Her Samuel Johnson Prize-winning Stasiland told the stories of those who resisted the dictatorship of East Germany, while the Miles Franklin Prize-winning All That I Am was an homage to anti-Hitler activists living bravely in exile in London.
Her latest book, Wifedom – where she upends the legacy of George Orwell to reveal his overlooked wife – has been hailed as a masterpiece.
She talks to RNZ’s Susie Ferguson.
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Arrive early and explore the Aotea Arts Quarter. The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, Q Theatre and plenty of dining options are all within a short walk.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Aotea Centre is in Aotea Square on Queen Street, in the heart of the city centre. Te Waihorotiu Station is nearby, with frequent bus services along Queen Street and surrounding streets. If driving, The Civic Car Park is the closest option. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
More info
He pārongo atu anō