Between two worlds: a study of migrant writers in New Zealand

This thesis begins with a consideration of what constitutes migrant writing, and points to the difficulties in arriving at an absolute definition. Some justification is given for the fact that the ensuing discussion concerns short stories alone, and some of the particular qualities of the short story which make it an appropriate form for migrant literature are examined. The first chapter also makes a brief survey of the context for migrant writing within New Zealand literature, and compares the work of several short story writers, migrant and non-migrant. The work of two New Zealand migrant short story writers is discussed closely in the chapters that follow: Amelia Batistich's stories are examined in Chapter Two, and Yvonne du Fresne's in Chapter Three. In each discussion, formal qualities are given equal attention as matters of content and theme. The final chapter attempts to draw connections between the work of these two writers and the problems of definition raised in the first chapter. Consideration is also given to the attitudes and expectations of readers of migrant fiction. The appendices to the thesis contain biographies of Amelia Batistich and Yvonne du Fresne, and transcripts of conversations with them. The conversations were recorded in 1984, and have been lightly edited. A bibliography is included which provides a selective guide to the two authors published and unpublished work, and a full account of all secondary material consulted.