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colormecaro's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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? N/A
5.0
I’ve seen some reviews about how it is wrong that the book about female empowerment is told from a man’s perspective and was a bit worried. But honestly it didn’t bother me at all and I pretty much read this book in one sitting.
The uncle is the right person to tell the story and I’d have found it weirder if the male author had forced a female perspective throughout. It also gives insights that wouldn’t have been possible from a female perspective because they were excluded up to that point (and yes, that fact contributes to the point of the book).
Despite all that, I still wish we had some insight into Kahu’s perspective because I can only imagine the complexity and beauty. Maybe it’s a good thing it wasn’t included because it leaves that part up to my imagination.
I also loved the Māori folklore throughout.
The uncle is the right person to tell the story and I’d have found it weirder if the male author had forced a female perspective throughout. It also gives insights that wouldn’t have been possible from a female perspective because they were excluded up to that point (and yes, that fact contributes to the point of the book).
Despite all that, I still wish we had some insight into Kahu’s perspective because I can only imagine the complexity and beauty. Maybe it’s a good thing it wasn’t included because it leaves that part up to my imagination.
I also loved the Māori folklore throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Animal death, Grief, Animal cruelty, and Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Xenophobia, Racism, and Car accident
traceyanderson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Death of parent
melodyseestrees's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Blood, Sexism, and Animal death
Moderate: Racism, Body shaming, Car accident, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent, Colonisation, Death, Racism, and Xenophobia
jayisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
I normally would not have picked up a book like this, but there was a book challenge category to read something by an author from Aotearoa (aka New Zealand), so here we are. Having very limited knowledge of Maori culture and history, The Whale Rider was really eye-opening to read. I truly enjoyed this immersive learning experience, as well as being given the opportunity to contemplate themes of nature, myth, family, and community.
When it comes to the actual storytelling itself, I didn’t enjoy it as much. The characters felt underdeveloped and the pacing was all over the place (it was especially strange when the narrator left home to go to Papua New Guinea and Sydney for a few chapters). I can also see that Ihimaera wanted to weave together myth and reality, but I didn’t find it very effective.
I still think it’s worth picking this up, especially to learn more about the Maori. I certainly feel compelled to read more works by Maori authors now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racism and Car accident
bexi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Blood, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racism, Car accident, and Body shaming
Minor: Death, Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Death of parent
jackelz's review against another edition
hopeful
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? Yes
This is the story of Kahu, as told by her uncle Rawiri.
Koro Apirana, Kahu’s great-grandfather, is the chief of a Māori tribe in Whāngārā; this tribe claims descent from the legendary 'whale rider'.
In every generation since the whale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir, there's only Kahu. She should be the next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl.
Nanny Flowers, her great-grandmother, is descended from a female dominated tribe, and believes that women can do anything that a man can and more so if given the chance. She and Rawiri are the only ones that see how special Kahu is; after all, she is named for the tribe's ancestor Kahutia Te Rangi who could speak to whales.
This book was originally published in 1987 and become a movie in 2002 — and I would’ve loved to see more female heroes as I was growing up, but I’m glad I discovered this book now. It’s such a special story infused with Māori culture and hope for a better future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexism, and Animal cruelty
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