If there was a fire in your home, which book would you rush to save from the flames? Do you have a much loved volume from childhood, a book that was a gift from someone special, or simply a copy of an adored novel that always falls open at the right page?
Join me as I ask my special guest this question. Find out what their choice is and why they would save their very special copy in the case of disaster.
This time, I put this question to best-selling Kiwi writer Redmer Yska.
Redmer’s most valuable book also happens to be one of my own. It is this book that directly inspired his approach to research for his highly acclaimed biographies of New Zealand’s best-known short story writer, Katherine Mansfield. Enjoy this short conversation and discover our common literary interest.
Redmer Yska is a prominent New Zealand writer and historian known for his insightful exploration of New Zealand’s cultural, historical, and social landscapes. His work spans various genres, including non-fiction, essays, and poetry, but he is perhaps best known for his meticulously researched historical narratives. He has a knack for uncovering forgotten or overlooked stories and bringing them to life in a compelling and accessible manner.
One of Yska’s notable works is A Strange Beautiful Excitement: Katherine Mansfield’s Wellington 1888-1903. In this book, he delves into Katherine Mansfield’s formative years, exploring how her experiences growing up in Wellington shaped her as a person and as a writer. Yska vividly portrays the vibrant cultural milieu of late 19th and early 20th century Wellington, weaving a rich understanding of the social and intellectual currents that influenced Mansfield’s work. Taking out a N.Z. History Trust Fund Award in 2014 allowed him to write A Strange Beautiful Excitement which traces Mansfield’s journeyings in France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
Yska’s writing is characterized by its depth of research, engaging storytelling, and thoughtful analysis. His talent for blending personal narratives with broader historical contexts, allows readers to connect on both an emotional and an intellectual level.
Have you read Redmer’s book of choice? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Selected links for relevant websites, books, movies, videos, and more. Some of these links lead to protected content on this website, learn more about that here.
Katherine Mansfield’s Europe: Station to Station by Redmer Yska
Strange Beautiful Excitement: Katherine Mansfield’s Wellington by Redmer Yska
Footsteps by Richard Holmes
Susannah Fullerton: Katherine Mansfield, The Doll’s House video talk
Susannah Fullerton: Finding Katherine Mansfield, Audio CD
Susannah Fullerton: My 2024 Favourites
Susannah Fullerton: A Cracking Start to 2018
Susannah Fullerton: Cassandra and Katherine
Susannah Fullerton: Quality, quirkiness and reading satisfaction
Susannah Fullerton: Katherine Mansfield marries (briefly)
Susannah Fullerton: Katherine Mansfield dies
Susannah Fullerton: Katherine Mansfield Statue
Susannah Fullerton: Of Claire Tomalin and Katherine Mansfield
Katherine Mansfield Society
Victoria University of Wellington: Works by Katherine Mansfield
Malvina Yock
Thankyou, what an interesting talk! I need to read more Katherine Mansfield!