Alan Duff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alan Duff
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Duff in 2019
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| Born | 26 October 1950 Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Author |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Notable works |
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Alan Duff is a well-known New Zealand writer and newspaper columnist. He was born on October 26, 1950. He is most famous for writing the book Once Were Warriors (1990). This book was later made into a popular movie in 1994.
Contents
About Alan Duff's Life
Alan Duff grew up in Rotorua, New Zealand. His father, Gowan Duff, was a scientist, and his mother, Hinau Josephine Duff, was of Ngāti Rangitihi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent. Alan's grandfather, Oliver Duff, was also a writer and helped start the New Zealand Listener magazine. Alan inherited his grandfather's love for books and stories.
When Alan was 10, his parents separated. He then lived with a Māori uncle and aunt in Whakarewarewa. He wrote about his childhood experiences in his 1999 book, Out of the Mist and the Steam. Some of these experiences inspired his famous novel, Once Were Warriors.
Alan went to Rotorua Boys' High School but was later expelled. He also spent some time at Hamilton Boys' Home. Later, he lived with another uncle, anthropologist Roger Duff, and went back to school at Christchurch Boys' High School.
After finishing school, Alan worked in different jobs, including installing metal insulation. He also sang in a band. In the late 1970s, he lived in England for a while.
Alan Duff's Writing Career
Alan Duff started writing full-time in 1985. His first attempt at a novel was not published. He then began writing Once Were Warriors, which was released in 1990. This book quickly became very important and well-known. It won the PEN Best First Book Award. The book's unique style, using different characters' thoughts, made it stand out.
In 1991, his book One Night Out Stealing was published. It was also recognized in the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards.
Alan Duff also wrote weekly newspaper columns for The Evening Post and other newspapers. In these columns and in his 1993 book, Māori: The Crisis and the Challenge, he shared his thoughts on challenges faced by Māoridom. He encouraged Māori people to take opportunities and help themselves.
His book State Ward started as a radio series in 1993 and was published as a short novel in 1994.
Helping Kids Read: Duffy Books in Homes
In 1995, Alan Duff helped start the Duffy Books in Homes program with Christine Fernyhough. This program helps children from less fortunate backgrounds get books. The goal is to encourage them to read and improve their literacy skills. In its first year, the program gave about 180,000 new books to around 38,000 children. By 2008, the program had delivered 5 million books to schools across New Zealand.
Later Works and Adaptations
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? was published in 1996. This book is a follow-up to Once Were Warriors. It won an award in 1997 and was also made into a film in 1999.
Alan Duff wrote his own life story, Out of the Mist and the Steam, in 1999. His novel Szabad (2001) was his first book set outside New Zealand. It takes place in Budapest during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
Jake's Long Shadow (2002) is the third book in the Once Were Warriors series. In 2003, Once Were Warriors was even turned into a musical drama that was performed across New Zealand.
Alan Duff continues to write regularly for the New Zealand Herald newspaper.
Personal Life and Recognition
In 1995, Alan Duff was honored with the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to literature. This is a special award given for great achievements.
In 2011, Alan Duff faced financial difficulties. As of 2013, he was living in France but still visited New Zealand often.
