"We all have a pavlova tale to tell! This surprising observation during a merry dinner sparked a two-year quest for the real pavlova, the one seen on Kiwi tables, and not just through the photos in a recipe book. Pav Deconstructed brings together experiences and imaginings from everyday Kiwis (and some international imposters) in a collection that shows pavlova is not just a dessert, it is community. Whether you love pavlova or hate it, why not dig right in? You might find yourself inside. A volume filled with sticky ingredients, held together by Kiwi humour. Here readers will find poems, art, stories and songs - and a recipe for a humdinger of a gin fizz, with a pav twist. It opens with an introduction by Andrew Paul wood (New Zealand) and Annabelle Utrecht (Australia) and is sprinkled with newspaper clippings, quips and cartoons, and even a suggestion for a new postage stamp series. But beware: the endings are not always sweet. For some, frothy egg whites lead to darker stories from family histories. Pain and loss may lurk under the fluff and sometimes our obsessions run deep. This eclectic and colourful collection invites readers into the many layers of pavlova."