Family Hold Back - A 1930s Childhood

Steele Roberts, 2001.
It is a frank depiction of life during the Depression and World War II, through the eyes of a child. The author captures a fresh, stark sense of the times -- often delightful; at other times haunting. The story begins with her Dad on relief work and Mom struggling to pay the rent and feed and clothe the children. Times are harsh and so are the people. Love is not spoken of; tenderness is rare. But the kids have fun swimming, eeling, blackberrying and mushroom gathering. In 1938 Dad's job as a diesel mechanic has the family living in tents without water, plumbing or electricity. They shift camp and change schools frequently. During World War II New Zealand endures food shortages and rationing, and threats of air raids and Japanese invasion. At the end of 1940 the family moves into a new state house and in 1948 Lorraine leaves school to begin a career.