- Published: 30 March 2021
- ISBN: 9780143774747
- Imprint: Penguin
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 352
- RRP: $17.99
The Calling















- Published: 30 March 2021
- ISBN: 9780143774747
- Imprint: Penguin
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 352
- RRP: $17.99
Historical fiction at its brilliant best, The Calling captured me early and took me on a trip back in time to late 19th Century NZ. Set in a small kiwi town, life in the Conway house, Molly’s fervent desire to follow her mother’s wishes, and her growing uncertainty about that path, was expertly written and real. I experienced life in 1895, with its religious bigotry, and society expectations for women. Swagmen roamed the roads, hungry and looking for work and the divide between rich and poor didn’t correlate with levels of kindness. Each chapter of the book begins with snippets of the times, whether it be a newspaper report, encyclopedia entries, a recipe for scones, or even a guide on waterproofing boots. Fleur Beale is a well loved, accomplished and much awarded YA Kiwi Author. The Calling is another astounding piece of New Zealand YA Fiction.
Adele Broadbent, whatbooknext.com
Multi-award winning, Wellington-based author Fleur Beale has crafted an inspiring tale of a young girl, Molly Conway, as she struggles with her faith in the face of many difficulties. Throughout the story, readers experience inner conflict, abuse and religious troubles, as seen through the life of Molly, while the integration of te reo along with the real-life roots of the story, makes this an absorbing and immersive read. . . . I admit I was hesitant to read this novel. As an avid fantasy reader, a story about religion based on real life people and events was vastly out of my range of preferred genres, but I gave it a go. I found that the short chapters and fast-paced storytelling made for an easy and gripping read. I recommend this novel to step out of your comfort zone and expand your genres when reading.
Link Pickering, Kete.co.nz
There is something to be said for sticking with what you know, and doing it well. Exceptionally well, in Fleur Beale’s case. The acclaimed author of the I am not Esther series has just released a new young adult novel dealing with religious bigotry, questioning faith, and a coming-of-age girl’s place in it. . . She integrates a concept that many older readers can possibly identify with today; the question of what is it that you want, and what is it that others have put on you to want? Sometimes the line is grey and murky. . . . When I received this book in the mail I had high hopes and I was not disappointed. For anyone that liked Beale’s other books, or has a passing interest in the period dramas on Netflix, this is worth a read.
Eleanor Bassett, Hooked on NZ Books, Read NZ
Well-suited for a TV mini-series . . . While the book is a fictionalised account, the storyline nonetheless is a somewhat fascinating look at the not-so-distant past, particularly around the lower North Island. A well-put-together story and one that surprisingly becomes a page-turner.
Farm Trader
There are very few young people and children’s writing awards that Beale hasn’t won in a career that spans more than 30 years and 40 books. While many of her stories are set in the contemporary world – with young people facing the trials and tribulations of modern life – Beale has also looked to the past, and religion, as an inspiration. In The Calling, Beale steps back in time to late 19th century Aotearoa New Zealand to centre on the story of Molly, who struggles to find her life’s path after her dying mother pleads with her to become a nun, while her Methodist father wants her to marry. Torn between parental wishes and societal expectations, Molly seeks out the extraordinary (and real-life) nun Mother Mary Joseph Aubert for help.
Kete, Sunday Star-Times