Boating New Zealand
Wake of the Invercauld is a rare find in the literary world, a journey to find the truth of a historic shipwreck. This is a book to read and remember, one which will captivate the sailor, historian, conservationist and everyone who enjoys a rattling good yarn.
The Listener
(Radio NZ's magazine)
The book is skillfully plotted: both Allen's and Holding's stories are dramatic, well organized and ultimately satisfying.
New Zealand Herald, Auckland
This is a brilliantly organized book, rich in extraordinary detail not only about the Invercauld but about castaways from other ships.
Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune
This story has all the ingredients for a good thriller. Atrocious weather, icebergs, a shipwreck on uncharted, inhospitable shores, intrigue, cannibalism and the art of survival against the odds makes this a gripping true tale.
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REVIEWS
Toronto Star
Rousing high-seas adventure tale, travelogue, family saga and scientific and historical narrative, the gorgeously producedWake of the Invercauldhas something for everyone. Abundant colour and black-and-white photographs, etchings, and maps contribute to a highly successful, unique package
Montreal Review of Books
Wake of the Invercauld takes the reader on a remarkable voyage; Allen must be commended for fluidly interweaving so many different voices, narratives and historical moments into a coherent form. As a result,this book carries the reader on a fascinating textual journey that ranges from the Auckland Islands of the mid-19th century to the bureaucracy of 20th century New Zealand as Allen uncovers the thrilling events of the Invercauld of Aberdeen.
Northern Advocate, Whanganui
Here is a story that makes the fictional classics of survival from marooning and shipwreck seem pallid.There is conflict, cannibalism, perhaps murder, and low cunning in the sailors' survival tactics. From simply a dot on the map south of Stewart Island, the Aucklands will become closer to reality and the winds, rain, fog snow and sleet of the subantarctic climate which makes simple survival a major triumph against the elements.
Sherbrooke Record
The photographs, maps, and detailed illustrations found in this volume add a welcome dimension to this captivating book. The colour photographs of the terrain and Auckland flora and fauna treat the armchair traveller to a real sense of this exotic place and the illustrations generously distributed throughout the book are certain to enlighten and delight.Wake of the Invercauld should appeal to a variety of readers. History buffs and boating enthusiasts will certainly appreciate this hitherto neglected piece of maritime history and the general reader is bound to be swept away by Holding's gripping adventure.
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Wellington
Evening Post
Allen's reflections on the human "gold", the power of the ties of blood and family, and her light-hearted account of her expedition make this book a winner.
New Zealand Books
I found the book enthralling. .. an important addition to the fascinating literature on the subantarctic islands
Dive Log
This book is a must read for any armchair traveller, genealogy buff and sailing and wildlife enthusiast.
Manawatu Tribune
Wake of the Invercauld is one of the most interesting, easy to read and most beautifully presented books I have read. This is a great read which I would recommend for anybody who is interested in New Zealand's history, or if you just enjoy a good book.
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