The Marlborough Book Festival

Emily Perkins and Sue McCauley in conversation with Jane Forrest Waghorn

What would Briar Howland and Therese Thorne talk about if they shared a table in a Wellington cafe? The protagonists of Sue McCauley and Emily Perkins’ latest books have little in common on the surface, but both are tired of being manipulated and shoehorned into roles. Both are seeking freedom and belonging around genuine people. They are making decisions about how to go forward in their lives and relationships, choosing what to keep and what to let go. Sue and Emily talk with Jane about challenges, choices and consequences facing the two characters and, by extension, many other women of a certain age in contemporary New Zealand.

Emily Perkins in conversation with Nikki Macdonald

Emily talks about her novel Lioness which won the big fiction prize of 2024, The Acorn Fiction Prize at the Ockham NZ Book Awards. Judges described the novel as “an incisive exploration of wealth, power, class, female rage, and the search for authenticity”. The main character, Therese, is in her early 50s and her life is unravelling; her wealthy husband is being investigated for fraud and she is fascinated by a new friend Claire who has cast aside family and societal expectations. Warmth and humour - including a chaotic party scene at a flash Marlborough Sounds holiday home - are used to explore questions we might have hoped feminism would have solved years ago and to examine tensions of class and wealth. Emily talks to Nikki about Therese's coming of (middle) age.

Fletcher McKenzie in conversation with Des Ashton

Fletcher McKenzie is an accomplished author and aviator, known for his engaging books on aviation, including From the Pilot’s Seat. He is a passionate entrepreneur and holds two national flying titles. Fletcher created the global television show FlightpathTV and operates an international aircraft sales and parts supply business. He has served on various aviation trusts and executive committees and has published seven books aimed at pilots, earning him recognition in aviation circles worldwide.

Join Fletcher as he delves into his latest book, From the Pilot’s Seat, featuring enthralling stories from New Zealand pilots. These tales span a range of flying situations, from every day flights to heart-stopping adventures. The book covers various flying eras and aircraft, from World War II to the present day, including accounts from one of the original Dambusters and a pilot who flew Sir Richard Branson's private jet. Stories involve gliders, fighter jets, private aircraft, top-dressing planes, helicopters, and military aircraft, including the iconic F-18 from Top Gun.

Rachael King in conversation with Jane Forrest Waghorn

What magic lies behind the crafting of spellbinding adventure stories with enduring appeal? Rachael’s new book is infused with her love of horses and long-lost words, with ancient Scottish myths, and Te Waipounamu landscapes. Join Rachael as she discusses The Grimmelings and reflects on other children's stories that are still great reads in adulthood. This session has been planned with an adult audience in mind, but young readers are welcome, accompanied by an adult.

Lauren Keenan in conversation with Tania Miller

How can adults help spark children’s interest in Aotearoa New Zealand history? Lauren often gets asked this question and it is a subject close to her heart. Lauren talks to Tania about making history accessible and interesting to young readers and the special nature of writing for the middle reader audience.

The conversation is pitched at an adult festival audience, but the middle reader in your life is also welcome, accompanied by an adult. Lauren's middle reader books are Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time and its sequel Rimu: The Tree of Time.

They follow two siblings who time travel back through their family tree and witness events in New Zealand history, including the invasion of Parihaka, the Great Depression, World War Two, the Musket Wars, and the eruption of Mount Taranaki. The siblings also experience changes in their town and landscape, the attitudes of people, and the way people live their lives.