I knew very little about Ruth Park’s life and after reading “A fence around the cuckoo” I want to seek out the next volume of her autobiography. A story of family, poverty, love and ambition told with a clear vision and self awareness that leaves you wanting more, Also illuminated depression era New Zealand which has some uncomfortable lessons about compassion and dignity for our early 20th century times. ( )

The story of Ruth Park's childhood years growing up in New Zealand under extremely poor conditions. She desired to become a writer from a very young age and rather than being deterred by her difficult circumstances, drew inspiration from "real life". ( )