This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman
An utterly compelling recreation of the events that led to one of the last executions in New Zealand.
Albert Black, known as the ‘jukebox killer’, was only twenty when he was convicted of murdering another young man in a fight at a milk bar in Auckland on 26 July 1955. His crime fuelled growing moral panic about teenagers, and he was to hang less than five months later, the second-to-last person to be executed in New Zealand.
But what really happened? Was this a love crime, was it a sign of juvenile delinquency? Or was this dark episode in our recent history more about our society’s reaction to outsiders?
Black’s final words, as the hangman covered his head, were, ‘I wish you all a merry Christmas, gentlemen, and a prosperous New Year.’ This is his story.
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About the Author
Fiona Kidman is a leading contemporary novelist, short story writer and poet. Much of her fiction is focused on how outsiders navigate their way in narrowly conformist society. She has published a large and exciting range of fiction and poetry, and has worked as a librarian, producer and critic. Kidman has won numerous awards, and she has been the recipient of fellowships, grants and other significant honours, as well as being a consistent advocate for New Zealand writers and literature. She is the President of Honour for the New Zealand Book Council, and has been awarded an OBE and a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to literature.
My Review
4 Stars
It is the 1950’s in New Zealand and the country is struggling after World War II. Society is changing and teenagers are wrapped up in the bodgie and widgie cultures. People are looking down on them and blaming parents for not properly raising their children.
During this time, immigrant Albert “Paddy” Black has moved to New Zealand. He is wrapped up in this culture and although quiet ends up stabbing Alan Jacques in the neck beside a jukebox, thus the name the Jukebox Killer sticks.
This is a fictionalized account of Paddy’s life, the things he experienced, and so much more. We follow along with the politicians and police as he is convicted and how his case lead to Paddy being the second to last person being executed in New Zealand.
I am from the States so I had no idea about Paddy and this murder. I admit that I had to look up what a bodgie and widgie was. But it was still a fascinating read since it seemed being an immigrant had more to do with the case than the facts. It was definitely a good read and one that I recommend checking out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I would like to thank MZPR for the opportunity to read and share this book.
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