places, although they are now quite different... things change after a century.
I really enjoyed learning the history of the area and the Kauri Tree harvesting and the Gum digging that went on in the day.
This story is full of unspoken yearnings from more than one character, but is more focused on Alice, the mother of Asia. They have been brought out to this remote area by her new husband (Alice's husband, Asia is only a girl at the start... but she ages too). It speaks of the hardships she had to endure, both real and imagined and how a community spirit is so strong that she was able to survive through the many trials, until she and finally blossoms. Alice is very much a frigid person encompassed by her religious upbringing and... the secrets she hides for so many years.
Highly recommended NZ historical novel.
July 19, 2020
There's a place in my heart for early 20th Century stories of women breaking out of the chauvinist norms of the time and becoming themselves. Even if they don't break out entirely, and it simply tells the story from their perspective. This is a good one, if overlong, and has the added bonus of describing a New Zealand landscape and society most of us have only conceptual echoes of a hundred years later. Because Roland's chopping down those native trees for obscene profit, and the road to Auckland hasn't been built yet, but it will. The Māori are nowhere in this, of course. But at least we get the women's side.
March 14, 2018
One of the only times in literature where I've found that the male love interest is not out for personal gain of the female protagonist. One of the most stellar books I've read in a long time! The dynamic between mother and daughter take this story to a personal level for me and many of us who were raised entirely, or primarily, by our mothers. I've never seen character progression like this.
June 4, 2008
I really enjoyed this book for its history and even though it is a little bit of a romance it is enticing and toatlly enjoyable. I am proud to own this book.
January 1, 2010
I loved this book by a NZ writer who writes in a setting in NZ's far north during the early settlement of the country.
August 13, 2013
Weeeeeell, that was sad. And not so sad. And sad again. And stuff.
The writing is beautiful, though, so that's enough for me.
The writing is beautiful, though, so that's enough for me.
November 1, 2018
Some books are so well written that though you really have issues with the lead characters and the story itself that you can’t help but admiring the prose and the book. This book left me wondering whether I actually liked the book, story or the writing or only parts of it.
Alice annoys me, she really really annoys me. Despite my (basic) understanding of her social, moral and religious indoctrinations and pressures, she is just, to me, a woman that needs to have kick up the behind. She does not seem to have much spine and is most overwhelmed by something called life itself. Always tired, lying about crying “I can’t do this that that and the other” Looking at others for rescue and being taken care of she, for me, epitomises the gentrified victimhood. So yes she has a change of heart, Yes she seems to have the occasional spine and yes she grows to an extend, but not enough to make me warm to her. Thankfully her knight in shining armour is of the 'I'll point you in the right direction but you have to do it yourself' type and that means that a happy ending takes a whole book of tiredness and neediness to get there
I really like the way the story is set in an area that I know well. It is set in a time when there were a lot of changes and where my beloved NZ was moving economically and socially at fast pace. Not quite as idyllic as in the book but hey it is a book it is a story and it is only a glimpse and on micro scale what may have happened. A note describing Auckland as that village in a time about 100 years ago makes me realise how fast the city (and the whole country) has grown in a short time. The story therefore serves well as a backdrop for more investigations into the history of NZ and the major upheaval of the early 20th century there.
I can totally see how the book was an inspiration to the Piano, though the stories diverge and the ending is nothing like the Piano at all. There are major differences, but as an inspiration it suits.
What makes me really like the book is the beautiful prose. The writing style is really top notch quality and draws you in. Let’s not forget that it takes real skill to write about a lead character that makes you get under you skin to get to the point of really dislike of the person vs the lead character in a story. Let’s note again I really liked the story I really disliked Alice. That is quite and achievement for a book!
As a result I end up giving the book 4 stars as I don’t ever want to re-read it and the enjoyment and wish to share is just not there. But it is a good book where the 4 should be read as a 4.5.
Alice annoys me, she really really annoys me. Despite my (basic) understanding of her social, moral and religious indoctrinations and pressures, she is just, to me, a woman that needs to have kick up the behind. She does not seem to have much spine and is most overwhelmed by something called life itself. Always tired, lying about crying “I can’t do this that that and the other” Looking at others for rescue and being taken care of she, for me, epitomises the gentrified victimhood. So yes she has a change of heart, Yes she seems to have the occasional spine and yes she grows to an extend, but not enough to make me warm to her. Thankfully her knight in shining armour is of the 'I'll point you in the right direction but you have to do it yourself' type and that means that a happy ending takes a whole book of tiredness and neediness to get there
I really like the way the story is set in an area that I know well. It is set in a time when there were a lot of changes and where my beloved NZ was moving economically and socially at fast pace. Not quite as idyllic as in the book but hey it is a book it is a story and it is only a glimpse and on micro scale what may have happened. A note describing Auckland as that village in a time about 100 years ago makes me realise how fast the city (and the whole country) has grown in a short time. The story therefore serves well as a backdrop for more investigations into the history of NZ and the major upheaval of the early 20th century there.
I can totally see how the book was an inspiration to the Piano, though the stories diverge and the ending is nothing like the Piano at all. There are major differences, but as an inspiration it suits.
What makes me really like the book is the beautiful prose. The writing style is really top notch quality and draws you in. Let’s not forget that it takes real skill to write about a lead character that makes you get under you skin to get to the point of really dislike of the person vs the lead character in a story. Let’s note again I really liked the story I really disliked Alice. That is quite and achievement for a book!
As a result I end up giving the book 4 stars as I don’t ever want to re-read it and the enjoyment and wish to share is just not there. But it is a good book where the 4 should be read as a 4.5.
February 15, 2023
My knowledge of this book first came from watching the piano. I enjoyed the movie a lot and then finding out it may have been inspired by this book I had to read it.
They share a similar premise, but they both provide a worthwhile, standalone story from each other.
The book focuses primarily on Alice with supporting characters from her daughter, Asia, and her husband’s foreman, David Bruce.
Alice is a depressing character with ideals and behaviors that annoyed me and kind of made me not like her for awhile. Understanding her, I felt more forgiving toward her. As the book progresses, so does Alice, to the point I was amazed (and very happy) for her change in character.
In the book, we see Asia grow up. From when Asia was a child asking questions that started turning the wheels of doubt in Alice to when Asia is a young adult with progressive ideals, Asia has been one of the forces that aids in Alice’s growth as a character. I don’t think Alice would have changed as much as she had if Asia was not apart of the story.
David Bruce I felt annoyed with at first. I felt the way he and Alice first began their friendship that he was a know-it-all, which does work for the groundwork of Alice’s growth. Once that groundwork was set, I looked forward to their interactions. I felt they had a beautiful bond and devotion that was elegantly written.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I did feel there were some lulls that seemed to drag on, but when it was going, it was G O I N G. The prose is beautiful and pensive; a detached survey of life, human emotions, and societal changes.
I give this book a 4.5/5
They share a similar premise, but they both provide a worthwhile, standalone story from each other.
The book focuses primarily on Alice with supporting characters from her daughter, Asia, and her husband’s foreman, David Bruce.
Alice is a depressing character with ideals and behaviors that annoyed me and kind of made me not like her for awhile. Understanding her, I felt more forgiving toward her. As the book progresses, so does Alice, to the point I was amazed (and very happy) for her change in character.
In the book, we see Asia grow up. From when Asia was a child asking questions that started turning the wheels of doubt in Alice to when Asia is a young adult with progressive ideals, Asia has been one of the forces that aids in Alice’s growth as a character. I don’t think Alice would have changed as much as she had if Asia was not apart of the story.
David Bruce I felt annoyed with at first. I felt the way he and Alice first began their friendship that he was a know-it-all, which does work for the groundwork of Alice’s growth. Once that groundwork was set, I looked forward to their interactions. I felt they had a beautiful bond and devotion that was elegantly written.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I did feel there were some lulls that seemed to drag on, but when it was going, it was G O I N G. The prose is beautiful and pensive; a detached survey of life, human emotions, and societal changes.
I give this book a 4.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
Where to begin? As a reading adventure, this book was great. I love the way it presented the "pioneer" period in New Zealand, and was actually written in 1920. Alice, the main protagonist is sometimes extremely annoying, but that is because she is so real! She seems to represent the women of the era who swooned a lot and were completely manipulated by their environment and all the stronger people surrounding her. She is treated patronizingly by the stronger women around her, and Dr. David Bruce. She stiffens up a little at the end, but Dr. Bruce will still be her puppeteer i fear.
Her daughter, Asia, is a feminist's delight. I'm a little surprised that Mander could even conjure her up in 1920, let alone make her a shining co-star in this book.
This book won't get out of my head. It is beautifully written and I won't forget it soon!
Her daughter, Asia, is a feminist's delight. I'm a little surprised that Mander could even conjure her up in 1920, let alone make her a shining co-star in this book.
This book won't get out of my head. It is beautifully written and I won't forget it soon!
September 1, 2022
This is almost like a coming of age story. An English woman (Alice) brought up with Puritanical ideals, arrives in New Zealand with three children, marries a kauri logger just starting his business. We see how she adjusts to colonial life through the help of her neighbours, and struggles to let go of those ideals. Not usually my cup of tea but a unique insight to what it might have been like in early colonial New Zealand.
October 30, 2024
Ho iniziato questo libro per un lavoro all’università ed è finito per essere il romanzo fulcro della mia tesi. Onestamente penso che se l’avessi letto in un altro momento e non fosse stato collegato ad un lavoro di tesi lo avrei apprezzato molto di più.
Fatto sta che è un romanzo molto coinvolgente e per l’anno in cui è stato pubblicato molto avanti con i tempi.
Merita davvero tanto, al pari di tanti altri romanzi classici più conosciuti
Fatto sta che è un romanzo molto coinvolgente e per l’anno in cui è stato pubblicato molto avanti con i tempi.
Merita davvero tanto, al pari di tanti altri romanzi classici più conosciuti
May 7, 2018
Just okay. I was not fond of Alice despite her evolution in character, and the other characters seemed flat by comparison. The story was fairly predictable; the only scene that surprised me was Tom's "discovery" of Alice and her lover. Finally, I did not like the narration by Gail Timmerman Vaughan: her intonation was too flat.
December 30, 2025
So gripping.. once I got into it I couldn’t stop reading it. I’m not exactly sure what captivated me - perhaps it was the old fashionedness of it all and the glimpse into the lives of early 1900s colonial New Zealand, and how daring it was for its time questioning the laws and etiquettes for women in this time.
March 9, 2020
A look at the morals of a Puritan woman married to a New Zealand business man in the early 1900's above Auckland. When Kauri gum and trees were both much sort after.
Hiding her love for another man, not her husband, and what happens through out their lives.
Hiding her love for another man, not her husband, and what happens through out their lives.
April 8, 2021
This was my second read. I first read this book about 10 years ago when I studied abroad in NZ. I took a NZ literature course and this book has so many great nuggets of wisdom in it about life and growth. Will need to read it again some day.
May 28, 2024
An anti-puritan novel written in 1920, this has stood up rather well, and is perfectly readable today. While it supposedly inspired "The Piano", its really only the initial setup they have in common, and this book goes in a rather different (and more tragic) direction.
August 5, 2017
some parts better than others but overall it was a good book with really good characters
April 2, 2024
enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I liked how complex the relationships and dynamics were
May 24, 2025
A wonderful New Zealand novel published over 100 years ago but so modern it reads well today. Its a classic.
September 8, 2010
Je ne sais pas si c'est la traduction, mais j'ai trouvé l'écriture curieusement hachée, les mots venus de n'importe où, comme si plusieurs périodes y étaient passées à la moulinette.
Le personnage d'Alice, la mère, personnage central du roman, est assez exaspérant.
C'est une belle histoire mais un bouquin bizarre !
Ca m'a donné envie de voir "La leçon de piano", qui est le film que Jane Campion a tiré de ce roman.
Le personnage d'Alice, la mère, personnage central du roman, est assez exaspérant.
C'est une belle histoire mais un bouquin bizarre !
Ca m'a donné envie de voir "La leçon de piano", qui est le film que Jane Campion a tiré de ce roman.
February 5, 2016
A wonderful tale of early post settlement life in New Zealand. Such rich language and detailed portrayals of the main characters. A real insight into the harshness of life experienced by these colonial adventurers.
David Bruce is a little too good to be true - perhaps the invention of a female mind?
David Bruce is a little too good to be true - perhaps the invention of a female mind?
Read
April 17, 2012some beautiful passages about NZ's natural habitat and a good insight into the kauri history in NZ but a difficult read - long, a bit depressing esp the main character Alice.
August 17, 2012
I have read this book twice absolutely brilliant!
Read
February 6, 2019Can't rate as I have given up just under halfway through. While Mander does have great writing schools I just find the book too dated and unable to maintain my interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews