‘There is so much in this book, that it is impossible to summarise the breadth and scope of it.  Beryl Fletcher writes with humour and warmth, with toughness and psychological insight, and has produced an important work of social and family history, entirely engrossing and heartfelt.’

‘This memoir is patient with the past, how many writers have equanimity to dwell on a previous generation’s troubles as Fletcher does here? It’s a tough and profoundly moving recollection of 20th-century survival as an antipodean woman and artist.  Not a manifesto exactly but so illuminating and true as to have the same effect.’

‘Beryl Fletcher demonstrates a large talent for metaphor, theme, character and descriptions which border on the lyrical…’ 

‘Fletcher is quickly establishing herself as one of the boldest and most inventive talents in contemporary New Zealand fiction.’