A Long Girl Ago

A finalist in the 2008 Montana New Zealand Book Awards

A Long Girl Ago draws on ten years experience and writing. At its heart are three years Aitchison spent living in a remote fishing village in Hokkaido, Japan, where she taught English in junior high and primary schools and was extensively involved in karaoke and snowboarding. Other poems go back to her previous life, or deal with re-entry into New Zealand society.

'This is my pick for the year's most sparking debut.' —Iain Sharp, Sunday Star-Times

'Aitchison'’s lively experimentations step outside the parameters set up by much contemporary, lyric New Zealand poetry –– and that’s a breath of sea air.' —Joan Fleming