Peter Wells

Peter Wells (1950-2023) was a New Zealand writer, filmmaker and historian known for his works exploring New Zealand's colonial past, gay identity, and cultural history. His writing frequently examined the intersection of sexuality, society, and historical narratives in New Zealand. Wells gained recognition with his short story collection "Dangerous Desires" (1991), which won the Reed Fiction Award and the New Zealand Book Award for Fiction. His non-fiction work "Long Loop Home" (2001) received the Biography category prize at the Montana New Zealand Book Awards. As a filmmaker, Wells directed several notable documentaries including "The Mighty Civic" (1988) and "Georgie Girl" (2001). His film work often focused on historical and cultural subjects, particularly those relating to New Zealand's architecture and social heritage. His later works included "Journey to a Hanging" (2014), an examination of colonial-era New Zealand, and "Dear Oliver" (2018), a memoir exploring family history. Wells was a founder of the Auckland Writers Festival and received numerous honors including an honorary doctorate from Massey University in recognition of his contributions to New Zealand literature and film.

Readers praise Wells' detailed archival research and his ability to weave personal narratives into historical accounts. Many note his intimate portrayal of New Zealand's gay history, with one Goodreads reviewer calling "Long Loop Home" a "brave examination of NZ's hidden past." His writing style receives positive mentions for its descriptive power and emotional honesty. Readers on Amazon highlight his skill in making historical events feel immediate and personal. Critics point to occasional pacing issues, particularly in "Journey to a Hanging," where some readers found the historical detail overwhelming. A few reviews mention that his more academic works can be dense for casual readers. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Long Loop Home: 3.9/5 (42 ratings) - Journey to a Hanging: 3.7/5 (28 ratings) - Dear Oliver: 4.1/5 (35 ratings) Amazon: - Dangerous Desires: 4.2/5 (16 reviews) - Long Loop Home: 4.0/5 (12 reviews) Note: Limited online reviews available due to many works being published before widespread internet adoption.

Long Loop Home (1991) A memoir exploring Wells' journey through New Zealand's gay social history and his family relationships during the AIDS crisis.

Dangerous Desires (1991) A collection of short stories centered on gay male experiences in New Zealand and Sydney.

Boy Overboard (1997) A novel following a teenage boy's coming-of-age story in 1950s Auckland.

Iridescence (2003) A historical novel set in 1860s New Zealand and Australia about a young man who becomes involved in gold prospecting and theater.

The Hungry Heart (2012) A biography of William Colenso, examining the life of this 19th-century New Zealand missionary, printer, and botanist.

Journey to a Hanging (2014) A historical account of the 1866 hanging of Kereopa Te Rau and the murder of missionary Carl Völkner in New Zealand.

Dear Oliver: Uncovering a Pākehā History (2018) A family memoir investigating Wells' own ancestry and New Zealand's colonial past through personal letters and documents.

John Berendt writes non-fiction about real characters and events in Southern settings with focus on crime and local culture. His narrative style incorporates first-person observations mixed with historical research, similar to Wells' approach to New Zealand stories.

James McNeish examines New Zealand's cultural identity and social history through biographical works and historical narratives. His investigation of complex historical figures parallels Wells' exploration of sexuality and identity in colonial New Zealand.

Maurice Gee writes fiction set in New Zealand that deals with themes of power, family relationships, and social dynamics. His work combines historical elements with personal narratives in New Zealand settings.

Witi Ihimaera focuses on New Zealand's cultural intersection between Maori and European identities through both fiction and non-fiction. His exploration of sexuality and identity in New Zealand society shares common ground with Wells' literary interests.

Edmund White writes autobiographical works and fiction that examine gay identity and social history. His combination of personal narrative with broader cultural analysis mirrors Wells' approach to writing about sexuality and society.