A review by 2treads
Auē by Becky Manawatu
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
— No one played songs here. No one listened to music or told stories... Maybe the day my family stopped existing, I did too. — Ari
Manawatu's Auē is affecting and carries the weight of the meaning of its title, which is felt from page to page. Our characters are battling with loss and trauma, with abuse and abandonment. There seems little to be joyful about under these circumstances and yet small niches of hope and happiness are sought and found, enjoyed even though they come with the press of grief.
The oppressive weight of each of our characters situations and experiences is felt as they each push through and attempt at living life the best they can. Even if it means running away, enduring domestic abuse, leaving behind loved ones for fear of bringing pain to their door, and refusing to face a grief that when acknowledged and borne together brings a special kind of healing.
Her prose is sharp and fierce and serves this story well. Auē will leave its mark of tears and beauty on readers.
Manawatu's Auē is affecting and carries the weight of the meaning of its title, which is felt from page to page. Our characters are battling with loss and trauma, with abuse and abandonment. There seems little to be joyful about under these circumstances and yet small niches of hope and happiness are sought and found, enjoyed even though they come with the press of grief.
The oppressive weight of each of our characters situations and experiences is felt as they each push through and attempt at living life the best they can. Even if it means running away, enduring domestic abuse, leaving behind loved ones for fear of bringing pain to their door, and refusing to face a grief that when acknowledged and borne together brings a special kind of healing.
Her prose is sharp and fierce and serves this story well. Auē will leave its mark of tears and beauty on readers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Pregnancy, Body horror, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Suicide