Rating: 
Summary: superb character study
Review: Dr. Rosie Trethewey hates the world. The belligerent psychologist loathes her former spouse, her disgusting lovers, and even her job. When she inherits a house on the Great Barrier Island, Rosie simply packs her belongings and moves. Her new neighbors on the remote island off New Zealand fail to welcome her. Former WW II POW Red O'Hara and retired cop Angus McLeod treat Rosie with disdain as they fear the female invasion will nuke their lives. The concerns of Red and Angus prove correct as Rosie devastates their carefully laid out lives. With little chance of becoming friends, the trio becomes allies when ocean vessels begin to illegally fish nearby, destroying the natural habitat and endangering the local fish industry. Red, Angus, and Rosie must overcome their personal demons if they are to succeed as a united front against powerful foreign interests. SOLE SURVIVOR is an intriguing character study about three individuals who dropped out of society for varying reasons. The eccentric cast provides a tantalizing look at island life through their myopic eyes. However, the story line never gets into first gear, leaving readers wondering when the plot will turn non-stop. Derek Hanson scribes an interesting character study that readers who relish depth to their protagonists will enjoy. However, anyone who wants action to accompany their characters will find long stretches of tedious prose. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: A Ripping Good Yarn
Review: Another great read from the Hansen stable. Quite a different novel from his previous "Lunch with ...." series, which were wonderful. Something for everyone in this story, very down to earth, believable and likeable characters, set in the Hauraki Gulf. If you haven't visited Great Barrier, this book would definitely make you want to see it. A book I found hard to put down. Can't wait for the next Hansen gem.
Rating:
Summary: A Ripping Good Yarn
Review: Another great read from the Hansen stable. Quite a different novel from his previous "Lunch with ...." series, which were wonderful. Something for everyone in this story, very down to earth, believable and likeable characters, set in the Hauraki Gulf. If you haven't visited Great Barrier, this book would definitely make you want to see it. A book I found hard to put down. Can't wait for the next Hansen gem.
Rating:
Summary: Australia's finest contemporary writer has done it again
Review: Any readers looking at discovering a master modern storyteller are well advised to give Derek Hanson a read. His characters are at one time complex, and the same time often carry an over simplified view of life. Sole Survivor is his newest book, and is an Australian classic. My highest recommendations though to his first two books, Lunch with the Generals and Lunch with Mousillini, both are excellent, and timeless classics in Australia
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: As much as I loved this story, Lunch with Mussolini, is still my absolute favourite Derek Hansen novel. But this novel is also a must read!! I particularly liked the character, Rosie Trethewey - a good, strong, kiwi woman - I thought the exchanges between her and Angus were hysterically funny. The characterisation of Red O'Hara was very well done as well. It was great the novel was set on Great Barrier Island because I have been over there a number of times and I am familar with all the islands that surround. It took me a little while at first to figure out that the novel is actually set in the 1960s not present day Auckland - I just about to write protest letters to the Gov't about the Japanese fishing vessels invading the Gulf and taking underweight snappers (a beautiful fish)!! I agree, wholeheartedly, that this novel would make a brillant film. I have just one question though - what happened to Archie - did he fall over everytime he needed a pee as Rosie feared he would??
Rating:
Summary: we need more of these books in the world!
Review: Fantastic story where ALL characters were fleshed out and made real. Rosie was gorgeous, I loved her determination and spirit to make a go of it on in unhospitable territory. Island paced, rather than slow paced, it gives me the need to save some money for a island holiday!
Rating:
Summary: A book I usually wouldn't give a second glance, however...
Review: Give me Sci-Fi, Action Thrillers, Suspence, but please, no L-o-v-e stories. Well "Sole Survivor" might just change my attitude. Derek Hansen please keep writing. Mr. Hansen put together all the best quailties of my favorite authors: the ability to make reading effortless with a style that carries one along on a tidal current, creating characters who become real people, and weaving it all together into an unforgetable tale. It's the kind of artful story you'll want more of. The best non-science fiction book I've read in ages!
Rating:
Summary: Great light reading with Guts!
Review: Great story telling that allows you to get to know the characters in depth. Derek Hansen has a little trouble with the female characters (a bit sexist)and the book is definitely written with the male perspective in mind... However, if you can set aside this only fault you will be pleased with a great tale of remote island recluses and their adventure off the coast of New Zealand.
Rating:
Summary: Great light reading with Guts!
Review: Great story telling that allows you to get to know the characters in depth. Derek Hansen has a little trouble with the female characters (a bit sexist)and the book is definitely written with the male perspective in mind... However, if you can set aside this only fault you will be pleased with a great tale of remote island recluses and their adventure off the coast of New Zealand.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing for the most part
Review: I love to read customer reviews on books before I decide to read them - and after reading the reviews on this book I eagerly bought it. While I anticipated thoroughly enjoying this book I landed up becoming disappointed and almost angry that such a wonderful premise for a story turned "sour" and too unbelievable to keep me page-turning long into the night. Two lost souls happily content on a secluded island paradise involved in a struggle to protect their environment - joined to their dismay by a strong-willed woman determined to make her home there as their neighbor...this HAD to be a good story. And it was - except for her almost crude provocative behavior which for me ruined an otherwise wonderful story. A good love story angle was inevitable and welcome - but this was tastelessly and unbelieveably done in light of the fragile and tender, yet powerful, character traits of these men. They succumbed to her "charms" just a little too easy! I agree with their initial reaction - she did not belong on that island with them!
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