Past. Present. Future.
In 1959 a schoolgirl is caught in the rivalry between two male teachers. In 1982 a New Zealander in her thirties is introduced to a snake in San Diego. In 2075 a government official drafts a summary of the first stage in NZ’s new-style elections.
These eighteen stories mark Barbara Else’s return to fiction for adults. They are notable for their range in genre and tone, from realism to science fiction and fantasy, from subversive humour and sharp satire to thoughtful and humane contemplation of the human condition. Many are about romantic relationships – fresh and new, would-be, or long gone.
With Barbara’s trademark wit, all demonstrate how the problems women face change little as time passes …
About the Author
Barbara Else is a best-selling writer in many genres. She was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to literature in 2005 and holds the Margaret Mahy Medal for services to children’s literature. She was Writing Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka in 1999 and University of Otago College of Education/Creative New Zealand Children’s Writing Fellow in 2016. Her work has had overseas publication, won national and international awards and been shortlisted for major prizes.
The Warrior Queen, her first novel for adults, was a best seller and finalist for the Montana NZ Book Awards. Among her latest books are Go Girl: A storybook of epic NZ women, a finalist in the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2019 and Laughing at the Dark: A memoir (2023), shortlisted in the 2024 Ockham Awards for general non-fiction.
She is co-partner in TFS Literary Services with her husband Chris Else, and works as an editor, mentor and manuscript assessor. She lives in Dunedin, UNESCO City of Literature.
“The Pets We Have Killed is a masterful collection that examines how humans treat one another in inhumane ways. Through its reflections on the struggles of women, the book underscores the urgency of addressing broader inequities.”
Di Starrenburg, Aotearoa New Zealand Review of Books https://www.nzreviewofbooks.com/the-pets-we-have-killed-by-barbara-else/
The Pets We Have Killed. It is – if you’ll excuse me – a killer title… As well as capturing attention, the title does two jobs. Firstly, it reminds me of the old writing expression ‘kill your darlings,’ meaning to get rid of any unnecessary words or phrases in your writing – even those which are beloved – if they don’t serve the story. Here, Barbara Else demonstrates her prowess with the red pen, leaving only what is necessary. Secondly, the title feels expansive, spanning time across past, present and future, just as these stories do for both the author and her characters.
Anna Scaife, KETE https://www.ketebooks.co.nz/en/reviews/review-the-pets-we-have-killed-by-barbara-else
“The book abounds with humour, satire and thoughtful reflections on love, romance and family. Even the darker stories are alleviated by Else’s beautiful and evocative writing. …The Pets We Have Killed is rich and deep.
Cushla McKinney, Otago Daily Times
