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grebegirl'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? It's complicated
4.0
I had seen the movie and loved it. The book was a bit slow to start but once it got into it I really loved the progression of the characters, the mythology. and the inclusion of the whales as characters in their own right.
I found Koru Apirana absolutely infuriating.. the old Paka! But I loved Nanny Flowers and Rawiri. I also enjoyed the humour interspersed that lightened the story.
Graphic: Sexism and Animal death
Moderate: Animal cruelty
Minor: Death of parent, Racism, Colonisation, Grief, Blood, Body shaming, and Car accident
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
emjayknocks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Animal death
racheltrow_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death and Misogyny
Moderate: 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
sarahgordon327's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Graphic: Animal death
zorhose'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
3.75
Graphic: Animal death
traceyanderson's review
- 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