A review by notsailingalone
Kurangaituku by Whiti Hereaka

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is a gorgeous book. It is divided into Miromiro/Te Kore (the void) and Ruru/Te Pō (the darkness). Although it is meant to be read either way, I read Te Kore first and found that very helpful in understanding the motivations of Kura in Te Pō. 
This book will not hold your hand and say "this means this and that means that". It centres Māori Mātauranga and Te Ao Māori. You might want to read basic Māori creation stories to help you understand more of the story and have Te Aka/maoridictionary.co.nz right there while reading if you feel uncertain of the worldview. 

This is one of the most creative and beautifully written books that I have read in a long time. It is not only a retelling of a story but a contemplation of the cycles of life, love, learning, what it means to tell stories, creativity, colonisation, and being a consumer of stories. It can be horrifying and beautiful at the same time. The descriptions of te ngahere are vivid. Kurangaituku is both terrifying and engaging as a character. This is one that I will think about for a long time.  
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