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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
really was not fond of this book, everyone said it was good. it was hard reading, the words, did not always make since and it was just weird, probably will not read anything else by her
Disturbing, yet at the same time incredibly insightful. Hulme does a magnificent job of showing each of the three primary characters in first person commentary. I felt I was able to understand the cosmology of each through each perspective.
Reading this in New Zealand helped me to appreciate the setting better than I would have at home - we even stayed in Okarito, where the author lives (and has a sign on her gate asking you not to come in). Not an easy or happy read, told from multiple points of view and often in a stream of consciousness style, this was difficult, but I'm glad I read it for the characters, setting and language. I must admit I have no interest in following her any further, though...
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
Content Warnings
Not for children. Not for those who are looking for things to be offended by
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Violence, Alcohol
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia, Pedophilia
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Breathtaking. This book/Keri Hulme is a gift and every New Zealander should read it (also, everyone else should read it). I couldn’t put it down - the characters are so beautiful, the content so challenging, and the sense of place and space so spectacular you feel like you are right there. I did feel torn about the neat ending - as others have pointed out, it jars a little with the rest of the book, which is harshly realistic. I’d like to think of it as Hulme’s knowingly optimistic, wishful, wistful ode to the way things should be and the way stories should end.