The Redemption of Elsdon Bird
NOEL VIRTUE

'. . . the book and it's sturdy subject are each a little marvel. . .'
THE GUARDIAN

'A very talented first novel grips from end to end. ..'
FINANCIAL TIMES

'The most moving and remarkable first novel I have read for years. . .'
DAILY EXPRESS

This exceptional first novel from Wellington-born Noel Virtue, has at its centre a young boy, Elsdon Bird, and it is through his eyes that the strong and gripping narrative unfolds.

Elsdon's mum and dad belong to a Bible-thumping Christian sect, the Brethren, which espouses the dogma of hellfire and damnation and their sanctimoniousness allows no joy in the home. When dad is sacked from his job in Wellington he gets another as a factory manager in the Waikato, with a house thrown in. Here, life might have changed for the better, but this was not to be. Neglected and brutalized at home, and without any friends, Elsdon is driven more and more into himself, and is left confiding in bulls, cows and sheep.

Yet despite the successive disasters that eventually destroy the family, Elsdon remains amazingly resilient and wins through in the end.

Now available in paperback.

CENTURY HUTCHINSON NEW ZEALAND LIMITED
Available From All Bookshops
$16.95