A review by booksweread
The Mires by Tina Makereti

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Gentle but powerful storytelling... just like the swamps, rivers and water inlets waiting to runneth over and cleanse the land.

Gosh I love a book right in the midst of my confort zone, and I never want to leave. The Mires is that for me. At its heart it’s a story of identity, family and belonging, laced with social commentary on racism, xenophobia, extremism, social welfare and climate change.

It’s written so well, fiercely beautiful and unapologetic.

Relatable, flawed characters, all struggung with real issues with Wai becoming one of my most favourite angsty teen characters ever, and I loved her connection to water encompassing both strength and gentleness The Swamp POV chapters was a masterful addition. An abundance of Maori language and culture which brought such richness to the story and writing, even if I didn't completely understand it all. I don't need to.

Please read this book.

And please read more Indigenous stories.