Random House and The Press, 2013 edition
A fascinating review of Christchurch two years after the earthquakes' devastation, with analysis of the social, economic and demographic changes and implications. With its poignant images of the current state of Christchurch's inner city as well as the inspiring street art that has sprung up around the city, this book is also an excellent photographic record of where the city is at this point. It's two years since the massive Christchurch earthquakes completely reshaped the city, destroying the inner city and rendering the eastern suburbs largely unliveable. Much has been written about various aspects of the Christchurch recovery, but there has been no analysis of where the city stands now, what the overall situation is, and where it looks to be heading. This book is not just about buildings, it's also about the social, economic and demographic impacts on the city and its surrounds. A City Recovers examines questions such as: How have businesses coped and what is their future? What will the social shape of Christchurch be with so many other cultures migrating there to work? What's the impact on children - is there a parallel with growing up during the Blitz? What happens when you lose an entire suburb of a city? How does a community respond to disaster on such a massive scale? and much more. The extensive text by The Press's team of experienced reporters gives an up-to-the-minute and expert insight into all the factors surrounding Christchurch's recent tragic past and challenging yet promising future....