Reluctant Corporate Raider - Warwick Aiken

Warwick Aiken's first novel helps us define the post-war baby boomer generation, those who were born between 1945 and 1963. They were the children and grandchildren of two generations who experienced two world wars and in many instances were broken by these experiences.

Sometimes referred to as the spoilt generation, the boomers’ values and beliefs created the society - good and bad - that we have in Aotearoa New Zealand today.

Aiken's novel sweeps through three decades and four generations. The main characters evolve over 30 years. Sara, the spoilt daughter of the established rich; Adam, the ruthless entrepreneur, who exploits neo liberal economic reforms and a deregulated economy; Rory, the idealist; Blake SAS man; Christabel, the voice of reason; and Francis, the main character, whose values and beliefs are shaped by a rapidly changing world.

Christchurch, pre earthquake, provides a stunning and sometimes disturbing backdrop to a story that has literary merits and also has the tension of a thriller. This is a fascinating read that exposes the soft underbelly of New Zealand and issues in our politics, economy, and society that still need to be addressed and resolved today.

Defyd Williams, friend and teacher of history

Warwick Aiken, 2025. Paperback, 234 pages. 

Condition: new paperback.