The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Category: Māori Fiction
Kāwai: For Such A Time As This – Monty Soutar
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS In the opening pages a 19-year-old man walks onto his family Marae and asks the local koroua about his whanau’s history. The man’s answer is provided over the following 300-odd pages. He tells of Kaitanga, born 1734 into a… Continue Reading “Kāwai: For Such A Time As This – Monty Soutar”
Better The Blood – Michael Bennett
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS NZ Crime fiction. Detective Hana Westerman chases down a serial killer who is undertaking utu, avenging past atrocities against Māori. Offers insight into New Zealand’s often controversial justice system. ● At first I was surprised to hear a crime… Continue Reading “Better The Blood – Michael Bennett”
Potiki – Patricia Grace
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Suzy Potiki tells the story of land developers who have their eye on coastal Māori land for commercial development with no understanding of the community’s needs or of their strong connection to the land. Grace (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te… Continue Reading “Potiki – Patricia Grace”
Kurangaituku – Whiti Hereaka
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Kurangaituku is the story of Hatupatu told from the perspective of Kurangaituku, the bird woman. The traditional story is told from the view of Hatupatu. He is out hunting and is captured by the bird woman who imprisons him in her cave in the mountains. Hatupatu… Continue Reading “Kurangaituku – Whiti Hereaka”
The Matriarch – Witi Ihimaera
READ FOR BOOKCLUBChosen by Jo Tama Mahana is a grown man analysing the mystique and ambition of his grandmother, the matriarch of his family. But to truely appreciate the paths she has taken, he must study Māori mythology and New Zealand history. Tama is… Continue Reading “The Matriarch – Witi Ihimaera”
From The Centre: A Writer’s Life – Patricia Grace
READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS The memoir of writer Patricia Grace ❝Patricia Grace (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Āti Awa) is a stalwart of New Zealand literature and someone whose work I have read a lot of and deeply admired. So her memoir was… Continue Reading “From The Centre: A Writer’s Life – Patricia Grace”
The Whale Rider – Witi Ihimaera
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Suzy Kahu Apirana is a 12-year-old Maori girl who wants to become the chief of her tribe, but must battle her great-grandfather to make herself heard. ♥ “Maori chief Koro Apirana is angered when his grandson’s wife gives birth… Continue Reading “The Whale Rider – Witi Ihimaera”
The Bone People – Keri Hulme
READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Suzy Joe Gillayley is a widower who maintains a love-hate relationship with his mute, adoptive son, Simon. Both male characters are prone to violence. Kerewin is a reclusive painter who comes into their lives. Set on NZ’s West Coast,… Continue Reading “The Bone People – Keri Hulme”
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