Slightly Foxed Secondhand Books

Slightly Foxed Secondhand Books We are a bookshop / bookstore in the Historic precinct of Oamaru in the South Island of New Zealand.

This week’s new arrivals
01/09/2026

This week’s new arrivals

Recently finished reading ‘Cheerful weather for the wedding’ (1932) by Julia Strachey This odd story was quite a delight...
30/08/2026

Recently finished reading ‘Cheerful weather for the wedding’ (1932) by Julia Strachey

This odd story was quite a delight to read - quick and amusing. It seems that Strachey (niece of Lytton) might have dashed this off to amuse her friends but it takes a darker turn towards the end.

The extremes of weather (sunny and cheerful vs cold, windy and dark) run through the novel reflecting the yellow bridesmaids’ dresses and a dark blue inky disaster.

The bride is harried by her mother (apparently based on one of the author’s mothers-in-law) and the groom, having been described physically, is notably absent to the story.

A worldwide phenomenon (also not complaining) Shaun Bythell
20/08/2026

A worldwide phenomenon (also not complaining) Shaun Bythell

Recently finished reading Slightly Foxed No 90, Summer 2026 (no connection to this bookshop)Another enjoyable read of es...
16/08/2026

Recently finished reading Slightly Foxed No 90, Summer 2026 (no connection to this bookshop)

Another enjoyable read of essays about books. This issue talks about the books shown and a few others I don’t have copies of (but can obtain).

I especially enjoyed reading about Peter Duck; Rockwell Kent and Gibbon’s memoirs. Thanks again Slightly Foxed | Magazine, Books & Podcast for Booklovers

This week’s new arrivals
09/08/2026

This week’s new arrivals

Recently finished reading ‘Dr Thorne’ (1858) by Anthony TrollopeThis is the third novel in Trollope’s Chronicles of Bars...
06/08/2026

Recently finished reading ‘Dr Thorne’ (1858) by Anthony Trollope

This is the third novel in Trollope’s Chronicles of Barsetshire. Characters from the first two novels are mentioned but not part of the story.

Frank’s father has dissipated his son’s inheritance and Frank is told that, in order to save the estate and family name, he must marry money.

But he loves Mary Thorne.

There are lots of female characters both intelligent, thoughtful and giving as well as condescending, hypocritical and arrogant. Trollope gets a few Christian names mixed up but what is that between sisters?

In the day when a woman’s inheritance is given over without quibble to her husband and she is not informed of anything that is wholly her business, including her birth, relations and fortune, Mary Thorne is indeed a “good girl” and heroine of this story.

Hypocrisy is the theme of this Victorian novel. Good blood is everything except where money is concerned. A humorous well told story that stands up well against Austen, Eliot, Dickens and Gaskell, I enjoyed it very much.

Recently finished reading ‘The things we never say’ (2026) by Elizabeth StroutThis is a family story about a secret, one...
01/08/2026

Recently finished reading ‘The things we never say’ (2026) by Elizabeth Strout

This is a family story about a secret, one that some know and others don’t. It is set during an election in the USA and looks at the division it causes between family, neighbours and friends, people who used to “agree to disagree”. Strout writes such a depth to each character that it’s difficult to believe they’re not real. A very enjoyable read.

“Strout is a brilliant chronicler of the ambiguity and delicacy of the human condition “

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11 Tyne Street
Oamaru
9400

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Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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