A review by raynatuina
Nights In The Gardens Of Spain by Witi Ihimaera

challenging emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I only have so much stomach/capacity for penile references, and although NITGOS surpassed that measure, Ihimaera still managed to hook this Sappho in.

I enjoyed the extended metaphor of   Peter Pan and thought it brilliantly captured the supressed development of us queer folks in a cis-heteronormative society.

Also, a must-flag, Ihimaera writes through the pov of a Pākehā protag — a choice I found interesting. Although I might be looking for gold that aint there, I interpret the choice as highlighting the whiteness of queer spaces and how it can toxically exotify BBIPOC & indegenious realities.
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