Reviews

Auē by Becky Manawatu

meghar's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Drug use, Gun violence, Murder, Self harm, Abandonment, Misogyny, Death, Drug abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Pregnancy, Car accident, and Vomit

Minor: Miscarriage

iam_ofuje's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

pariswishnowsky's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars!
I've been thinking of how to put into words the beauty of this book. Becky Manawatu has such a way with words and made this story so touching and heartbreaking. I felt such a strong connection to the characters, particularly besties Ari & Beth, and reading from a childs POV feelings of pain and sorrow, but also feelings of hope. While this story was a tragedy, it was also a story of determination, dreams, and family ties. I could not put this book down, in sheer nervousness of what was going to happen next. I will be thinking of these characters and their journeys for a long time.

lumma_eck's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

abbyjohnsn's review against another edition

5.0

If you can read and you are a kiwi you should read this book

lhudson's review against another edition

sad medium-paced

3.0

sarah_dietrich's review against another edition

5.0

Ouch, my heart. Amazing.

georgia_sara93's review against another edition

challenging dark sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ari has to now live with his Aunty Kat and Uncle Stu after his parents die and his brother Taukiri drops him off promising to come back. Aūe is the Māori word for wail. This book looks at pain. All kinds of long pains from numerous characters. 

This book is incredible. This book is pain. So much pain. And finding healing. I cannot find words to justify it myself. Other readers like @littleredwrites have written reviews on this which are worth looking in to. But this book so far has not received anywhere near the level of hype it deserves. If you want more representation in your reading and done with the power of grief and attempts at healing - this book is for you. I just cannot recommend it enough. 

janayeh's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Death, Animal death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Racism, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Child death, Death of parent, and Grief

heidinay's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is heart-wrenching and emotionally devastating. You will cry. But it's powerful and beautiful and maybe read it anyway if you have the spoons for that... but you should definitely know what you're getting into.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction and Violence

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Drug abuse, and Sexual assault

Minor: Racism and Suicide attempt