The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
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Book Reviews of The Whale Rider
Book Review: Beautiful, magical, ...
Summary: 5 Stars
I didn't know about the incredible Maori author Witi Ihimaera until I saw the movie. After seeing it, I had to read the book. Don't expect it to be just like the movie, but I highly recommend both the book and the movie. The basic question is can a girl be a Maori leader? I really enjoyed learning more about Maori traditions and beliefs as well as the wisdom of the elder characters. For example, I thought the custom of burying the birth cord was fascinating. The book had additional levels of folklore and mythology. I don't want to get into details as not to spoil the story, but I have a few general comments. I especially found the mother wise in naming the child and the play or power play between man and woman is a recurring theme. Karen Woodworth-Roman
Book Review: Taste of Home
Summary: 5 Stars
Witi Ihimaera is one of those authors that at one time I was "made" to read as part of NZ High School English curriculum. I have recently discovered the joy of re-reading his work as an ex-pat Kiwi living in the US."Whale Rider" the movie has certainly made waves with it's wonderful adaptation of this beautiful work.
The book is filled with images plucked from any rural Kiwi up bringing - Maori or pakeha.
Witi's ability to combine Maori and English in a seamless narrative is what made this book the wonderful read it is.
I highly recommend it - and look forward to more of his work being readily available in this country.
Book Review: A great read-even the fourth time around.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the best, most magnificently written books I have ever read. I actually broke my usual rule and saw the movie first. It is now my favorite movie. In no extremely drastic way do the book and the film differ, there are differences, but I've come to appriciate them both as seperate stories. It really is a fascinating read, combining a kind of magical realism and very real discription of issues indiginous groups face around the world. The story fuses spirituality with science.
Book Review: Great book, though I wish it was more in depth
Summary: 5 Stars
After watching the movie I wanted to read this book, since the movie was based on the book. I was hoping for more clarity, which you do get from the book. A lot of things go unexplained in the movie and it did make more sense after reading the book. The stories are sightly different in the movie and the book. It is a great book that really made me think and feel sympathetic to the girl. Also, the movie is told from the girl's perspective, while the book is told form her uncle's perspective.Book Review: A wonderful, educational and inspiring story
Summary: 5 Stars
Not only was this book well written, it was educational and inspiring. I learned quite a bit about Maori culture from this novel. The story itself inspires one to do whatever one wills regardless of size, gender or ethnicity. It is a reminder also of the importance of tradition, and repect for one's background and culture. A great read!