In his introduction to this anthology, Witi Ihimaera describes Auckland, Tamaki makau rau, as the place desired by many. The variety in this absorbing collection of short stories, poetry and extracts from novels and memoirs shows that while Auckland may not always have been desirable, it has certainly fascinated generations of very different writers, who have explored almost every part of this far-flung city. C.K. Stead and Maurice Gee, for example, go west, Tina Shaw and Diane Brown visit the city centre, Paula Morris and Peter Wells haunt the suburbs, while Robert Sullivan and Albert Wendt head south. Witi Ihimaera has skilfully constructed a literary map of the City of Sails: whether you are a tourist or a resident, an enjoyable journey is guaranteed. The Our City series offers a new perspective on New Zealands major cities. Each volume presents a selection of the literature inspired by one of New Zealands four major cities. Chosen with care by a well-known editor from each city, the selections include short stories, poems, and extracts from novels and writers memoirs. Each contributor, whether contemporary or historical, has a strong association with the city concerned, and every selection has something significant to say about the character of the city. Together they create a vivid picture of what makes the city unique.
