This is a powerful and often bleak novel set in New Zealand concerning two sisters whose lives become intertwined as the younger one, Clara is partially raised by the older sister Winnie during the hard times of the 1930's Depression. After Clara comes of age she decides to escape her dreary small town existence and move to Auckland where she hopes to fully engage in a more exciting life. When the war comes to New Zealand Clara is living in a slum area of Auckland called Paddy's Puzzle where she has met and fallen in love with Ambrose, a black American soldier. Clara begins to recall her past life after she receives a letter from Winnie saying she is coming for a visit. Clara knows that Winnie will not approve of her life nor of the hustlers and prostitutes who are her friends and who look out for her. She is seriously ill with TB and she fears Winnie will try to take her away from her life in Auckland, grim as it is, now that Ambrose has become the emotional center of her life.

The author deftly explores the complicated relationship between the two sisters at the same time she describes the hardships of people's lives during a severe depression and then through the misery of war. The U.S. version of Paddy's Puzzle is called "In the Clear Light" ( )

I finished this book with a tear in the eye. This NZ writer focuses on the role of NZ women in society during the 20th century. The book spans the years of my mother's growing up in NZ and made this book all the more poignant.
Clara is a resident of a building known as Paddy's Puzzle in Auckland during World War II. She is ill, and she awaits the arrival, of her American lover, Ambrose. Her sister Winnie, from Hamilton is coming to visit and she reflects on her young life.
Fiona Kidman is an accomplished writer, with an eye for everyday details. She encourages us to look without judgement at the choices many women faced during the difficult depression and war years. ( )