Pav Deconstructed: Pavlova Through the Eyes of Everyday Kiwis

We all have a pavlova tale to tell. That surprising observation during a merry dinner sparked a two-year quest for the real pavlova, the one seen on Kiwi tables, and not just through the glossy photos of a recipe book. Pav Deconstructed brings together experiences and imaginings from everyday Kiwis (and some international imposters) in a collection that shows pavlova is not just a dessert, it is community. Whether you love pavlova or hate it, why not dig right in? You might just find yourself inside.

What Readers Say

A volume filled with sticky ingredients and held together by Kiwi humour, this book gathers poems, art, stories and songs under one colourful cover. It opens with an introduction by Andrew Paul Wood (New Zealand) and Annabelle Utrecht (Australia), and is sprinkled throughout with newspaper clippings, quips, cartoons and even a suggestion for a new postage stamp series. There is also a recipe for a humdinger of a gin fizz with a pav twist. But beware: the endings are not always sweet. For some, frothy egg whites lead to darker stories from family histories. Pain and loss may lurk under the fluff, and sometimes our obsessions run deep. This eclectic and colourful collection invites readers into the many layers of pavlova.

Michelle Elvy, author of the everrumble and the other side of better:

Let me say at the outset that I loathe pavlova. Dislike it immensely. The very thought of it puts my teeth on edge. I can almost feel the grittiness of all of that sugar just by thinking about it. And don't get me started on the soft meringue middle. Ugh! But I love this book all about my least favourite dessert. It's joyful, funny, witty and charming. The design is delicious. It is a wonderful book, and I predict it will sell well. I hope so. Like a perfect version of the baked pudding it heroes, the book has been a labour of love.

The anecdotes are relatable, enjoyable and amusing. The illustrations are delightfully quirky, and while there are too many highlights to mention, I put forward a glorious double-page spread on pages 48 and 49 as but one example. I love the cover, the end plates of mushy meringue-like layers, and I particularly admire the design detail of a perfectly placed page-turner. This is just perfection to my way of thinking. Unlike pavlova.

Peta Stavelli, NZ Booklovers