The next Whanganui Literary Festival is September/October 2021. Festival Trustee Airini Beautrais checked in from lockdown.
1. How has lockdown been for you and your family generally?
It has been surprisingly fun. The boys and I have been staying with my parents and my brother so it has been an extended family experience. We have spent a lot of time outside making fires, going for bike rides, hunting for mushrooms, and have done lots of creative stuff.
2. Have there been any particular challenges?
Trying to concentrate on work has been hard. I have been worried about other people who are struggling. I've had to help students adjust to learning online. My grandmother is in hospital and we can't go and see her.
3. What have you been reading during lockdown?
I have been reading my dad's book collection! I read Stiff: The curious lives of human cadavers, by Mary Roach. It was written in the early 2000s and was very interesting and entertaining. I really enjoy reading popular science. I read The Doors of Perception, by Aldous Huxley, which didn't convince me taking psychedelics would be a good idea, but was interesting from a historical perspective. I'm partway through Vanity Fair, but I'm finding it hard going! I'm also reading a new poetry book by Hinemoana Baker, Funkhaus.
4. Any favourites you could recommend and why?
I would recommend Hinemoana Baker for anyone who is into poetry. Hinemoana is also a talented musician and songwriter and this lyrical quality comes across in her work. Also, VUP has a free Home Reader you can download from their website, with work by a wide range of authors. It's a good sampler of contemporary NZ writing. I have a story in there too.