Where We Land
Set in Auckland, this book depicts a dystopian NZ with society, whose militia savagely hunts down and kills any climate refugees that seek to make landfall in New Zealand’s coastal waters.
This is a dysfunctional society with food shortages and paranoia attempting to protect the status quo by attacking those in need.
The thought of NZ destroyers torpedoing boatloads of refugees is a shocking concept that is alien to our experience, but it does raise questions of what the consequences of climate change will mean for NZ, how will the challenges be met and what preparations are in hand already.
This is a very readable, topical book which has suspense, tension and recognisable characters. It was published first as an ebook by Paper Road Press with the title Landfall. There is no definitive conclusion to the story but this could lead to an important discussion within the classroom, not only about climate change and refugees as they will impact New Zealand, but also the refugees worldwide already seeking help.
I believe this would be a great book to read aloud in the classroom; the prose is straightforward and the plot is simple. I would highly recommend this book for ages 14+
Title: Where We Land
Author: Tim Jones
Publisher: The Cuba Press
Date: 2015/2019
Format: Paperback (Small format 17cm x 11cm)
Price: $22
ISBN: 9781988595023
Ages: 14 plus
Reviewer: Anabel McPhee, Librarian, The Catlins Area School, South Otago
How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended
Opening line: The twin torpedoes that ended the long journey of the Jamalpur-2from Bangladesh to the Tasman Sea were scarcely necessary.
You can buy this book here