Book’s politics of democracy in NZ
Riley Chance has a passion for writing which has resulted in a series of entertaining novels set in New Zealand’s near future that challenge readers to look at the world around them. Riley talks about his latest novel.
Tell us a little about
First and foremost, it’s a thriller. I want people to enjoy reading The Democracy Game. I’d love them to say — it was a great read, a page-turner with great characters that they couldn’t put down.
Secondly, as the plot unfolds, questions about New Zealand’s democracy surface. These, I hope, cause readers to pause, to consider our democracy and how it operates. As I like to say — democracy is fragile.
What inspired you to write this book? I think New Zealand has a “it couldn’t happen here” attitude. I heard those words in relation to the Trump-inspired January 6 riot at The Capitol and then we saw similar scenes outside our own Parliament. These “couldn’t happen here” events are happening here.
My goal is to entertain but also challenge readers, in this case to shine a spotlight on our democracy. The populist leaders (Trump, Johnson, Bolsonaro) with their ultra-conservatist views backed by wealthy donors have used a range of dubious tactics to alter the political narrative. I think we feel somehow immune to this phenomenon, and we aren’t. I set out to write what it might look like if a well-financed, populist party did emerge in New Zealand. Could our democracy withstand such a challenge?
What research was involved? I read a lot on the concept of populism, the concept that sits at the heart of The Democracy Game. I wanted to understand it conceptually and historically but, most importantly, how it has played out recently in reality. To discover that it could be boiled down to three, relatively simple concepts was fascinating.
The other research I do, which I enjoy, is to visit the locations in my books to ensure authenticity. I use Google’s tool Streetview to reconnoitre each location virtually before physically visiting — looking around and taking photos. If a character is attracted by the de´cor of an inner-city bar, I was perhaps thirsty at the time.
For this novel I had difficulty gaining access to the Michael Fowler Centre. I think they thought my story of being a writer was a smokescreen for dubious activities. In the end, I prowled around the back of the building, taking photos through the windows — I expected the police might turn up but, if they did, I got away in time.
This is your second novel, following Surveillance. How did you come to be writing political thrillers? I used to teach third-year students at university about how citizens can change society. Rather than write journal articles, that are seldom read even by academics, I decided to write popular fiction — the opposite as Bryce Courtenay observed is unpopular fiction. To ask the questions that I think society needs to be asking, I needed to get the attention of “the person in the street”.
As for why the novels have a political focus, while many people say they don’t like politics, most of the issues society is grappling with are, by their nature, political. This is because politics and power go hand-in-hand. Who we elect to rule the country has the power to enact laws (or repeal them) that fundamentally change society. In this regard, the looming election will, I think, present voters with a stark choice.
What do you think readers will most enjoy about your novels? In the classic thriller tradition, the pace of the novel will keep them turning pages and the twists and turns I hope will have them saying, “I didn’t see that coming”. I think readers will find the characters believable and likeable. The central character in the series, Grace Marks, everyone calls her Ace, is divorced with two adult children. Like many Kiwis her age, she is worried about earning enough money so the bank doesn’t take her home.
Readers will also enjoy the “Kiwi” sense of humour in the novel. Key character Marla Simmons, who is American, is often perplexed by the language — “Ratted?”
Fictionalising the heroic actions of a 28th Māori Battalion member on the battlefields of Greece, Crete and beyond would be no easy task.
Kayleen Hazlehurst can’t be faulted for the way she has mastered such a formidable undertaking.
The research that has obviously gone into this, her second novel, is prodigious. It needed to be to paint such an accurate picture of the fearless battalion, in particular her portrayal of A company member Sonny Wirima (Ngāpuhi).
This is a story of the love and loss of war that is skilfully woven as an amalgam of military history, adventure, romance, Māori lore and tikanga.
Wirima is a product of the author’s imagination but his experiences attempting to reconnect with fellow battalion members as armed conflict rages around him, is the reality of what life was like behind World War II’s enemy lines.
In the wake of the battle of Mount Olympus Wirima stays behind to care for his critically injured brother. When he dies the young warrior sets out on foot to reconnect with his comrades.
His parents and fiance receive word he is dead, his brother’s fate is unknown.
The two storylines run parallel. Hazlehurst’s portrayal of the “old” Māori practices is as vividly recounted as Wirima’s journey and those he meets along the way.
Hazlehurst has produced an engrossing saga. Read it and be richly rewarded. — Jill Nicholas
What a cool idea. This little box, which won’t take up much room in your kitchen, is full of cards with not only recipes but handy hints on how to buy, store, cook and accompaniments for more than 100 vegetables.
Just dip in pull out a card and there in front of you is some inspiration for your next meal.
The cards include quick ideas for using the vege. Every kitchen deserves to have its own Little Box of Veg. — Linda Hall