Reviews

This book is so incredibly powerful. If you want to understand aroha, read this, and bring tissues. I teared up many times and outright cried once. Witi is a wordsmith and beautifully weaves in Māori traditions while telling a story of loss, love, and renewal.

jaimetiavale's review

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

andrewritchie's review

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emotional hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

lilcoppertop's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

antlersantlers's review against another edition

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4.0

I have a lot of feelings about this book. Tangi tells the story of a man going home for his father's funeral. He retraces old steps, both physical and emotional, as he goes from his everyday life to his traditional Maori home. Witi Ihimaera uses Maori songs and text to underscore the profound cultural connection and heartache this young man feels. The prose was simple and clear, which beautifully serves the themes and narrative tone. If you can get your hands on a copy (and that is a pretty big if), I definitely recommend reading it.

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