Reviews

Potiki by Patricia Grace

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This is a book I've been meaning to read since it was an assigned reading for some of my friends in other English classes in high school. Once I started reading, I realised I had read the beginning before, though I don't remember when.

It is written beautifully, with poetry woven intricately throughout. It makes great use of New Zealand as a character, and the symbols, traditions and natural surroundings that can be found in our small country. Many people feel, and sometimes I am among them, that Maori culture is too readily used as a cheap substitute for real symbolism and emotion, and for authentic cultural and spiritual settings. Potiki does not give me this feeling. It reads as authentic, real. It is not trying to be spiritual, it just is.

I have given this book 5 stars, even though I don't think it necessarily deserves them all. I love the way it is written, but I do find the Christian references somewhat disturbing (

Spoiler

mystic, prophetic son of Mary and Joseph conceived without Mary's loss of innocence performs miracles, feeds the people and dies but is reborn

). However, I enjoyed reading magic realism in a New Zealand novel and as I continue to explore New Zealand literature, I hope to find more like this.

purrplenerd's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

3.5

er_daisy's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

bendrury_'s review

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Content Warnings

hannahgarstang's review

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One of the most important books I've ever read.

I think every person in Aotearoa should read this, because it nurtures our emotional understanding of our shared history. Reaffirming for tāngata whenua. And an opportunity to learn for Pākehā and tauiwi.

I fully intend to re-read this in years to come, as i travel along my own journey.