Mackenzie and his Dog

Author: Tania Atkinson Illustration: Lynette Hartley

Purchase this book at AbeBooks

National Library of NZ Entry

Back of book: "You can find your way through this pass of yours blindfold, you said as much yourself. Just think Jock, two or three weeks shepherding a few sheep through heavenly country and then home a rich man to a life of comfort and plenty! By George, it must be the handsomest offer I ever made!" When James Mackenzie agrees to drive a flock of sheep from South Canterbury to the Taieri Plains near Dunedin for forty pounds, it seems to him a fair bargain. But is it? Who is Jimmy Mossman, who makes the offer, and why is he so interested in the mountain pass that Mackenzie has recently found? What does Friday, Mackenzie's dog, know about Mossman that her master doesn't suspect? This fast-moving tale, set in nineteenth-century New Zealand, is based on Mackenzie's own account of events leading to his capture and imprisonment for sheep stealing in 1855. It tells the story of a poor Scottish immigrant shepherd, of his wonder dog, Friday, of how they learned of the pass into what is now Mackenzie Country, and of how this led to a bargain with a stranger that brought near-disaster to them both.

Tania Atkinson has been writing for a long time. Her first book, Honeymead — a collection of Irish folktales — came out back in 1964. Then there was the lovely short novel Mr Krenko’s Wednesday Visitor about a girl learning the violin. After that, she wrote two historical short novels: this one and Pelorus Jack. More recently, she’s been writing picture books, which I’ll review later once I get copies.

Mackenzie and His Dog is a clear, readable story that brings to life the legendary tale of James Mackenzie, the Scottish shepherd, and his remarkable dog. It covers the mustering of 1000 sheep, the discovery of Mackenzie country through the Manahuni Pass, and goes on to tell of his capture, trial, and eventual pardon.

I found it a solid piece of historical fiction. It’s similar in subject to Traveller by Anne de Roo, though Anne’s book is told through the eyes of a young teenage boy. Both are good, but I have to say I enjoyed Anne de Roo’s storytelling more.

One touching detail is the character Tancred, the man who helps the imprisoned Mackenzie receive his pardon, even though he gains nothing from it himself. Tania alludes to him being a Christian. I tried to research who this magistrate actually was, but there’s very little information out there.

The text is illustrated with black & white images, and I found them difficult to decipher. There are two maps at the front which are very useful.

Overall, this is a good short historical novel, well-suited for readers aged 10 and up. It’s straightforward and engaging without being overly complicated; a nice way to learn about this slice of New Zealand pioneer legend.

Purchase this book at AbeBooks

Or you may find it at Book Express

I also have books for sale