Bits of String too Short to Use, Jennifer Beck
Publication date 20th August 2023
RRP $40.00, PB, 336pp
ISBN: 978-0-473-67875-3
Acclaimed New Zealand children’s author Jennifer Beck looks at her life as a series of ‘bits’, memorable episodes which, when joined together form a pattern both fascinating and thought-provoking. From early life in an unusual rural community, she describes growing up in a large family with money troubles, limited educational opportunities, a lovable but somewhat eccentric father and a determination to follow dreams. These led to early experiences as a teacher and extensive overseas travel.
As budget travel meant hitchhiking, risks were taken which led to being stranded north of the Arctic Circle, avoiding sunstroke on a lonely roadside in Greece, and later, travelling overland on an unreliable old bus from London to Sri Lanka. So many adventures, followed by new experiences back home.
These include romance, weddings, a surprise pregnancy and establishing a successful transport business from a phone in the kitchen. Not easy while breastfeeding a baby and trying to watch out for another young child while trucks reversed around the house. Being housebound in the 1960s led to extramural study towards completing a university degree, and a lifetime interest in collecting antiques and restoring furniture. Restoration was also an interest of husband Peter, who dismantled a historic vintage plane and stored it in bits under the house before eventually restoring it.
After giving birth to two more children in the 1980s, a new career as a writer for children and adults began, with many years of involvement in New Zealand’s literary scene. The memoir includes behind-the-scene encounters with writers such as Margaret Mahy, Fiona Kidman and Dorothy Butler. Despite the traumatic loss of several loved family members and the challenges of ageing, this love of writing has continued, culminating in this memoir.
“Beautifully written, Bits of String too Short to Use is such a wonderful read. Jennifer Beck has lived an extraordinary life, and her recollections are warm and insightful, and I’m sure they will be enjoyed by readers of all ages and backgrounds. She is such an accomplished, successful woman, but humble and modest about her many achievements. Jennifer is an inspiration to other women, especially any thinking of becoming writers.”
“Beck’s memoir is delightful, honest, and full, and she captures her past well. She uses mementos she has collected throughout her lifetime to help tell episodes from her past, and in doing so, makes a slice of New Zealand history tangible and relatable.”
A former teacher and psychologist, Jennifer Beck is the author of more than fifty children’s books and the recipient of numerous prizes. She is also an appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s literature.
Jennifer’s picture book The Bantam and the Soldier won the Picture Book Category and the Book of the Year Award in the 1997 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards, and in 2006 she won the Children's Choice Award for Nobody’s Dog, voted for by more than 30,000 children throughout New Zealand. A feature of her books is that adults contribute to the magic and fun of childhood. Some common themes are history, peace and war.