Sideways New Zealand

The Road Back

From bestselling author Rex Pickett comes Sideways New Zealand, the next delightfully dark and funny novel in the Sideways series.

Miles Raymond thought things were going relatively well.

Miles, the now iconic alter ego of author Rex Pickett—who was first introduced in the critically acclaimed book Sideways and its award-winning movie adaptation—resurfaces on the South Island of New Zealand. All he has in life is a half hectare of Pinot Noir, a guest cottage where his days are numbered, a special needs cat named Max, and a winemaker partner pressing him for a more committed relationship.

These modest assets are balanced by the impending publication of Miles’s new novel, A Year of Pure Feeling. His fledgling publicist has arranged for a book tour that will take Miles along the east coast of New Zealand, from Oamaru to Auckland, to a series of increasingly interesting Kiwi book clubs. In a six-ton camper van! In the winter!

Jack Manse, after a divorce and a financial disaster, has reinvented himself and gleefully volunteers to copilot, too delighted at the prospect of a road trip and a reunion with Miles to heed his friend’s objections.

Alternately blackly comical and poignantly heartbreaking, what started as a book tour through New Zealand becomes a journey through Miles’s soul.

©2024 Rex Pickett (P)2024 Blackstone Publishing

Miles Finds A Reason

Like everyone else, I’ve waited patiently for this book or anything Rex Pickett decided to write and this did not disappoint.

Similar to other books in the trilogy you become a cheerleader for Miles and wish him to find his happiness. Max was a plus who I grew to love even being a dog lover so I am posed to say I could be a lover of other species as well.

I stayed on the edge of my seat in suspense of what would happen next. When I thought I had it figured out, “The Beast”, took a turn.

I was excited about the new characters and of course Jack, this story wouldn’t have been the same without him.

So slow moving

I love how Rex Pickett can turn a phrase. Unfortunately I think he decided to turn too many phrases in this tortoise-paced version of Sideways New Zealand. I found myself skipping minutes of ponderous, redundant dialog and not missing a beat on the story. It could be half the size and be a very good book.

Great conclusion

Fantastic cap off the Rex Pickett's sideways series. Narration at its finest. A must read for fans of the trilogy.

Wonderful

Great ending to the series. Love every minute of it.
Love Rex’s work and Scott Brick is an excellent narrator.