Mr Pip (by Lloyd Jones) film adaptation

The movie Mister Pip will premiere at the International Toronto Film Festival. A celebration for New Zealand literature and Lloyd Jones.

Directed by Andrew Adamson with the main character played by Hugh Laurie and given international acknowledgement; viewing this film has increased in appeal. If you haven't read Mister Pip then please get your copy here at the library.

It is set on the island of Bougainville as civil war breaks out. Foreigners move out and the villagers must face the isolation from the rest of the world as they attempt to survive. Only one white man, an eccentric school teacher named Mr Watts chooses to stay. This is a story about relationships, the effects of war and the power of story. It is the winner of the 2007 Commonwealth Writers Prize and shortlisted for the 2007 Booker Prize. If you need an award-winning book with good themes; give this one a go.

Author visit - Mark Chamberlain

Today Year 7 and 8 students were able to enjoy a visit by Mr Chamberlain, who is an old boy of the school. His novel Eddie's Big Fat Lies is based on FDMC, so that when he and a student read from this book, there was much the boys could relate to. It captured their attention and imagination, and they were keen to hear more.

Audible oohs and awws were expressed as the boys listened to a fight scene between a newbie and a bully at the school. The story had great appeal and will be one that they will readily study in class.
There was applause in appreciation of his time and sharing. Mr Chamberlain also held writer's workshops for students.

I invite students who were part of the author visit to add their comments about what they enjoyed.