Specimen

by Madison Hamill

A father rollerblading to church in his ministerial robes, a university student in a leotard sprinting through fog, a trespass notice from Pak’nSave, a beautiful unborn goat in a jar . . .

In scenarios ranging from the mundane to the surreal, Madison Hamill looks back at her younger selves with a sharp eye. Was she good or evil? Ignorant or enlightened? What parts of herself did she give up in order to forge ahead in school, church, work, and relationships, with a self that made sense to others?

With wit and intelligence, these shape-shifting essays probe the ways in which a person’s inner and outer worlds intersect and submit to one another. It is a brilliantly discomfiting, vivid and funny collection in which peace is found in the weirdest moments.

‘I never felt that I was looking at fine writing – only at astonishing writing.’ —Elizabeth Knox.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Contemporary

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Gabby.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal. I would give it 6 stars if I could. The author had me absolutely captivated within the first page of this collection of personal essays.

I loved the honesty, clarity and way the author takes us with her - imaginative, insightful, and meticulous descriptions. It was like reading a painting of memories. Idk. Gosh. I feel silly for writing a review because the writing was so good, anything I put down here simply doesn’t do it justice. Read this book.

It’s not often you get a book that you can’t stop reading, but also don’t want to finish.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A personal journey is a bitch because it takes you by surprise. You never know when you're beginning it and then suddenly you're writing a personal essay collection." – Madison Hamill

I'm sure glad Maddy took this personal journey, so that the rest of us could go along for the ride.

Brave, eloquent, and laugh-out-loud funny... plenty of coming-of-age gems in here. My favourite essay was 'Iceland', closely followed by 'I Will Never Hit on You' and 'Ethnography of a Ranfurly Man'.

[Derek Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this collection of biographical essays; for the honesty, unpretentious and frank admissions, for the freshness of insights and the reflective perceptions on life’s small foibles and trip ups that we all experience along life’s journey. All of this summed up so poignantly in ‘ Bloodhounds’ and ‘Adventure Time’ to name two timeless pieces that Hamill so willingly shares with the reader.
So I am asking, what’s next from this vibrant young writer ? Looking forward to further published gems from this promising and gifted author.

[Janaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fricken loved this! The book that got me back into reading. I love reading anything that feels diary like so a big fan.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well written, gorgeous in parts, especially the lyrical, sort of imaginary tone a couple essays take, including the final one. Only four stars because I found the author's focus on psychologizing distressing at times. A disturbing stint sitting in on counselling sessions without, it seems, permission from the clients and with a simplistic and ableist regard for their concerns and excessive and uncritical reference to psychiatric labelling in numerous essays. Beautiful otherwise, though.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An aptly titled collection. It really felt like one was in the privileged view of watching a dissection of some unfortunate specimen tacked out on a wax tray, as layer after layer of detail was revealed. I found it interesting from several perspectives, not least of which were our shared experiences as students in Dunedin. Different eras and characters, but remarkably similar stories could be told. A good reminder that there is worthwhile writing to be had from a fairly ordinary (or is there even such a thing?) life, given skill which this author clearly has in spades.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal essays - not something I would pick up normally but for the recommendation of a friend. It was an excellent read - sometimes resonating on a very personal level. Madison has an excellent eye for observation.

[Zach O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! This book is well written, very witty and interesting. Hard to put down.

[Andy Wisely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing short stories. Very inciteful.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just amazing writing. Such intriguing and nuanced short stories: they felt so honest and intimate. Can't wait to see what Madison writes next.

[JudithCollins · Rating 3 out of 5]

My eyeballs glazed over the blurb....blah, blah, blah ..... “Ooooooo Pak’n Save reference....”. Download. It was a quality reference.

[Shanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love non-fiction and I loved seeing what Hamill did with this, really beautiful writing and can't wait to read what she writes next.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Occasionally a struggle, as self-analysis always is, but on the whole a very impressive collection of quite personal essays from Madison Hamill.

[Pia Sutherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny awesome essays

[Liv Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome pukapuka go Maddy!!!!

[Joseph Trinidad · Rating 5 out of 5]

a surgeon: fierce detachment and dogged finesse.