I chose this book for the "Expanding Horizons Challenge" for two reasons. One, I have a recent new found interest in the Maori culture (which I don't have to explain to you, Constant Reader). And two, I loved the movie. So let me just say here and now that if you also loved the movie, you should do yourself a favor and read the book.
You all know the story...Kahu is a little Maori girl whose crotchety old grandfather (nicknamed Paka ~which is Maori for 'bugger') rejects because she was not born a boy, who would be able to take over leadership of the tribe. Kahu's heart is enormous, however, and she loves her Paka and would do anything to prove she is worthy of him.
The book goes much further into the myths and legends of the Maori people than the movie did, and I really enjoyed that and my heart absolutely constricted for this little girl who wanted nothing more in the whole world than for her grandfather to love her. Urgh. Wrenching is the only word for it.
For those of you who have seen the movie...the book goes into far more detail about what happened at the end with Kahu and the whale, so if you are at all curious about that, this short novel is well worth a read.
I would love to read more by the author, Witi Ihimaera, but his books are dastardly hard to find (and Amazon is dead to me) and although I have friends in New Zealand (*waves to Juanita and Elizabeth*), I can't imagine how much it would cost to ship them (even if they could find them second-hand), so I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open for bargains (like always).
No sex, little violence...I recommend this book to one and all.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Whale Rider
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I loved the movie, but the book didn't capture my interest as much. Glad you liked it, though.
I loved this book when I read it. Thanks for such a nice review.
Sounds great. Shipping from that side of the world is insane. I've ordered from a bookstore in Australia. Once.
I read one of Witi Ihimaera's books for this challenge - Sky Dancer. I sent it to Adrienne, who is also doing the challenge. You could stalk her and see if she might send you the book when she's done. ;-D
Sounds interesting. I've never seen the movie or heard of the book...that's why I like challenges so much...exposing myself to new-to-me things :)
Melissa, that's interesting, I thought the movie kept pretty true to the book.
Thank you, Robin.
Bookfool, I know that sending a postcard to New Zealand costs 90 cents...A POSTCARD!! so I can imagine what a book costs.
Softdrink, ha hahaha. Maybe I will..I'm a little nuts that way.
Becky, do see the movie. It is wonderful. I love challenges for the same reason.
Thank you for this review and thank you for putting the book in your list in the first place, that's how I came to add it to my reading list as well. It was on my wishlist some time back, but then I forgot. Now I'm looking forward to it.
My book club is reading Whale Rider for February- it sounds like I can be looking forward to it (loved the movie!)
Great review. Makes me want to change my Native@ selection for this challenge.
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