A review by oliviarosestanley
The Space Between by Lauren Keenan

tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Space Between is a great novel for anyone looking to experience the history of Aotearoa/New Zealand. This work of historical fiction centres around a British settler woman (Frances) and a Māori wāhine (Matāria) in Ngāmotu (New Plymouth), in early 1860. 

The contrast between these two characters provides an ideological interplay between colonialism and Te Ao Mārama (the Māori world/knowledge) and Keenan maintains this tense atmosphere throughout the novel. Matāria’s chapters bring into sharp focus how frivolous Frances’s concerns are and how the settler perspective led to violence. Keenan cleverly uses the space between Frances and Matāria to explore these themes. 

You can tell this is written by a historian as the details Keenan picks up on in her prose really bring the era to life. I think this would be a great read for anyone seeking to understand what led to the Land Wars and their ongoing conflicts.