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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
Narrative development is a bit uneven, at times, but the second half of the book really shines.
One of my key determinants of a five-star rating is how likely I am to recommend a book to any and all people around me, and this book gets a solid five. The premise of the novel is brilliant: a future where Aliens have colonised the Earth, and Humans are second-class citizens suffering a multitude of injustices due to the persistent disregard of the Covenant of Wellington, the historic agreement signed between Humans and Aliens. Sound familiar? The protagonist is someone with Human and Alien parentage, aiming to improve life for Humans by changing the system from within.
Aside from the lacerating but accurate commentary on Aotearoa New Zealand history - and politics more broadly - Baker also hits the bulls-eye with his depiction of public sector work. I also appreciated the comedic nods to unique bits of AoNZ/Wellington culture (as a migrant I am sure I missed some of them!).
Unreserved and high recommendation for this book.
Aside from the lacerating but accurate commentary on Aotearoa New Zealand history - and politics more broadly - Baker also hits the bulls-eye with his depiction of public sector work. I also appreciated the comedic nods to unique bits of AoNZ/Wellington culture (as a migrant I am sure I missed some of them!).
Unreserved and high recommendation for this book.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed this book, but I felt like I was being thumped over the head with the allegory. I think if it’s going to help Pākehā understand more what it’s like to be Māori, the allegory needs to be a bit less obvious. I am thinking of the Biblical story of David being a told a story of injustice by Nathan and demanding punishment for the perpetrator, and then Nathan says, “It’s you!” In this story the perpetrator can see what’s coming.
However, I felt that the allegory in Turncoat got stronger as the book went on, and it did give me a glimpse of what it might be like for a Māori public servant - ouch.
Tīhema Baker’s “New Zealander of the Year” was more confronting for me! https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/new-zealander-of-the-year/
However, I felt that the allegory in Turncoat got stronger as the book went on, and it did give me a glimpse of what it might be like for a Māori public servant - ouch.
Tīhema Baker’s “New Zealander of the Year” was more confronting for me! https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/new-zealander-of-the-year/
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Colonisation
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An excellent book detailing the travels and tribulations of a half Human/Alien hybrid as they try and find their place in the vast galaxy. It also details quite well the very real struggles of indigenous identity within a world that is becoming more and more hybridised either from colonial bravado / conquest or from the inter-connectivity of everyone's global reach on Earth.
The author demonstrates excellent world building skill and how the characters exist within it. Plenty of very good and provocative questions are asked throughout the book that allows this reader to stop and think about before continuing.
I certainly found the book enriching, though I believe the ending was a tad too short and tried to tie things up too neatly, rather letting some plot threads lie loose, giving the possibility of following onto a new story.
The author demonstrates excellent world building skill and how the characters exist within it. Plenty of very good and provocative questions are asked throughout the book that allows this reader to stop and think about before continuing.
I certainly found the book enriching, though I believe the ending was a tad too short and tried to tie things up too neatly, rather letting some plot threads lie loose, giving the possibility of following onto a new story.
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was such a clever concept and executed so well. It ended in such a realistic way and I hate colonisation :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Colonisation
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Police brutality, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes