Beautifully written story about the Maori people of New Zealand and their struggle to be a part of and live in present-day New Zealand while maintaining their cultural identity. This story brings together a stubborn great Grandfather and his ignored great Granddaughter, a diverse group of people intent on saving a pod of beached whales and the Maori past with the Maori present. The history, myths, legends, and beliefs of the Maori peoples are brought to life through the story of Kahu and her people. Filled with the perfect touch of magical realism, this book is a magical read! ( )

http://amiralace.blogspot.com/2008/01... ( )

Narrated by Rawiri, a Maori man (the uncle of Kahu who is the central character in this book), the story starts with the birth of Kahu, who the first great-grandchild of the old chief Koro Apirana. Koro is from a long line of whale riders, and had hoped that Kahu would have been a boy to carry on the tradition. In his frustration, he never fails to remind Kahu as she's growing up that she was no good to him as a girl. Kahu absolutely adores Koro and feels the sting in his words, but will ultimately prove herself in his eyes.

I saw a lot in this deceptively little book, especially the problems faced by racism and the falling apart of some of the members of the Maoris who try to find their way away from the tradition in which they'ev been raised. Issues about the environment and man's relationship with nature are also present. The prose is very simple, easy to read, and the author brings the book to a close in a kind of heart-tugging way.

Very nice story -- I was kind of iffy about it at first but it turned out to be very sweet. ( )

Basic Reason for Beginning: When I heard of this story, I wanted to read both the book and watch the movie. I was overjoyed when I came across a secondhand copy so unexpectedly.
Basic Reason for Finishing: Magical, beautiful tale.

Full review here. ( )

I "read" the audio version of this book which is unabridged, and therefore counts! This is the most poetic and beautiful book I've encountered in ages with bits of mysticism, storytelling, tradition, and survival in the mix. There was a line in there like "Is this this real or supernatural? . . . it is both!"

Perhaps amongst it all that we should be open to change in traditions lest we lose it all while looking the other way. ( )