The March of the Foxgloves

by Karyn Hay

A late 19th century tale of triumph over obsession and humiliation. From award-winning writer, Karyn Hay, The March of the Foxgloves promises to be essential summer reading. LONDON, 1893, and Frances Woodward is tormented by the restrictions of her puritanical father and the cruelties of 19th century narcissist, Benedict Hunt. Having meted out a particularly creative form of revenge upon Hunt, Frances transcends the social norms of the late-Victorian era and travels alone to the far-flung colony of New Zealand, where she is forced to look beyond the establishment life seemingly pre-ordained for her. Falling in with other artists and non-conformists, and inspired by the revolution in thinking brought about by heroic literary figures and social reformers of the time, Frances forges a new path of her own making. Karyn Hay is an iconic New Zealand media personality, and award-winning author. Her first book Emerald Budgies, described as 'a darkly comic tale of disintegration and revenge...Prozac Nation meets Crash!', won the NZSA Hubert Church Best First Book Award in the Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Karyn is also a Frank Sargeson Fellow. She lives in West Auckland

341 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2016

Reviews

[Laura Beam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I thought that this book started out well, the story never really went anywhere. The author made some odd choices around changing point of view and though the majority of the book was written in the perspective of the main character, there would randomly be chapters where other character's voices were primary. Some of these characters only narrated once and it didn't seem to bring much to the book (for example the character of Wolf).

This isn't to say that the book was all bad. The writing was very beautiful in parts and it certainly evoked the time and setting well. You did feel as if you were in passage to New Zealand from London and the main character was enjoyable.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters and settings of this book really made it for me, particularly Tauranga in the 1890s. The Bleakley family interactions and preparations for the ball were a highlight, and oddly reminded me both of happy family stories that I read as a child (e.g. What Katy did) as well as middle class domestic frustration novels (e.g. Margaret Atwood and Barbara Trapido) that I like now.

Frances' photography is a big part of the plot, and also adds interest to the drawing of the late 19th century as technologically advanced. The plot is interesting enough but I thought it was fairly slight and wraps up quickly. Though I would like to hear more about Frances' later life in the Coromandel.

[Oliver Mudford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second Karen Hay book I've read and reviewed. So different from Emerald Budgies. Set in 1890's New Zealand, it rings true. Obviously plenty of historical research by the author. If this was how women were treated and expected to behave then (except for heroines - Frances and Dolly) I'm glad I wasn't one. Then again, I'm not now, so what would I know? Good story, well-detailed so slowish. However well worth the sedate read.

[Cristina Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

One has to admire the Feminist in this century with out support, this another story of someone kicking convention and attitudes, to the coromandel she goes, and also to have a business and career aspirations that brings across the seas.
These brave women who quite silently paved the way for women.

The title is magic.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insight into 18th century New Zealand and the adventures of a single female photographer.

[Kate Caldwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book very dull with long dragging descriptions of nothing much at all, a boring plot and uninteresting characters . I plodded through to the end waiting for a spark that never came .

[Chris Meehan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A different perspective within New Zealand history, from a female POV and a photographer at that.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, it grew on me.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and well-written read - socially unacceptable behaviour in London and Tauranga in the 1890s!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic second novel (I must now read her first - 'Emerald Budgies') from former Radio With Pictures front-person and Mockers wife Karyn Hay. Great story, flitting between London 1892/3 and Auckland and Tauranga, NZ, February 1893 and on....

The back-story (the London bit) is fed to the reader in dribs and drabs, as recollections from Frances Woodward, our heroine (definitely a heroine!) while she makes her way to Tauranga to stay with family friends for six months, after disgracing herself (actually disgracing her parents) in London. The detail is superb, an immense amount of research must have gone into this.

I only wish I owned the Limited Edition hardcover edition...you can buy it here... http://www.esomhousepress.co.nz/produ...

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book by an iconic Kiwi (if you are old enough. of course) which is well worth reading.

[Kerry Annett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have given this book 4 and a half stars if I could but between 4 and 5 the NZ setting and author tips it into a 5. I liked the colonial setting and the strong female main character. I assume Karen Hay did her research and that the description of colonial life isn't too far fetched.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An atmospheric read.