Reviews tagging 'Colonisation'

How to Loiter in a Turf War: An Autobiographical Novel by Jessica Hansell (Coco Solid)

3 reviews

alsoapples's review against another edition

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funny reflective 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? No

5.0

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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 How to Loiter in a Turf War is a wonderfully vibrant novel that follows three young Māori and Pasifika women - Te Hoia, Q, and Rosina - in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, with the city very much being a character in its own right. I loved their no nonsense, call out bad behaviour when they see it attitude, and the way they have each other’s backs. I loved their political and social awareness and the fact that they are clearly thriving and living joyous lives despite problems like racism, sexism colonisation, and gentrification. The way the work of a fictional academic Piopi Ruta-Chris was incorporated was a fun element that added additional food for thought. I loved the way this story shone a spotlight on creative pursuits and on the multicultural strengths of Auckland. Far too often Māori and Pasifika people, especially young people, are negatively portrayed and stereotyped. This work, which is subtitled “an autobiographical novel”, offers a strong retort against that. These young women are intellectual, hard working, concerned, kind, generous, and interested and involved in their communities. I loved sharing snippets of their lives with them. This book is fresh and energetic, joyous yet realistic, a total delight, thoroughly deserving of its place on the fiction longlist for the 2023 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. It would be wonderful to see it taught in secondary schools. 
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tlaynejones's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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