It’s 1865 in the small town of Hokitika and the Gold Rush is at its peak; as in all Gold Rush towns there are pubs on every corner and strange characters lurk in their depths. A young Maori boy named Halfie, aka Harvey is trying to get by, by any means possible. Getting by for him means hanging around the Bathsheba Pub waiting to get paid ‘in coin’ for work like washing dishes and running errands. His life is full of adventure, but none more interesting than living with the old codger Ludo. Ludo teaches him about the world in his own way and with the onset of troubles that hit the small community Halfie needs to decide whose side he is one.
A word to describe this novel has to be lyrical. It was like music to my ears; from the descriptions of the characters and life in the Gold Rush to the phonetic spelling of Halfie’s talking. Written with strong and interesting characters that pull at your heart strings and full of history, this book will be added to my top 10 books, I just loved it. Recommended to mature readers over 16 years. ( )

http://anzlitlovers.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/hokitika-town-by-charlotte-randall/ ( )

The author has created a vivid picture of Hokitika during the Gold Rush era. The caste of characters, presented in Halfie's, born Tiwakawaka, voice is colourful and memorable. She sustains the innocence and naivete of the narrator throughout, leaving the reader to determine the inference implied in the adult conversations and actions Halfie overhears and witnesses.
This is the first book I have read by this author and going by the skill displayed, I will be seeking her earlier books. Hokitika Town is an original, captivating and easy read. Highly recommended. ( )