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katherinew 's review for:
Turncoat
by Tīhema Baker
challenging
reflective
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:
Complicated
I enjoyed this book, but I felt like I was being thumped over the head with the allegory. I think if it’s going to help Pākehā understand more what it’s like to be Māori, the allegory needs to be a bit less obvious. I am thinking of the Biblical story of David being a told a story of injustice by Nathan and demanding punishment for the perpetrator, and then Nathan says, “It’s you!” In this story the perpetrator can see what’s coming.
However, I felt that the allegory in Turncoat got stronger as the book went on, and it did give me a glimpse of what it might be like for a Māori public servant - ouch.
Tīhema Baker’s “New Zealander of the Year” was more confronting for me! https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/new-zealander-of-the-year/
However, I felt that the allegory in Turncoat got stronger as the book went on, and it did give me a glimpse of what it might be like for a Māori public servant - ouch.
Tīhema Baker’s “New Zealander of the Year” was more confronting for me! https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/new-zealander-of-the-year/
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Colonisation