A review by cecereads__
Auē by Becky Manawatu

5.0

I loved this story so, so very much that I was sad to finish it. I read the last 100 pages in one go. I could not close the book and let it go. I had to stay with it and with them. I will be unable to let them go any time soon. 
I loved the Kiwi and te reo that lined the pages of this book.
I could not have asked for a better book to begin the year with.

I felt helpless as when reading about Stu in particular and wanting to actually end him. A fascinating experience to have such a visceral reaction. Sunset, Hash and Coon as well as the racist slurs making my blood boil too. I had to laugh out loud though when they were shouting while camping. And tearing up a little. It was beautifully written and deeply tragic at the same time. I love that the family came together in the end. Just as I am heartbroken for Beth and Tommy for losing their spark and each other (and themselves).

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail