Catherine Chidgey

Catherine Chidgey is an award-winning New Zealand author known for her novels, which often explore themes of memory, identity, and human relationships. Her notable works include 'The Wish Child', which won the 2017 Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, and 'The Beat of the Pendulum', which was shortlisted for the same award in 2018. Chidgey's writing is characterized by its depth, emotional insight, and vivid prose.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Wish Child

    Cover of 'The Wish Child' by Catherine Chidgey

    "The Wish Child" is a powerful and haunting novel that explores the lives of two children, Sieglinde and Erich, growing up in Nazi Germany. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story delves into the complexities of their friendship and the impact of the Nazi regime on their lives. Through vivid and evocative prose, the author skillfully captures the innocence and resilience of children in a time of darkness and uncertainty, while also shedding light on the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary individuals during a tumultuous period in history.

    The 10178th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Axeman's Carnival

    Cover of 'The Axeman's Carnival' by Catherine Chidgey

    "The Axeman's Carnival" is a gripping historical novel set in 1918 New Orleans, during the height of the Spanish flu pandemic. As the city grapples with fear and uncertainty, a serial killer known as the Axeman terrorizes its inhabitants. The story follows three main characters—a jazz musician, a young girl, and a detective—as their lives intertwine amidst the chaos. With vivid descriptions and a suspenseful narrative, the book explores themes of resilience, identity, and the power of music in the face of darkness.

    The 10531st Greatest Book of All Time