1985, A Novel (2025) by Dominic Hoey

Key Takeaways

• Longlisted for 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards
• Set in 1985 Auckland underclass, pre‑gentrification
• Follows eleven‑year‑old Obi navigating poverty and family turmoil
• Mixes humor with stark social commentary on intergenerational hardship
• Highlights multicultural tensions and youth resilience in NZ

Summary

Dominic Hoey’s third novel, *1985, a Novel*, has been longlisted for the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Set in a multicultural, pre‑gentrification Auckland of 1985, the story follows eleven‑year‑old Obi as he navigates poverty, family dysfunction and a treasure‑hunt fantasy. Hoey blends humor with stark social realism, exposing intergenerational hardship and the underclass experience in New Zealand. The book’s vivid portrayal of a struggling household has drawn praise from critics and readers alike.

Pulse Analysis

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards have become a barometer for the country’s literary pulse, and Dominic Hoey’s *1985, a Novel* joining the longlist underscores a shift toward narratives that confront socioeconomic disparity. Hoey, already known for *Iceland* and *Poor People With Money*, leverages his poet‑playwright background to craft a prose style that feels both lyrical and gritty, resonating with readers seeking authenticity beyond commercial best‑sellers. This recognition not only elevates Hoey’s profile but also signals publishers’ willingness to invest in stories rooted in local, under‑examined histories.

Set against the backdrop of 1985 Auckland, the novel captures a city on the cusp of gentrification, where multicultural neighborhoods grapple with poverty, crime, and familial instability. Through the eyes of Obi, an eleven‑year‑old with a Star Wars nickname, Hoey juxtaposes childlike wonder—arcade games, treasure maps—with the harsh realities of food insecurity and parental neglect. The narrative’s humor softens the blow, yet it never shies away from exposing systemic failures, making the book a compelling case study for sociocultural scholars and policymakers alike.

For the market, *1985, a Novel* offers a fresh entry point into New Zealand’s contemporary fiction, appealing to both domestic readers and international audiences intrigued by underclass stories. Its blend of coming‑of‑age adventure and social critique positions it for potential adaptation into film or series, where visual storytelling could amplify its themes of resilience and cultural tension. As literary consumers increasingly prioritize diverse perspectives, Hoey’s work is poised to influence future publishing trends, encouraging more authors to explore the nuanced layers of New Zealand’s urban history.