Grandzilla

by ALNZ17

"Grandzilla is funny and hopeful: feminism and social activism wrapped up in a mystery and a family drama that spans several generations of fierce women. Itand I keep recognising the kind of people I have in my life." Michele A'Court, NZ comedian, feminist marvel and author of 'How We Met' and 'Stuff I Forgot to Tell My Daughter'

NOT EVERY GRANDMA IS A SWEET LITTLE OLD LADY...
Tillie and Tessa: the real estate mogul and the burgeoning activist; the embittered widow and the girl grieving her grandpa; one apparently friendless, the other falling in love. The one thing they do agree on? They really, really don’t like each other.
But little does Tessa know that her capitalist monster grandmother has a radical past – and it’s literally about to show up on her doorstep.
In a summer of love and politics, clashes are certain…
Moving between Cold War West Berlin in the turbulent 1960s and the contemporary American west, this is a warm-hearted tale about growing up, growing old, and getting woke.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2018

Reviews

[Marcus Hobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lisa Williams’ book pulls off a clever mix of past and present, linking the riots and civil unrest in Germany in the 1960s with the present-day racial disharmony in the USA. Her portrayal of life in Berlin in the 1960s, when young people rose up against an older generation which they saw as unchanged from the war years, was made authentic by using letters back to the USA. Breaks in time helped to highlight the sense of uncertainty and fear. Contrast this with a modern-day USA where a police force turns on those of colour and unleashes unreasonable violence. In both cases the state that controls the police seem oblivious to the real crimes being committed.
The story of young and old become enmeshed in past and present struggles. I was nearly put off by the first section of the book and the teenage angst against parents, grandparents and the restrictions they try to impose. Once the story opened out and became more global and wide reaching, it was far more successful.

[Mandy Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

[Margie Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, page-turning read filled with lively, smart language and complex, beautifully created characters. This is a book for our times, the story revolving around crucial issues of tolerance/intolerance; of what to do in a world that's full of injustice; and, in a theme the author returns to again and again, the tragic and horrifying legacy of racism in the United States. Williams is never at all preachy about these things - they are simply the backdrop-beat to her characters' lives and histories; but for me they were what gave the book its significance and meaning. The realities of publishing mean that many fine books are not being accepted by mainstream publishers; Williams' novel is slick, witty and complex and deserves a wide readership.

[Zoe Truell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, a real page turner packed with action, intrigue and drama. Lots of wacky and interesting cross generational characters who develop and reveal themselves along the way. With plenty of twists and turns the plot delivers right to the end. Set both in the interesting turbulent times in Germany's late sixties, and the current fightback against racism and police brutality in the States history repeats itself in more ways than one.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrible, misleading title, but quite a good book which parallels the student protests in 1960s West Germany with the Black Lives Matter protests today. Complicated structure with lots of characters to keep track of, but good ideas threading through, and a powerful climax.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Beautifully written and a joy to read. The mix of humor, regret and friendship in the characters is heartwarming. Best line...."Dawn had love. Even if Tillie didn't want it. It was hers to freely give." Great read to start 2019.