Barbara Arnold: 3 books

If there was anything unglamorous about working for Lavisav Limited, a company that manufactured chemical toilets, it hadn’t occurred to fifteen-year-old Jo Hackett. On her first day as secretary to the Advertising Manager, nothing could quench her enthusiasm – not the smell of the garlic cough...

Paula Dibble is the most privileged and best-dressed girl in Post-War slum Blountmere Street. She is also alienated and lonely. It makes Paula the least likely person to develop the strength of character she later needs to survive her journey into womanhood.

It is a hot, airless New Year's Day in the remote South Island of New Zealand when Tony Addington miraculously encounters his Blountmere Street neighbours, Fred, Lori and Paula. After reuniting with his family in England, he grapples with where he belongs. Together with Paula he returns to New Zealand...