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colormecaro's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Sexism, Animal death, Grief, Animal cruelty, and Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Xenophobia, Racism, and Car accident
wytherwytch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Car accident, Misogyny, Blood, Animal death, and Racism
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Child abuse
ceallaighsbooks's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
“The sea scintillated with the sweetness of the old mother whale as she hovered near her ancient mate. Illuminated jellyfish exploded silvered starbursts through the dark depths. Far below, a river of phosphorescence lent lambent light to the abyss like a moonlit tide. The ocean was alive with noises: dolphin chatter, krill hiss, squid thresh, shark swirl, shrimp click, and, ever present, the strong swelling chords of the sea's constant rise and fall.”
“She was going with the whales into the sea and the rain. She was a small figure in a white dress, kicking at the whale as if it were a horse, her braids swinging in the rain. Then she was gone and we were left behind. Ko Paikea, ko Paikea.”
“Shall we live? Or shall we die?”
- more by Witi Ihimaera
- INTO THE WORLD OF LIGHT edited by Witi Ihimaera—TBR
- TE KAIHAU THE WINDEATER by Keri Hulme
- ROOT MAGIC by Eden Royce
- ELATSOE by Darcie Little Badger
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Misogyny
traceyanderson's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Death of parent
melodyseestrees's review against another edition
- 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
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
3.5
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.
Graphic: Sexism, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racism and Car accident
bexi's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexism, Blood, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racism, Car accident, and Body shaming
Minor: Death, Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Death of parent
daisyvb's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Animal cruelty
jackelz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Animal death, Sexism, and Animal cruelty