Intriguing mix of well-written short stories, many of which play around with aspects of New Zealand history. Some are longer than an average short story, e.g. 30-50 pages.
Highlights for me were:
- The title story, with a Pakeha-Maori mysteriously turning up injured in the present day and developing a friendship of sorts with the man who rescues him.
- My Brother's Blood about two brothers separated for years and the clash when they meet again; one is a sealer and the other in a religious order.
- The Snack Machine set in the present and about the relationship between a man and his young step-son.

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Interesting short stories, mostly historical fiction, some in the present day, but very Kiwi and even Kapiti Coast. The use of Maori is earnest but doesn't quite work, but I admire how unafraid is Patchett of ranging widely. ( )