Q&A: Lauren Keenan
Lauren Keenan’s debut children’s novel, Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time, has SUCH a great premise: siblings Amorangi and Millie time-travel to save their mum, and experience aspects of events in New Zealand history, such as the invasion of Parihaka, the Great Depression, World War Two, the Musket Wars and the eruption of Mount Taranaki. Lauren (Te Āti Awa ki Taranaki) answers our quick Q&A.
1. How are you and what have you been up to lately?
I'm good. Not in a saying-I'm-good-because-it's-polite sort of way, but actually good. The summer has helped considerably toward me feeling that way, as well as lots of recent quality time with people who matter to me. It's been a tough few years, and reconnecting like that was balm for the soul. The vast quantities of ice-cream I've eaten in recent weeks helped also.
2. If you were working in a bookshop, how would you hand-sell your book to customers? What would you say to convince them to buy and read it?
I'd talk about how New Zealand history can be exciting and accessible, and that this book tells both colonial and Māori stories in an interesting way. If they looked like they were going to stick around for a while, I might even talk about the importance of diverse voices in New Zealand children's literature, as well as how we are all enriched by learning more about historical events such as Parihaka.
If they seem to be in a hurry, though, I'd mention the giant eagles, volcanic explosions, and how gentle mockery of 1980s leg warmers never gets old.
3. What books (or other art/media) influenced you while writing this book, or generally in your life?
A significant theme of this book is the importance of our ancestors and how they sit on our shoulders.
This book is based on my own family history, both Te Atiawa history from my Dad's side and the excellent records kept by my Mum's Pākehā family. It all came about as an idea after watching Moana - specifically the song where they sing 'we tell the stories of our elders in a never ending chain' and that amazing scene toward the end when all her tīpuna are with her to help her quest. I was explaining it all to my kids one day, then suddenly realised I had a story I wanted to explore further.
4. What good books have you read lately?
I've had a really good run of books recently which has made my summer feel even more summer-y than usual.
The best books I've read so far this year have been the amazing Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and The Maid by Nita Prose.
The top non-fiction was easily After the Tampa by Abbas Nazari. I finished reading this one a few weeks ago and am still thinking about it. It's that sort of book.
Buy Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time (HUIA), $26
