Time to Remember

Ten years on from the devastation of the major earthquakes in Christchurch this book reminds those of us who were not directly affected, of the lasting trauma and heartbreak that is still a reality for those who were involved.

The story follows the editors of the Canterbury University student magazine who decide to mark the ten-year anniversary of the 2011 quake by publishing students’ accounts of what they remember of that time.

Despite the best of intentions, this involves potential contributors re-living the nightmares they had tried to bury, and revealing experiences and emotions they had never talked of before and which changed their lives in so many different ways. Added to this the students are trying to navigate their way through relationships, the pressures of course-work and, for some, being away from home for the first time.

I hope this book will help and resonate with young adults who were caught up in the devastation as young children and also for their parents, but for those of us who weren’t there, it conveys the distress and loss that is still being felt which can sometimes be forgotten about or minimised in our busy lives.

Title: Time to Remember

Author: Janna Ruth

Publisher: Self-published

ISBN: 9780473544898

RRP: $37.00

Format: Paperback

Publication: 25 February 2021

Ages: 16+

Reviewer: Anabel McPhee, Librarian, The Catlins Area School, South Otago

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended.

Opening sentence: It began with a low rumble in the distance, like an approaching train rattling the tracks, leading straight to the gut.

You can buy this book here