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My Marian Year is about the daily life of a ten-year-old boy growing up in a Catholic working class family in suburban Auckland in 1954. The story's interest lies in the way the narrator, John 'Johnny Boy' Little, gives us the petty details of his simple life, and of Catholic life, in the 'fifties, month-by-month, and how he - curious and sceptical - saw and related to his family, school, church, shops and the people of the Auckland neighbourhood he called home.

That everyone and everything in his little life during this one year was so undistinguished, ordinary and typical of the times - except perhaps in its climax - means that the modern reader receives a simple, unvarnished, plain-language taste of life in the suburban New Zealand of the past. As a result My Marian Year appeals equally to the old and young: the old recognise themselves in the story, with poignant reminders of their own childhood, while the young are fascinated if not astonished by how much life in New Zealand has changed in just fifty-odd years.

My Marian Year takes its title from the fact that Pope Pius XII declared that 1954 was to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary and called a 'Marian Year'. Catholics all over the world were then required to direct their devotions to the Virgin Mary throughout the year, in particular by daily praying the rosary.

My Marian Year

$34.50

Also available internationally from Amazon and Kindle.

A few typical reader reviews:

I loved this gentle book about a Catholic boy growing up in New Zealand,the year is 1954 and we follow his ups and downs through each month of that year. Robert Philip Bolton's writing flows effortless from one subject to another. Brought back many forgotten memories so enjoyable. A must read for all ages. A beautifully written joy of a book.

Madeleine Robinson

I just want to let you know how much I have enjoyed your book ‘My Marian Year’. It was on my son-in-law’s bedside table and I just picked it up thinking it would be a light read, perhaps not so interesting as I do not know a lot about New Zealand's past, but what a treasure trove of memories I found! Although not raised in a Catholic school I converted and taught in Catholic schools for many years. The stories of the sisters were so real as was the devotion of so many parents - so intense. So many rules!! I loved the games the children played, jacks, chasies and French cricket. I loved the Rawleighs man (one used to visit us on the farm). I loved the visits to the city and the cinemas. It was like a repeat of my life. Perhaps saddest yet loveliest story was of your mum and dad’s marriage and working so hard to make it work after having spent so many years apart and becoming such different people, yet obviously creating a magical life for you! I cannot explain how I felt about the Epilogue. Tears of joy and sadness, such beautiful words, so beautifully expressed. I think I have just completed one of the best books I have read in my life and I am an insatiable reader. Thank you so much.

With much respect.

Jackie (Australia)

I bought your book ‘My Marian Year’ for my brother but of course I read it first. I really enjoyed it. It reflected my family’s experience during the Marian year and also our Catholic upbringing to a ‘t’. ... I thought the detail you put into your book was remarkable and it was a very enjoyable and literate read. I know that my brother will really enjoy it as well.

Julie Girvan

Absolutely loving 'My Marian Year'! Got the feeling that you were looking over my shoulder as I grew up, though!

Cathrine West, Wellington

A simple and heartwarming story of daily life in suburban New Zealand in 1954.

Full of detail and always informative, entertaining and amusing. Equally enjoyable for young and old.