Reviews tagging 'Car accident'

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

6 reviews

colormecaro's review against another edition

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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. 
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racheltrow_'s review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective fast-paced
  • 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

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wytherwytch's review against another edition

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emotional funny sad medium-paced
  • 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

I really loved the colourful characters in this book. I would love to read more about their lives! 
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melodyseestrees's review against another edition

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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

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jayisreading's review against another edition

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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.
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bexi's review against another edition

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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

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