In The Press

"In Prophecy on the River, artist, anthropologist and environmentalist Judith Hoch describes her magical experiences with the people, land and history of New Zealand. Written in graceful, eloquent prose, this memoir tells how Hoch came to recognise in a very heartfelt and visceral way that her own spiritual rejuvenation, along with that of both indigenous Māori people and descendants of the colonial settlers, depends upon acquiring deep respect for rivers and forests, and appreciating the innate power of the natural world and its need for revitalization. Hoch writes of her efforts, with those of her husband John, to repopulate a forest preserve adjacent to her home on the South Island; her encounters with ancient, majestic trees and with spirits that inhabit waterways; and her struggle with neighbours who despoil the land. Her story is compelling, the narrative flows easily, and the overall experience is both moving and motivating." - Richard Schwartz, Emeritus Professor, Florida International University

"Judith Hoch has written an anthropological book with a very  personal difference. Much of Prophecy on the River is set around Wainui Bay on the eastern side of Golden Bay, where the author and her husband John McKie have come and gone for 40 years. Their 16 hectare (40 acre) forest block running up the hillside from the Wainui River has become their life's work; making tracks, planting trees, caring for them, and setting trap lines for predators. Real struggles have come from the environment, like the massive 2012 flood which isolated them for weeks.Throughout the book there are also tales of strange appearances of lights, divination and mediumship for the Wainui River and its woes, and appropriate solutions for the increasing toxicity which saddens everyone. At the book launch, I had to ask: How could a rationally trained anthropologist write such a mystical book? Her answer: "I'm 73, it's time for me to write how I feel, and bring together all I've learned over the years. In addition, in anthropology we have a tradition of researchers learning a new world view from the people they work with who hold quite different perspectives on the world of spirit." Quoting a well-known Maori whakatauki [proverb] that is central to Prophecy on the River, Judith says: "Look after the birds and the forest flourishes. If the forest flourishes, the birds flourish." - Gerard Hindmarsh, Nelson Mail

READERS SAY:

"Judith, I am enjoying your book. I don't want it to end. Love your story-telling style, looking forward to the next one. No pressure!" - Grant

"Reading now ... incredible, amazing, inspiring!" - Janice

"I never read a book twice. But I will your Prophecy on the River." - Sue

"I downloaded it an stayed up all night reading and weeping at your description of the rape of the land and the disenfranchisement of the Māori. The work is wonderful! Thank you for bringing it into the world." - Edwina