What Everyone is Talking About
The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey has become the most talked-about fiction novel in New Zealand in 2025, captivating readers, critics, and book clubs alike. This bold and unsettling dystopian tale reimagines history in a world where Hitler was assassinated in 1939 and Britain struck a peace treaty with Germany, reshaping society in chilling and unexpected ways.
What sets this novel apart is its brilliant blend of sharp prose, emotional depth, and timely themes. Chidgey tackles complex ideas—identity, morality, systemic control, and the human cost of survival—while weaving a story that feels both intimate and epic. Critics have drawn comparisons to classics like Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, but with a distinctly Kiwi voice and vision that makes the narrative uniquely her own.
Beyond the page, Chidgey’s reputation as one of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed contemporary authors has fueled the buzz. Her previous award-winning novels, such as The Axeman’s Carnival and Pet, set a high bar, and The Book of Guilt not only meets but surpasses expectations, sparking national conversations about ethics, history, and what it means to live freely.
With its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking commentary, The Book of Guilt is more than just a bestseller—it’s a cultural moment in New Zealand literature, reminding readers why Catherine Chidgey remains one of the country’s most important literary voices.