Lynne Rudkin Thompson: Live Your Dreams

Reviewed by STAN PINNEGAR

Perhaps the most provoking thought one is left with after reading Rudkin Thompson's book is that therein lies at least one other, best-selling, novel.

This is the story of a woman whose family helped pioneer, from the humblest beginnings, the iconic Canterbury brand of clothing. And that is from where this farmer-writer's next novel should beckon, though she does touch on those beginnings in Live Your Dreams.

She writes that, after a failed biscuit venture (capital invested in Aulsebrooks, no less): "Alfred and Sarah [Rudkin], not losing heart, decided to return to textile manufacturing, the trade they knew best. Sarah had brought a handknitting machine out with them from England so in 1893 the hardworking couple ... went into business together, knitting socks. They cleared a room in their small house to use as a workroom. With young children at their feet they made a meagre living, working six days a week, averaging 12 hours a day."

Despite the difficulties, "They saved enough money for Alfred to return to England to buy two more knitting machines. The journey took three months."

In time the business took over their house and forced them to move to a new address.

After 12 years the family combined with the Lane Walker mill, and the company Lane Walker Rudkin was born.

At their first annual meeting in 1905 the company announced a profit of £847. Ten years later the profit was more than £10,000.

The young Lynn Rudkin, brought up in a strict household and finding herself a reluctant staff member at the family business, experienced only loneliness in her work at the factory. She was avoided by other staff, who thought she was privileged.

Her heartache is evident here: "Busing home one day, I watched the university students' procession and, envying the fun they were having, I knew I would have to leave the factory and be with people my own age."

And so began a nursing career, followed by marriage "as a wide-eyed bride" in the 60s.

Then came a rewarding family and farming life with husband Bill on Banks Peninsula and later the Wairarapa coast.

Live Your Dreams is a detailed and compassionate account of Rudkin Thompson's life and, though its dissertational style lacks a little depth, it is a quite riveting autobiography.

* Published by Fraser Books, Masterton, $29.95