This book charts a year in the life of this family of 4, from deciding to imigrate, to the point at which they are relatively established in New Zealand - house bought, kids in school, business up and running.The book's narrative is given by Paul and is straight forward and to the point and though he did share honestly the emotional highs and lows, I feel something would have been added to it if we could of heard about the experience from his wife's point of view as well.I suspect we would of been given more details of the practical aspects and deeper details of the emotional rollercoaster they were on (us women like the nitty gritty and find the finer details helpful in making decisions).

I too would of liked to have more details of how things panned out in the home such as what to take and not take with regards the home , what was useful/comforting and what was not, what helped the children, what were their difficulties?

Paul focuses more on the business and work side of things and his feelings of how things are going as the male breadwinner. From this point of view I think that it is an excellent book for men to read - there are few books out there written by men that share their real life experiences including immigration.

I would recommend this book to anyone thinking of imigrating, especially families with young children and men. It was an easy but informative and honest read which left you wanting to know how things had gone for them since the year was up and its helped us see some of the realities of a move to another country which you don't experience on a holiday.


How it really feels - all else aside   January 20, 2005
 16 out of 17 found this review helpful

The Goddards are go-getters, with a positive approach to life who aren't afraid of a bit of hardwork and using their own initiative. That's why I read this book. I really just wanted to get a better idea of how such a move would make us feel, and how we would react to it. Research for the everyday details (how much things cost, weather etc) can all be found elsewhere quite easily, but a real perspective on the most important thing - your sanity - cannot!

This book was a great insight and very inspirational. If you think you have anything in common with the Goddard family outlook and approach to life, this book will be just right for you. Very easy to read and uncomplicated, you really can get a true sense of how your first year might be. If you aren't remotely like the Goddards, then this might be an eye-opener for you, a great deal can be learned from their approach to it all.

Definitely worth reading if you are even thinking of making such a move.


A personal experience of emmigration   September 27, 2004
 14 out of 15 found this review helpful

Fast becoming NZ's biggest celebrities, this paperback fills in the rest of the story of how Paul Goddard and his family have coped with emmigration. It's written in a personal voice and is essential reading for those looking to NZ as a possible new home.

The strong points are that it impresses the level of commitment, motivation and hard-worked required to continue once your there, and have a home and job. One of the most valuable parts of the book is where Paul states that just a move within the UK may be all that is needed. He also talks about how you shouldn't necessarily look upon NZ as your final destination once there. Of the number of books telling about how to emmigrate, this one tells you how you may feel.

The Goddards have succeeded through their hard-work and deserve it, they were ideal immigrants even before they left and these are the very people we need in the UK.