Tauranga author John Carstensen is shining a light on one of New Zealand’s most complex chapters of history in his newly released historical novel, Journeys.

Published in May, the novel follows fictional Irish soldier Finbar Kelly, who travels to New Zealand in 1863 after enlisting in the British Imperial Army, hoping to earn a land grant and build a new life. Instead, he finds himself caught up in the New Zealand Wars, where his understanding of the conflict is challenged as he witnesses the realities of colonisation, broken promises and the human cost of war.

The novel follows his life, as a saga into the next generation, up to 1918.

“I became increasingly interested in New Zealand history,” said Carstensen, who began researching the subject in 2018 after reading historian Vincent O’Malley’s The Great War for New Zealand.

“I read more and more around New Zealand history and came up with the idea of using historical fiction to place invented characters into that historical background.”

Carstensen chose an Irish protagonist after recognising parallels between Ireland’s history of colonisation and events in New Zealand during the 19th century.

“There are some similarities with the way Ireland was colonised,” he said. “I’ve even got two chapters in the book that are set in Ireland.”

Although many historical figures appear throughout the novel, Kelly and the other central characters are fictional. Among the real people woven into the story is philanthropist James Dilworth, founder of Dilworth School, who becomes Kelly’s employer.

Alongside its historical setting, Journeys explores themes of conscience, redemption and Christian faith. As Kelly develops a relationship with a Māori family and confronts the injustices surrounding him, he is forced to reassess his beliefs and ultimately undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.

Carstensen said the novel took several years to complete. He began writing in 2019, then left the manuscript untouched for a time before returning to it with fresh ideas and feedback from fellow writers.

The cover of Journeys written by John Carstensen. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

A member of Tauranga Writers for the past five years, he credits the group with helping him develop the manuscript.

“The work-in-progress meetings and the presentations by experienced writers have taught me a lot about the craft of writing,” he said.

Professional manuscript assessor and fellow Tauranga Writers member Sharon Manssen also provided detailed feedback that helped him finalise the novel.

Originally from Denmark, Carstensen spent his childhood in Canada before immigrating to New Zealand at 13. An English teacher by profession, he taught English literature and English to international students, including at the University of Waikato’s Pathways College, and also spent two and a half years teaching in China.

Since retiring, he has devoted more time to writing and fishing and has published collections of short stories.

“I learned more about New Zealand history while studying te reo Māori at the Wananga o Aotearoa,” he said. Carstensen’s wife, Miep, a history teacher who also has a special interest in the history of NZ, played an important role in the novel’s development, acting as editor and historical fact-checker throughout the writing process.

Already, readers have responded positively to Journeys.

“Some people have commented that the historical content has been a real eye-opener,” Carstensen said. “They didn’t know some of the darker side of New Zealand history during the colonial era. Others have said it’s very readable - one or two even said they couldn’t put it down.”

He said some have also commented that it would be a good resource for senior secondary students of history and English.

Journeys is available online through retailers including Fishpond and Amazon and has also been ordered by Tauranga City Libraries and other public libraries around New Zealand.

To purchase a copy, email j.carstensen49@gmail.com