Evoking spirit of the bush

Press, 8 February 1986, Page 20

Evoking spirit of the bush

The Toll of the Bush. By William Satchel!. Edited and introduced by Kendrick Smithyman. Auckland University Press, 1985. 285 pp. $l5 (paperback). The most interesting thing about this probably deservedly neglected Satchell novel is its similarity to Thomas Hardy in its evocation of the spirit of the landscape, here the New Zealand bush. Otherwise “The Toll of the Bush” is like a practice run by a competent story-teller not overwhelmingly interested in Geoffrey and Eve, the major characters in his story. Much more interesting at times are his minor characters, though here, too, each seems to have moments where he or she interests the author, but — except in a handful of cases — sporadically, or once only. Satchell could and did write fine prose, evocative and haunting. He could also descend to the turgid — and at times be very amusing. Over all, “The Toll of the Bush” is hardly vintage writing, although about a fascinating period in New Zealand’s social history. For what it contributes in that respect, and its description of the Hokianga, real and imaginary, of

Satchell’s day, it deserves to be preserved* However the portentous notes and introduction tend to mythologise this novel beyond its deserts as a mildly diverting piece of reading from the author of “The Greenstone Door.” — Agnes-Mary Brooke.

Greenstone Land: Riversong. By Yvonne Kalman. Macdonald, 1985. 362 pp. $24.95. Described as the third volume in a saga of nineteenth-century New Zealand, “Riversong” doesn’t quite make it. Although an enormous amount of work has obviously gone into acquiring verisimilitude for this story, with its Victorian time-scene of Auckland, it has more the flavour of an historical romance than a saga. Minutely detailed description of the seduction of the heroine approaches the salacious, and this volume would appeal more to readers of women’s escapist fiction. The author has obviously an interest in fashion and clothes, and her account of Dorrie’s work as a society milliner comes alive where elsewhere sparkle is lacking.— Agnes-Mary Brooke.