New Zealand Writers

TATE, Bronwyn

An accomplished work of fiction whose characters' lives and frailties are recognisable and convincing.

TATE, Bronwyn (1959 - 2005) is a novellist whose "long, slow apprenticeship" in writing bore fruit when her first book, Leaving for Townsville (1997) was published in 1997. It was one of twenty books selected for the Listener Womens Book Festival list in that year.

A second novel, Russian Dolls (1999) is described in North and South as "an accomplished work of fiction whose characters' lives and frailties are recognisable and convincing." It follows several generations of a New Zealand family, going back to 1868.

Halfway to Africa draws on Tate's own childhood experiences. A 'near twin' relationship between sisters is loosely based on her experience of growing up with a sister very close in age. To be 'Halfway to Africa' is to be pregnant. The characters are of varying ages and have different values and histories, yet all are tied together by their experiences of anticipation, fertility, loss and renewal.

Tate's stories have appeared in journals and newspapers and have been broadcast on National Radio.

(KC. Information from author.)

Updated Information

Lily's Cupola (2003) is described as a rich and surprising novel which tells the story of Lily, an elderly woman reflecting on her life and family in letters to the other side of the world.

Bronwyn Tate died of cancer on February 25 2005.