Slipping into Paradise by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson (2005, Paperback, Reprint)

Very witless and boring. Not long does the reader begin to relate with the Kiwi viewpoint; this guy tends to talks too much and pointlessly. Inadvertently becoming a published example of the tall-poppy, which as the author describes is a common egalitarian perspective among New Zealanders.

Although this book can be potentially encouraging to those interested in a prolonged migration to New Zealand, but only of marginal help. Rambling highlights are given from the author's psychoanalytic interpretation of national history and natural beauty. Not to forget the personally guided tour North to South privileged with mundane details, a few color photos and a glossary.

What I found most interesting was the author's conversation with Sir Edmund Hillary, but I skimmed most of the book with increasing loss of attention. I was hoping to find an intimate connection into the soul of New Zealand and was severely disappointed. It's not much better than a guidebook full of facts and stats. The book does not deliver entirely what it implies. Leaves a bit to be desired, even edited.