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georgebcrawford's review against another edition
5.0
God DAMN. What a book. I just smashed it in a single day. I lost track of my tears. So much brutality, senseless loss, mystery, longing...but also hope, happiness, humour. It also felt like *home*. I loved cocky Beth, watchful Tommy, and protective Jade (even though she misguidedly protected people from herself).
mitchlagera's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.5
lilanye's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
4.5
The novel starts with Taukiri leaving his younger brother Ārama at their aunt’s place and setting off in his car. They are both trying to come to terms with the recent loss of their parents. Ari covers every hurt and ache with bandaids, Tauk turns to music, drink and drugs. Tauk and Ari are part of a cycle no one asked for; of gang violence, domestic violence, hurt and sorrow. The novel takes place in South Island in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
What ensues is a strong narrative on intergenerational trauma, how violence, poverty, hopelessness can be inherited and how hard - almost impossible - it can be to leave. This is a heavy and extremely sad read. It is absolutely heartbreaking to read about these characters, but I also didn’t feel at any point that we were entering trauma p0rn territory.
The prose is raw and emotive. The narrators’ voices feel authentic to their age and life experiences. I like the narrative structure, the sneaking in of the mom’s voice, of descriptive passages and belief.
The book might be possibly a little overwritten and because of the narrative style it was a little challenging to keep track of who was who in the beginning.
As a whole Āue is an amazing book, both in its themes and prose. I truly recommend it. Just check the trigger warnings first.
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Racism
bruntosaur's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
judeeton's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I rate a lot of books highly but I think this may be the best book I ever read. Very sad but hopeful. So nuanced. A tale of generational trauma and forgiveness. I think I need to read it again to really absorb all of it. I couldn’t put it down at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Racism, Suicide, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Drug use, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Blood, Car accident, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, and Vomit
Definitely a heavy book topic wise but well worth the readbluefelix's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tamtasticbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
vnessa_angelina's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
As we move through the POV of Taukiri and Ari, the two sons, we slowly pieced together how their present situation came about. But when the author uncovered the voice of Jade was when everything started to make sense and the middle part of the book was quite gripping.
Being able to sneak a peak into a family saga with strong cultural and historical undercurrent always feel foreign yet intimate. Dare I say a little intrusive at times but i suppose that’s how you connect with specific characters.
A nice paced read that has enough twists that kept me keep going.
Being able to sneak a peak into a family saga with strong cultural and historical undercurrent always feel foreign yet intimate. Dare I say a little intrusive at times but i suppose that’s how you connect with specific characters.
A nice paced read that has enough twists that kept me keep going.