Remember Me
by Derek Hansen
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Description
A twelve-year-old boy writes an essay as part of his homework, and inadvertently uncovers a secret from World War II. The secret unleashes a chain of events which rips a formerly close community apart, turning neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend. It is Auckland, 1956. New Zealand has been spared the destruction which ravaged Europe and Asia but beneath the surface bitter memories and old enmities run deep. The war is over but, as the boy discovers, it is far from done with. show more Remember Me is a story of struggle and redemption, in which a New Zealand schoolboy and a former U-boat commander form an unlikely alliance. It is also a reminder of what can happen in a close, cosy community when the world comes knocking on your door. show lessTags
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KimarieBee Both intriguing stories told from the point of view of a young boy
Member Reviews
Set in the Auckland suburbs of Grey Lynn and Ponsonby in 1956, a 12-year-old boy becomes privy to a World War II secret. A prolific and talented essay writer, he writes (and embellishes) the story of an encounter with a U-Boat off the coast of New Zealand, a secret that has driven a man consumed with guilt, to drink. The essay sets off a chain of events that see the German U-Boat captain arrive in New Zealand and the community, still suffering the after effects of the war, torn apart. Author Derek Hansen was born in England, raised in 1950s New Zealand and now lives in Australia. His childhood memories in Auckland have been drawn on extensively, which lends the novel authenticity that could otherwise be lacking. As well as a social show more history, the story explores the post-war era in both Germany and New Zealand and the adventuresome spirit of the post-war generation. A great yarn! show less
A great read. Set in Auckland in the 1950's, the book is peppered with reminiscence about places I know and times I remember, though more vaguely than the author. A book about strength of character and the all-to-close memories of WWII.
After reading the 'Lunch' series I wasn't dissapointed. Hansen's unique approach makes great reading.
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Australia, New Zealand and Oceania
84 works; 18 members
Main Character is aged 10-19
351 works; 6 members
Author Information
16 Works 531 Members
Common Knowledge
- First words
- Sometimes the best intentions can bring you undone. To this day I'm convinced that I did nothing wrong, yet I still managed to bring the world tumbling down around my head and the heads of those nearest and dearest to me.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Could there have been a more fitting postscript to Mack's story?
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 48
- Popularity
- 564,022
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (4.04)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 1
